VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/19/14)—American Baptist Churches USA has partnered with the Academy of Preachers in hosting the Festival of Young Preachers at its Biennial Mission Summit in Overland Park, Kansas, June 26-28, 2015. This event seeks to Identify, Network, Support, and Inspire young people in their call to gospel preaching.
“I attended my first Festival of Young Preachers at Green Lake this past summer and hope to attend many more,” said Dr. C. Jeff Woods, associate general secretary for Regional Ministries of ABCUSA. “I was humbled and impressed by the depth of insight and fresh thinking voiced by the young preachers. God is giving us a word through these young voices, not for tomorrow, but for today. One of our current ABC Mission Table emphases is upon inter generational ministries. I encourage all generations to come and hear what these voices are saying.”
The Festival of Young Preachers will take place June 26 and 28, 2015, during the Biennial Mission Summit in Overland Park, Kansas. The event is expected to feature approximately 20 young preachers who will be speaking on the topic of “Tell Me A Story.”
The Festival of Young Preachers is not a competition. Its purpose is celebration, inspiration, and mutual edification and encouragement. Young preachers (14-28) are invited to preach just as they would in their home environment: dress, text, voice, style, substance, everything! For some it will be their first sermon; others come with experience and training. This diversity is one of the most transformational and exciting elements about the gathering.
Participants preach before a congregation of supportive friends and peers as well as an experienced evaluator who provides positive feedback. A $25 registration fee will apply.
Each young preacher is encouraged to secure the support of a mentor and sponsoring congregation to support his or her participation in the Festival of Young Preachers. Typically, mentors attend the Festival with their young person and introduce her or him at the preaching session. Mentors also may assist their young preachers in sermon preparation and in securing financial support for costs associated with attending the Biennial Mission Summit.
The event will begin and conclude with keynote speakers. Young preachers will be recognized at a Mission Summit concluding plenary event. Visit www.americanbaptists2015.com and click on Resources > Festival of Young Preachers for more information.
The preaching sessions at the Festival are free and open to all Biennial Mission Summit participants. For more information, contact Heather Entrekin, hentrekin@cbts.edu (816-830-4966).
To learn more about the work of the Academy of Preachers, visit www.academyofpreachers.net.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world