Day of Preaching 2026: April 18, 2026 at Belmont University
We invite young preachers from the ages of 16-28 to Belmont University for a Day of Preaching on April 18, 2026! No experience required! This is your chance to preach in a supportive and encouraging environment with other young preachers. Join us for a great day of preaching!
The Academy of Preachers was founded in 2009 to identify, network, inspire, and support young people in their gospel preaching. Over ten years about a thousand young preachers gathered up their Bibles and preached their first sermons with others their age. Initially funded through a generous grant by the Lilly Endowment, the Academy of Preachers came to Belmont University in late 2019. COVID-19 challenged some of the transition efforts and leadership changes brought a pause to the work of the Academy of Preachers.
Our Day of Preaching on April 18, 2026 marks a rebooting of the Academy of Preachers. We are excited for the future and the opportunities it will provide young preachers.
Now funded by the Moench Center for Church Leadership at Belmont University, our Day of Preaching will include keynote speakers, breakout workshops, a panel discussion, and young preachers preaching and encouraging each other.
A small fee of $75 is required for registration by April 11 to cover morning snacks, a box lunch, and incidental expenses for the day. Registration will increase to $100 per person on April 12, 2026. Register today!
Please join us for our Day of Preaching!
Recent News
Wow, that’s amazing!
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on...
Earth Day, AoP Style
Dwight A. Moody Earth Day is coming up--Wednesday, April 23--and the Academy of Preachers is celebrating in a unique way. AoP is hosting a two-hour launch of our 2015-2016 Festival preaching theme: HEAVEN & EARTH. The theme will guide the preaching at all seven of...
I Never Met Gardner Taylor
I never met the late Gardner C. Taylor. He preached for more than four decades in New York City to wide acclaim and profound effect. It is a shame, my shame; because in my opportunities to invite pulpit guests (and I had many) he was never on the short list. He never...
From Competition to Celebration
By Tim Norton, AoP'15 “This feels like the American Idol of preaching. I’m not sure I want to do that.”The words escaping my lips were true if not overly blunt. My mentor was encouraging me to participate in the Academy of Preachers’ New England Regional Festival of...
A Lucky Lunch
by Rev. Fr. Martin A. Linebach My introduction to the Academy of Preachers came about from what I might call a “lucky lunch.” I am the Ecumenical/Inter-religious Officer for the Archdiocese of Louisville and I was participating in a Kentucky Council of Churches...
Four Regional Festivals in 2015
Regional Festivals for Young Preachers will be held in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Texas during 2015 with the preaching theme HEAVEN & EARTH. Green Lake Conference Center in beautiful Green Lake, Wisconsin, will hold its second Regional Festival on...