If you’ve been connected to the Academy of Preachers for any length of time – especially if you attended one of our June 23rd “AoP Day” celebrations – you are likely familiar with AoP’s “creation story.” Our founding narrative may not be as dramatic as the Biblical creation narratives in Genesis or the origin story of the Christian movement in the immaculate conception and miraculous birth of Jesus in Bethlehem that literally split time in two, but I am convinced of its divinely inspired significance! Imagine a Baptist preacher and professor from Kentucky walking into the hallowed halls of the Lilly Endowment to pitch a “This American Life”-esque radio show on religion and American public life, only to emerge a few hours later, not with a radio show, but with the mandate to establish a new organization – a movement – to identify, network, support, and inspire young people in their call to Gospel preaching. This is the story of the Academy of Preachers and our intrepid founder, Dr. Dwight A. Moody (not to be confused with the great 19th century evangelist, thought-leader and institution-builder in his own right, Dwight L. Moody!). What a story! I’m honored to inherit this legacy of visionary and inspired leadership as the second president of the AoP!
Stay tuned for several big announcements related to the 2018 National Festival, updates to the AoP membership program, and opportunities to deepen your connection to the AoP through a series of innovative new initiatives. I’m committed to increasing our impact, expanding our reach and strengthening relationships with our broad network of current and potential partners. But, let me be clear – this is OUR movement and I need to hear from YOU – Young Preachers, AoP alumni, mentors, institutional partners, friends and supporters – as we work together to write the next chapter in the story of the Academy of Preachers. I’ll be embarking on an intentional listening tour over the next six months, culminating at the 2018 National Festival of Young Preachers, January 2-5, in Atlanta, GA, to hear your stories and to harvest your ideas for the future of the AoP.
- Send me an email with your thoughts and ideas (no idea is too big or too small) at ernest@academyofpreachers.net.
- Let me know where I should go and who I should talk to. Organize and host a gathering of people committed to our mission and I’ll do my best to incorporate your gathering into my listening tour-virtually or in person.
- Collaborate with AoP to convene a festival on your campus, in your community, at a denominational gathering, or ministry-related conference.
- Register and attend the 2018 National Festival of Young Preachers as a Young Preacher, mentor, sponsor or general participant-observer. Encourage others to do the same!
- Invite those who need to know about our work (potential partners, funders, ministry leaders, institutional representatives, etc.) to attend the Preachapalooza Banquet on Thursday January 4, during the 2018 National Festival, when we will celebrate the phenomenal impact of the AoP over the past nine years and showcase the incredible work of our Young Preachers, mentors, alumni, and iPartners. Please note: Tickets are included with National Festival Registration. Additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each by clicking here.