Tuesday in Atlanta was a splendid day for the Academy of Preachers.
Monday night I attended the Welcome Back Reception at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. It was a lively and delightful affair, complete with food (which I ate), door prizes (which I did not win), and old friends (which was the best part).
But the reception also launched a 24-hour blitz of the campus with the good news of the Academy. I was introduced at the reception, spoke to a class the next morning, attended opening convocation (of which I hope to post a video on our Facebook site), ate lunch with 8 students, and spent 2 hours with their professor of preaching describing and discussing the Academy of Preachers. He was most interested in the Preaching Camps and how he (and other professors) might be involved.
Perhaps the best part is what I hold in my hands: nine interest cards from McAfee students: Joseph Stone, Sarah Holik, Jonathan Barlow, Jacob Cook, Kewon Foster, Holly Page, Matt King, Nate Mutispaugh, Barrett and Owen; and last night this Facebook message from Carra Hughes Greer: “I want to preach in the Festival of Young Preachers. What must I do?” I predict at least half of these ten young preachers will make it to Louisville in January; I know Barrett will be there because he will be working the McAfee exhibit at the Festival, as well as preaching!!
And during the day, wonderful conversations with Dr. Mike Morgan, director of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, with Matt Flemming, PhD student in preaching at Candler School of Theology, Veronice Miles, Professor of Preaching at Wake Forest Divinity School, and Roy Croft, Assistant to the Dean of the Chapel at Morehouse College. More complete report on these developments in the near future.
Wednesday in Atlanta is going to be a wonderful day!!