St. Francis of Assisi has been accredited with the quote that goes something like this, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

Although these words offer a profound, gentle reminder of the call to live our lives as followers of Jesus, I think the too-often-quoted saint would have made an exception for the 92 young preachers who made our way to a snowy Louisville, Kentucky for the first Festival of Young Preachers, hosted by the Academy of Preachers, an event whose sole function is to encourage and empower young people desiring to follow God’s call into preaching.

In recent years Christian teachers have placed considerable emphasis on the priesthood of all believers. We’ve reminded people that the task of ministry is everyone’s responsibility – not just the paid clergy. We are all, “royal priests” (1 Peter 2:9) and every Christian should be actively involved in sharing the gospel.

However, in emphasizing the priesthood of all believers at times we have muted the truth that there is a special calling to a full time ministry. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 reads, “The elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “The worker deserves his wages.”

The Academy would like to welcome its newest National Partner, the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta. RCCA considers itself a “congregation of congregations” whose mission is focus, shape, and amplify the voice of Atlanta churches on key spiritual, social, and economic issues facing the city.

RCCA’s Associate Director, Ethel Ware Carter, wrote in the partnership letter, “We will use our communication system – which includes a website and a weekly eNewsletter which goes to over 13,000 faith and community leaders – to increase the Academy’s local visibility and attract participants to events. We are excited about your work and would like to be involved in a Festival of Young Preachers here in Atlanta.”