The Academy of Preachers is an ecumenical initiative launched in 2009 through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment and energized by the conviction that gospel preaching is a vocation of public and social significance, a calling worthy of our very best and brightest young people.

The Academy of Preachers is a trans-denominational organization whose mission is to Identify, Network, Inspire and Support young people who sense God’s leading into a vocation of enormous social significance—Gospel preaching.

IDENTIFY

Our Young Preachers are generally high school, college, university and seminary students usually between the ages of 14 and 28; in addition we welcome Young Preachers who are between schools or who have completed school. The organization itself is no gatekeeper into Gospel preaching; we do  not decide who is—or who is not—called into preaching. We encourage each Young Preacher to examine his or her own heart and assess his or her individual calling. We welcome all who come testifying to a vocation as a preacher of the Gospel of God.

NETWORK

The Academy does not seek to influence the political, theological or denominational interests of Young Preachers. Our door is open to all denominations, genders and races: involved in our festivals have been young preachers from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, Protestant, and Pentecostal traditions. This broad affirmation of Young Preachers allows us to host events that enrich their lives and ministries as they mix and mingle. God is in the midst of it all—and we work for the Glory of God and the Common Good.

INSPIRE

The Academy recognizes Gospel preaching as a vocation of significant social significance. It is crucial for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, even nations. We seek to instill and sustain this sense of divine purpose and social significance  in the minds of young people who sense a call to Gospel preaching. We inspire them with their potential to make a difference in the world.

SUPPORT

The Academy of Preachers is the only organization of its kind in the country. We  offer guidance, direction, and professional accountability to Young Preachers through annual events such as the Young Preachers Leadership Team, the National Festival of Young Preachers, and Summer Preaching Camps. We also encourage Young Preachers to seek the guidance and wisdom of a mentor and to partner together with a supporting congregation in their denomination. In all of these ways our aim is to help young preachers reach their full potential and help institutions and agencies fulfill their Christian mission.

The Academy of Preachers is often described as wet clay on a potters wheel; it is still in the process of formation, and we are seeking partners (businesses, denominations, institutions and organizations) to join us in this noble and necessary work. We welcome the collaboration with any and all who value the gifts and callings of young people and who aspire to join with them in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.