The first ever (since Jesus, we think) Festival of Young Preachers will feature many, many interesting things: besides 100 young preachers, and plenary sessions full of choirs and featured preachers, and a book room with a series of book signings, and mentoring seminars (more on that in a coming article), and prayer meetings, and a wholesome, energizing festive atmosphere……..we will also have exhibits: schools, vendors, denominations, even congregations, all there in Louisville to signal support of young preachers and to get their attention.
Bethany Seminary was the first to reserve exhibit and advertizing space; Bethany is the Church of the Brethren school in Richmond, Indiana. So far, two of their young preachers have registered. Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky was the second to reserve space. Asbury is the first school to have three current students registered for the Festival. Over the weekend, a call from Waco, Texas added Truett Seminary, affiliated with Waco, Texas, to the growing exhibition list; Truett has two incoming students who are registered to preach. Three exhibits from three schools in three states: not a bad start!
We know of other schools and organizations that have already committed to coming to Louisville: such as Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (Lexington), Columbia Seminary and McAfee School of Theology (Atlanta), Southwest Baptist University (Missouri), Kentucky Baptist Fellowship and the Foundation for Excellence in Giving (Louisville), and the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Add to this list: pulpit and pastor search committees; yes, they are coming as well. And musicians, from as far away as California!!
Louisville’s own Tonini’s Church Supply Company (“Quality Service Since 1883” their tag line reads) will set up the book room and offer books and supplies from a broad spectrum of denominational and theological perspectives. (We are even planning a gift bag for each of the young preachers!)
The whole affair is going to be quite festive. We are expecting crowds exceeding 2000. Lunch on Thursday and Friday will be available on the grounds and weaving in and out of these people will be musicians: wandering musicians: singing, playing, rejoicing, bringing a spirit of celebration to the first ever Festival of Young Preachers.
Check to the links on the right hand column for how you can exhibit and advertize; and don’t forget that October 1 is the deadline for registering to be one of the young preachers at the Festival.