Preaching Camp begins on Sunday afternoon. Eleven young preachers, three coaches and two Academy staff will lead the five day event. But five Guest Presenters will highlight the program.
Rev. David Emery, pastor of Middletown Christian Church, will introduce the use of collaboration in preaching to the young people on Sunday evening. He will follow that up on Monday afternoon with a second session.
On Tuesday morning, Rev. Bob Russell will speak on “Preaching Matters.”. Russell is the long-time pastor of Southeast Christian Church, the largest church in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In retirement, Russell spends a good time of his time as mentor to scores of younger preachers.
Baptist layman Amos Jones will speak on Wednesday afternoon. His topic is “Complacent Boards, Angry Deacons, Church Meetings, and Other Challenges/Opportunities for the Young Preacher.” Jones is a native of Kentucky but now practices law in Washington D.C.
Thursday brings Dr. Rick Stern to camp. Stern, a Lutheran, teaches preaching at St. Meinrad Seminary, sponsored by the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Indiana. He will speak on “Preaching as Listening.”
Finally, Dr. Teresa Stricklen will come on Friday to “hit clean-up” (to use the metaphor of the baseball season). Stricklen is the Director of the Office of Liturgy and Theology for the Presbyterian Church, USA.
In addition to these presentations and the lively conversations they are sure to inspire, the young preachers will preach each morning for each other and their coaches. A full report will follow in a week. Check the Facebook page for posting during the week.