This past weekend, July 24 and 25, the Academy celebrated its partnership with Middletown Christian Church. It is in every respect a smashing success.
Executive Director Lee Huckleberry directed preparations for a weekend of engagement. Peritus, our public relations firm, designed and printed large placards that declare the mission and programs of the Academy. And best of all, seven young preachers, all Charter Members of the Academy of Preachers, were on hand to give a word of witness to their own call to gospel preaching.
Two are from the Middletown church itself: Adam Kilchenman and Katie Beachy; two drove up from Nashville: Winterbourne Jones and Brandon Perkins; one came from Louisville: Alex Williams; one drove up from Radcliff, Kentucky: Andre Morton; and one drove down from Hanover: Krista Phillips. They gave testimonies in the worship services and Bible classes to the impact of the Academy of Preachers. And Lee and I had opportunity to address the congregation with words of thanks and encouragement.
Most of our Academy Support Team from Middletown Church was also there: Dan Greenwell, Jim and Linda Smith, Rachael Reynolds, Gary Guthrie and Doug Logan.
We distributed hundreds of information sheets about the Academy and the up-coming Festival of Young Preachers; we collected cards from interested people who wish to volunteer in some way; we received the numerous blessings from so many people. We were glad to be there, and the people were glad to receive us.
This weekend event, at four worship services at Middletown Christian Church, is a prototype of an event we would like to schedule in other churches.
O, did I say? After church we went out to eat together, and thank you Jim Smith for your generosity when the dinner check was presented!
