Two members of the Young Preachers Leadership Team took to the pulpit this past Sunday, in two very different ways. First, Alex Williams served as guest preacher at the Howard Park Christian Church in Clarksville, Indiana. Pastor Lee Huckleberry,
Senior Consultant to the Academy of Preachers, wrote this report of the young man preaching his first Sunday morning pulpit sermon:
“Alex Williams preached at Howard Park last Sunday while I was completing my 6-week sabbatical. When I returned to work on Monday morning, I spoke to a number of congregation members who expressed their appreciation for his pertinent, thoughtful, and passionate message. Many people were touched by Alex’s giftedness and grace, and I was encouraged by the great potential of this young preacher.”
I might add this: Young Williams was the sixth preacher to fill the pulpit of Howard Park during the sabbatical of Pastor Huckleberry. I was the second; so I had mixed emotions when Huckleberry reported to me that his people said to him: “Alex Williams was the best preacher we had during the six weeks!” Hurray for Alex!!
Not too far away, also in southern Indiana, Jonathan Scott began his work as pastor of Francisco Church of the Nazarene. He wrote: “I am very excited to be taking this church because I know that God is calling me to this particular church at this point in my life. I always thought that these last few years were preparing me for my future ministry way down the road but in fact God has been preparing me for this purpose, for this very situation. It is very exciting but at the same time very stressful in having such a great responsibility on a weekly basis. I realized long ago that when God calls you he is faithful and provides peace for every nerve, wisdom for every decision, and strength for every moment. God is already doing great things at Francisco Church of the Nazarene.”
I commend these two young men as they follow the Lord’s leadership. And I commend the church leaders who have given these young preachers opportunity for gospel preaching. This is the mission and vision of the Academy of Preachers.