Welcome to the 2025 Keach Conference

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are delighted to invite you to the 2025 Keach Conference, hosted by Redeeming Grace Baptist Church (RGBC).
This year, to better accommodate our growing fellowship and ensure a welcoming space for all, the conference will be held at Coastal Church in Yorktown, Virginia. Coastal Church is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant community, making it an ideal setting for our annual gathering. We look forward to coming together in this gracious space to explore our theme from Chapter 18 of the Second London Baptist Confession:

“Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.”

Whether you are a returning participant or joining us for the first time, we encourage you to engage deeply in the teaching, worship, and fellowship that define the Keach Conference. May our time together strengthen our unity in Christ and equip us for faithful service.

Thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you at Coastal Church in Yorktown!

In Christ,
The Keach Conference Planning Team

TimeEvent
9:00 AMArrival, Registration, Coffee & Fellowship
9:30 AMMorning Session: Exposition of Confession 18 (Jeff Smith)
10:45 AMMorning Session: Exposition of Confession 18 (Jeff Smith)
12:00 PMComplimentary Lunch (on site; donations accepted)
1:00 PMAfternoon Session: Exposition of Confession 18 (Jeff Smith)
2:00 PMAfternoon Session: Application of Confession 18 (Isaac Makashinyi)
2:45 PMQuestions & Answer Session with Speakers
3:30 PMDepart for Home

What is a Keach Conference?

Benjamin Keach (29 February 1640 – 18 July 1704)

Benjamin Keach (1640–1704) was a prominent English Particular Baptist pastor, author, and confessional leader whose legacy is central to the modern Keach Conference. Born in Buckinghamshire, Keach was baptized as a believer at age 15 and began preaching at 18, first among General Baptists but later adopting Calvinistic theology after moving to London. He became pastor of the Horsleydown church in Southwark in 1668, a position he held for 36 years until his death.
Keach was a key figure in the development of Baptist identity and doctrine during a period of persecution and transition to legal toleration. He was instrumental in the creation and adoption of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, serving as one of the seven men who called the General Assembly that affirmed it. He also contributed to Baptist catechesis, with his name attached to "Keach's Catechism," though modern scholarship suggests William Collins was the primary author.
Keach is notable for introducing hymn singing into Baptist worship, which sparked significant debate among English Baptists, and for his prolific writing—authoring over 40 works on theology, church life, and Christian practice.
The Keach Conference is named in his honor to recognize his role as a diligent pastor, confessional leader, and original signer of the 1689 Confession. The conference aims to celebrate and promote the doctrinal and pastoral legacy that Keach embodied, particularly his commitment to robust confessional theology, the importance of local church life, and the perseverance of Baptists under hardship. The event draws on Keach's example to encourage contemporary pastors and churches in similar convictions and practices.