A Day of Preaching! April 1, 2023 at Belmont University
This is no April Fool’s Day joke! The Academy of Preachers which seeks to inspire young people in their call to gospel preaching will host a Day of Preaching at Belmont University on April 1, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We’ve all been through a lot the last few years and we want to create a day of encouragement for young preachers aged 16-29 years old. Everyone preaches, everyone encourages, and everyone learns as young people share the gospel with their peers.
Our Day of Preaching will have several important elements. There will be some key note preaching–experienced preachers sharing from their experiences, a panel discussion led by young preachers, and then young preachers preaching in small groups listening and encouraging each other. Each small group of preachers will have an experienced preacher listening and encouraging and offering feedback. There will also be three workshops from which young preachers may choose to learn more about preaching and to improve their skills.
Through the generosity of Belmont’s Paschall Chair of Biblical Studies and Preaching there is no fee for the day. Morning snacks and a box lunch will be provided for each participant. Upon registration more information about preparing for the day will be shared.
This is an opportunity for you to preach and to be encouraged! Registration closes on March 22 so register today!
Recent News
Hi, I’m a Prophet
Hi, I’m a Prophet!
Have you ever introduced yourself as a preacher? On a recent flight I had a lengthy conversation with a fellow passenger about the art of preaching. I introduced myself as a preacher without realizing that I would open up the doors for “Questions of the Soul” in my own life.
When we call ourselves preachers, what do we mean?
Two weeks ago I was given the opportunity to attend and support the University of Evansville at the Pipes and Prophets Festival of Young Preachers. The two days I spent with this hospitable, giving community, gifted and Spirit-filled musicians and preachers caused me to examine my identity in Christ as a preacher.
Why do we preach? What differentiates a preacher from a speaker? What does it mean to be a prophet?
A Question of Geography
Aaron Carr AoP’12, M.Div. student at Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA
It’s been over a month since we all gathered in Atlanta, and I have to confess that I’m having a hard time reflecting on my experiences at that grace-filled gathering. At first, I thought the haze of time was keeping my thoughts from cohering into anything resembling an article.
Largely, I think I have been unable to really reflect on this past festival for issues of geography. Allow me to explain. I moved to Atlanta in July, and unlike a number of “Atlantans,” I have an actual Atlanta address and I’m developing an abiding love for the things that happen inside the I-285 perimeter. The neighborhoods, parishes, restaurants, thrift stores, pubs, community centers, and coffee shops of Intown, Downtown, and Midtown mean more to me than they ever did when I was a suburbanite who only ventured into the big city for shows at the Fox or a Falcons game. Atlanta is rapidly becoming my city.
Practicing what I didn’t know I would preach
There are times in my life where I have been energized, motivated, encouraged and empowered after hearing a good word, attending a conference or inspirational event. There are times when I have left on a “spiritual high” and enjoy a “mountaintop experience” which lasts a short while before coming back down to reality. Then there are the rare times when I leave an event as a completely changed individual with a greater appreciation of who I am in Christ, what my role is in the Church, and what the Church’s role is in the world.
I left the 2013 National Festival of the Academy of Preachers as a changed individual.
When I was preparing my sermon with my mentor, I had originally chosen Acts 17 as my primary passage of scripture. Upon my arrival at the Grand Hyatt, the day before the festival began, I felt prompted to change my passage to Ephesians 2:14-22. This text speaks of Christ dividing the wall between Jews and Gentiles, joining all together in unity, experiencing peace and reconciliation. It was one thing to preach this text as I saw it relevant to the Gospel in my context in the Pacific Northwest. It was an entirely different lesson learned as I experienced this reality throughout the festival.
Sometimes we come with a sermon in mind, yet God helps us experience the sermon in the way God has in mind.
Products of a Village
Paul, at the end of his letter to Timothy proclaims that God stood with him and strengthened him in the face of adversity throughout his ministry. At first glance, one might suppose that he believes that God fortified him in solitude. A closer look at this letter’s conclusion however shows something quite different. Paul begins to rattle off panoply individuals who God sends over time to contribute to his ministry and the cause of spreading the gospel. He names Luke, Mark, Carpus, Prisca, Aquila, Onesiphorus, Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia. When I read that portion of the letter, it reminded me that Paul like all of us had a network of people he depended on, leaned on and needed in order to carry out the call on his life.
When 116 young preachers gathered in Atlanta, GA at the beginning of this year, I heard and encountered many Pauls. I equally met and observed many Priscas, and Claudias and Marks. I saw many folks who were not only called to preach God’s word but also sent into each other’s lives in order to be a blessing and encouragement to one another. The festival has many fulcrums of transformative power. One is exemplified by the relationships that are fostered and maintained because of it. When young people who have been called come together they are allowed to be both vulnerable and joyous and at peace with that coexistence.
INTRODUCING: The 2013 Gospel Catalyst Network
Two weeks ago we gathered in Atlanta for the 2013 National Festival of Young Preachers. “Wow” is the word we’ve heard over and over again in response to the tremendous blessing of those three days. 120 Young Preachers lifted their voices from across the spectrum of Christian traditions, they attended workshops led by leaders in the field of homiletics, and everyone made a myriad of connections and friendships.
Moving forward we’re pleased to announce the 2013 Gospel Catalyst Network: Tyler Best, Aaron Carr, Larry T. Crudup, Jenny Marble, Trayce Stewart and David Telfort. Each is an exemplary servant leader and lives in a region where the Academy will be hosting festivals within the next 12 months.
“Fire in My Bones” A 2011 Sermon by Dwight A. Moody
2011 National Festival of Young Preachers Jeremiah 1:1-10: FIRE IN MY BONES A forest fire rages out of control in California. We see pictures of firefighters. Some swing picks. Some drive trucks. Some stare in despair across the ravished hills and ravines. Helicopters...