By Tory McKinley, Contributing Writer
In a few days, a unique event will occur on Asbury’s campus fully devoted to students who want to further their experience in preaching. This two-night festival will take place on Nov. 8 and 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Bennett-Bernard Chapel located in Morrison Hall.
Each night of the festival will feature five Asbury students, each presenting a seven to ten minute sermon. Shortly after, each student will receive immediate feedback from a panel of preaching professors and other gifted speakers.
Professor of Theology Chris Bounds offered additional insight on the night and what it has to offer.
“We have some students who will be preaching their first sermon, while others will already have extensive experience in preaching,” said Bounds. “This event affirms that God is still calling women and men to preach the Gospel, and exists to help students hear the call and to walk more fully in that calling.”
Although preaching is traditionally tied to the more theology-based majors, the event is diverse in that many different departments are represented, from Christian studies to philosophy.
Each night of the festival will kick off with a thirty-minute workshop on preaching featuring Professors of Preaching Dwight Moody and Stacy Minger.
“Immediately after each workshop, there will be a short time of singing, followed by five students giving a 10-minute message on the theme of Jesus – Rabbi, Radical, Redeemer, Risen Lord,” said Bounds.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]This event affirms that God is still calling women and men to preach the Gospel, and exists to help students hear the call and to walk more fully in that calling.[/perfectpullquote]
Before each of the student sermons, nerves will be calmed through a special introduction from a friend of their choosing and an uplifting prayer from a staff member.
The Asbury festival is being held in anticipation of the upcoming National Festival of Young Preachers in Lexington.
“Through our festival, we hope to encourage students to participate in this Lexington event,” said Bounds.
The National Festival of Young Preachers is being held Jan. 2 to 5 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington.
When the Asbury festival comes to an end, two $200 scholarships to the National Festival will be awarded. This will give two students the opportunity to attend the Lexington event, which will include worship, preaching circles, classes and other activities that will further participants’ preaching experience.
To register and for more information on the National Festival, go to www.academyofpreachers.com.