This week applications for the 2010 Young Preachers Leadership Team will be sent to all 100 people who have registered for the 2010 Festival of Young Preachers. The applications are due back to the Academy on December 1, 2009.
The Young Preachers Leadership Team (YPLT) is a group of 14-16 young adults who (1) aspire to be preachers, and (2) desire to help lead the work of the Academy. They are drawn from a broad spectrum of faith traditions and vary in age from 16 to 28.
The first YPLT was selected by Executive Director Dwight A. Moody, often upon the recommendation of ministers, professors and campus ministers. A total of 19 young adults were tapped for the responsibility during the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009, but in the ensuing year four withdrew from the Team, citing time or interest issues, one was removed, and one is inactive. Today, the YPLT consists of 14 active young preachers in 4 states; 12 are currently in school: college, university, or seminary.
Current members of the YPLT may seek continuation of their service by writing a letter to the Executive Director, stating simply their continued commitment to the mission and programs of the Academy. Tenure on the YPLT will not exceed three years.
Three of the current members of the YPLT are no longer eligible to serve by virtue of their age; they are over 28. It is hoped that each of them will take on other responsibilities related to the Academy of Preachers.
Applications are being sought from interested young preachers to serve on the new Leadership Team. It requires attendance at a preaching camp in June, a retreat in October, and the second festival of young preachers, in January of 2011. The candidate must also pursue completion of the program of certification. An annual stipend is awarded to each member of the Young Preachers Leadership Team.
These applications will be sent in an E-Packet to all 100 registered young preachers. All are urged to consider prayerfully and seriously whether service on the Leadership Team is consistent with personal priorities and interests.