The Basics 2012 Pastor’s Conference at Parkside Church opened with a clear call by Alistair Begg for pastors to devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word. Preaching from Acts 6, Alistair pointed to the apostles’ theological decision to preach the Gospel, leaving the task of feeding widows to competent men in the church. While many today find themselves consumed by the latest fad or new idea, Alistair echoed the words of John Owen and reiterated that preaching and prayer are the primary duties of the pastor.