About The Conference
The Doctrine of the Civil Magistrate:
Two Kingdom Theology and Christian Nationalism
For Semper Reformanda 2026 (October 23-24) we are excited to welcome guest preachers Oliver Allmand-Smith and Michael Carlino as we discuss the doctrines found in Chapter 24 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: Of the Civil Magistrate.
In recent years, there has been much conversation about the doctrine of the civil magistrate, two-kingdom theology, and Christian Nationalism. Many voices are speaking into this conversation at the moment. Some speak with an understanding of the Reformed tradition, and others speak out of great zeal with poor theological and historical grounding. We believe that our 17th-century Reformed Baptist forefathers have much in their theology that speaks to us in our day regarding our roles as Christian citizens and magistrates. How can we understand the roles of magistrate and citizen within the government without violating the doctrine of congregational autonomy? How should our understanding of the moral law influence the role of the civil magistrate? We believe the Lord has spoken to us on these topics within his two books: nature and Scripture. And where he has spoken, we must listen. Join us as we walk through this crucial topic and its relevance to our lives today.
Speakers
Oliver Allmand-Smith
I grew up as the youngest of six, and although we enjoyed many blessings as a family my childhood was rather troubled, especially after my 17-year-old brother was killed on a motorbike when I was only 10. I knew the message of the gospel, but I had no peace because my heart was not right with God. However, when I reached the age of 17 myself, God showed me mercy and gave me a new heart – I was re-born as a child of God knowing forgiveness of sins and peace with Him.
The following year I went to Cambridge University to read history, majoring in the Reformation period. In these years I learned how to study the Bible, how to exegete it faithfully and how to present the gospel message to others. I began preaching in the year of my conversion at summer camps and YP meetings, and the Lord continued to give me many opportunities to proclaim the gospel.
After University, I began working in industry as part of a family engineering company that has been continually trading in Macclesfield since 1810. In 1995 I married Alison, and after some years of preparation, we were called to the pastorate at Trinity Grace Church in Ramsbottom, UK in 1998. God has blessed us with six children, and we have made Ramsbottom our home, even though I continue to travel to Macclesfield to oversee the business.
During our time of service here we have rejoiced to see the church grow in numbers, but also in the grace and knowledge of Christ and His word. God has established a biblical leadership team here and the membership are united in our desire to reach out to our community and our world with the precious gospel of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. We were especially encouraged in 2011 when the church adopted the 1689 London Baptist Confession (2LCF) as our statement of faith. May the Lord give us grace and strength to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Judev3).
Michael Carlino
Michael R. Carlino (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Operations Director for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and an Adjunct Professor of Christian Theology at Boyce College. He and his wife Kylie live with their two children in Clarksville, IN. He is a member of Kenwood Baptist Church where he serves as a Youth Leader.
Schedule
Friday, October 23
11:00 Pastor's Lunch: "The Pastoral Implications of the Doctrine of the Civil Magistrate" (Oliver Allmand-Smith)
5:30: Doors open
6:30: The Role of Civil Government: Answerable to and Called by God (Oliver Allmand-Smith)
8:00: The Twofold Reign of Christ: A Historical Survey (Michael Carlino)
Saturday, October 24
8:30: Doors open
9:00: The Role of the Godly Magistrate (Oliver Allmand-Smith)
10:15: Crucial Distinctives for Baptist Political Theology (Michael Carlino)
11:15: Lunch break
12:30: The Role of the Godly Citizen (Oliver Allmand-Smith)
1:45: A Baptist Approach to the Twofold Reign of Christ (Michael Carlino)
3:00: Q&A
4:15: Dismissal
Tickets
Click here to purchase tickets:
Purchase Tickets
Adults: $80.00
Student (ages 13-21): $40.00
Children (3-12): $5.00 (ages 0-2 are free)
**Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel your tickets, you may do so for a full refund any time before October 10. From October 10 until October 17, we will offer 50% refunds. After October 17 no refunds will be offered.