The best stories are the ones that find you… Dr. Joel Gregory must have been divinely inspired to preach those words early in the 2015 National Festival of Young Preachers. All 300 in attendance found ourselves in a dynamic unfolding of God’s good news. Good news that young people (2 preachers were 13) and the most seasoned of veterans, Dr. H. Beecher Hicks (we won’t guess his age, but he referenced his 60 years in ministry) came together under the banner of gospel preaching. Stories were shared and future stories developed as we listened to one another to worship and learn.
The Festival is AoP’s major annual event, and this time in Dallas it was especially grand thanks to the community of volunteers and the venues of Perkins School of Theology and Highland Park United Methodist Church.
“I’m coming next year, no matter what!” – a Young Preacher gushed on the first night after a stellar Master Class with Truett Theological Seminary’s Hulitt Gloer. This was one of eight Master Classes offered by Truett, Wesley Seminary (IWU), Perkins School of Theology, The Speaker’s Studio and Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). All agreed the addition of Master Classes was a great gift to the Young Preachers.
“Wow!” – a frequent and appropriate response to the multiple worship spaces at the church and school on adjoining campuses. There simply could not have been more exciting or inviting venues. Repeatedly Young Preachers were as impressed by the hospitality and “openness” of their hosts as by the facilities into which they were welcomed.
“Precious” – the descriptor used by a sermon evaluator about his one-on-one time with Young Preachers in the Preaching Studio. This was a new addition to the Festival schedule. YP’s have repeatedly requested one-on-one time with their evaluators and it was a definite success.
“Amazing” – response to the sermons offered by 128 Young Preachers ages 13 – 35. Seriously, this IS what the Festival is all about.
“Really rich conversation,” “My group is so awesome!” – said peer facilitators of their Preaching Circles. Thirteen circles, with up to ten per group, met together, prayed together, and supported each other throughout the Fest. With the ease of social media, groups are staying connected beyond the Festival.
“Tell me about speaking in tongues.” – asked an Orthodox seminarian of an under-grad Pentecostal. This is what we call an “AoP moment,” where two Christians, from distinctly different traditions freely share and learn.
“We’re a family” – said Young Preachers as they discovered “siblings” from across the spectrum of the body of Christ in attendance. This is always a joy of the event, Young Preachers discovering each other.
“Went into this weekend with little to no expectations, came out being grateful for the fellowship and clarity in regard to God’s calling in my life.” – Lifted from David Marshall, AoP’15, Facebook.
“Genius” – said an exhibitor about the Exhibitors’ Fiesta where Young Preachers were divided into pairs and on signal, spent 90 seconds with each exhibitor to hear their pitch. Hank Langknecht of Trinity Lutheran Seminary has exhibited repeatedly, and he felt this was a great way to interact with Young Preachers.
“BEST YET!!!” – echoed throughout the halls about the 2015 National Festival of Young Preachers.
Be sure and place Jan. 2-5, 2016 on your calendar and make plans to join this extraordinary family gathering in Lexington, KY. You will belong!