How can the lost call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Enter 130 young preachers.
The young men and women of God are gathering together in Louisville this weekend for the second National Festival of Young Preachers. Hosted by the Academy of Preachers, the Lilly Endowment is underwriting the event, which is open to young preachers between the ages of 16 and 28.
“The National Festival of Young Preachers is a unique opportunity that allows young preachers to cultivate their calling to gospel preaching,” said Dwight Moody, founder and president of the Academy of Preachers. “You won’t find anything like it anywhere in the country.”
Young people participating in the National Festival come from 25 states and represent Roman Catholic, Greek Antioch and Orthodox, Pentecostal, Evangelical and Protestant traditions.
Each day of the National Festival, young people preach in one of four venues and receive feedback from their peers as well as seasoned evaluators. Evening events include PREACHAPALOOZA—a celebration of collaboration in gospel preaching—and interdenominational worship services at the nearby Cathedral of the Assumption. Later, young preachers meet with a small group of peers, called Preaching Circles, for discussion and commentary.
