Meet BASECAMP 23 Speaker: Alasdair Groves 

We are pleased to announce that the Executive Director of the Christian Counselling & Education Foundation (CCEF), Alasdair Groves, will be joining the BASECAMP platform as a keynote speaker. 

Addressing the topic “Unravelling Emotions”, Alasdair will combine Scripture and Christian counselling experience to help men have a biblical view of what their emotions are, how to handle them well, and how to help each other process with God and one another.  

Alasdair received a Master of Divinity with a counselling emphasis from Westminster Theological Seminary. He co-founded a biblical counselling centre in Northern New England where he served as executive director for ten years.  

Alasdair also served as the director of CCEF’s School of Biblical Counselling for three years. He is the co-author of Untangling Emotions (Crossway), has published a number of articles in the Journal of Biblical Counselling, hosts the CCEF’s podcast, and has produced many blogs, videos, and audio resources.  

Alasdair and his wife, Lauren, live in New England with their three children. Alasdair is a fiction enthusiast, plays ultimate frisbee, and loves to produce and enjoy both good food and good music. 

Get a taste of his teaching here:  

  1. Making Sense of Self-Pity (Podcast)  

What is self-pity, and how should we view it? How can we turn our self-pity into godly lament that engages honestly with the Lord? Listen as Alasdair Groves discusses self-pity and considers what to do when we or others are struggling with it. Listen here.

  1. Video: What do I do when I can’t seem to get over my grief? 

In this video, Alasdair explains why we can feel stuck in our grief and addresses how we can have a biblical response to grief.  

3. Video: Is it okay for Christians to feel anxiety?  

In this video, Alasdair explores the emotions of fear of anxiety, and whether it’s possible for Christians to have godly and biblical anxiety.  Watch here.

What if Boys Cry?  

In 2023, BASECAMP will address the topic of emotions because the team recognises that ‘boys don’t cry’ is one of many damaging principles of a past era. It’s a ‘truth’ that has raised men with suppressed grief, until it explodes in anger or anxiety, causing further damage to their relationships with God and one another.   

At BASECAMP, we want to recognise that if men are to live in a world stained by sin, they need community and tools to process grief and disappointment in a godly way. Christian men need to have a biblical view of what their emotions are, what to do with them, and how to help each other. Together, men need to fix their eyes on Jesus, the perfect man and model of emotional expression, and bring the change that is needed.  
  
BASECAMP is for men of all generations, backgrounds and life-stages. Whether you’re fighting anger or anxiety, weariness or worry, register to renew your strength at BASECAMP: https://basecampmen.com/   

Executive Director of CCEF, Alasdair Groves, will be joining the BASECAMP platform as a keynote speaker.

By Heidi Tai

“BASECAMP is Special”: Sean’s KCC Story

In this KCC Story, long-time delegate, Sean, shares how he started attending BASECAMP (formerly Men’s Katoomba Convention) in the early 80’s, and why he has persevered in attending every year since. He shares his personal highlights and the spiritual benefits of setting aside time to go with other men from church—including his son!

1. How long have you been attending BASECAMP men’s conference?   

I started attending in the early 80’s with the blokes from St Luke’s, Miranda. I have tried to make it each year since.  

2. What have been some of the highlights of attending BASECAMP?  

A highlight for me is sitting on the steps and watching men talk about Jesus. The singing is awesome, especially the old hymns. There is something magical about singing with hundreds of blokes. Since I have worked in a few churches, BASECAMP is also an opportunity to catch up with mates who are now spread all over the place.  

3. Why do you think men should set aside time to attend conferences like BASECAMP?  

At every church I have worked at, my goal has been to take a group to BASECAMP each year. Primarily because it deepens the partnership in the gospel amongst the men who attend together. The shared experience enriches their lives, as they carry lessons they have learned down the hill back home.  

I think BASECAMP is special because of the exposure of all ages, shapes and types of men together for a single purpose. It also creates a place for blokes to deepen their relationships with each other. 

My son, Jesse, even though he doesn’t want to be part of church now, cherishes getting away with me. He has been coming with me since he was 12. I think he also appreciates being included with the men of church. 

We weren’t created to be numb. Renew your strength at BASECAMP!

BASECAMP is an annual event for men who want to know God better. Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak. Each year, men have encouraged each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. 

BASECAMP returns this August, and guest speakers Alasdair Groves (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation), and Peter Sondergeld (Restoration Church) will address the topic “Unravelling Emotions”.  

Combining Scripture, Christian counselling and lived experience, our speakers will help men of all generations to have a biblical view of what our emotions are, how to handle them well, and how to help each other process with God and one another.  

For more information on dates, venues, program, speakers, and tickets visit our website: www.basecampmen.com  

Sean shares his BASECAMP highlights and why men should set aside time to attend conferences together.

By Heidi Tai
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