"I Never Get To Preach."

That is what so many Young Preachers say to us.

That explains the popularity of the Festivals, all of them: campus, regional, denominational, and national. It provides Young Preachers a platform to test their skills.

We need a lot more of them if Young Preachers are going to catch up with others preparing for their calling, like athletes, artists, farmers, and mechanics. 

It takes 10,000 hours of practice to succeed at a skill, according to Malcolm Gladwell.  In his 2008 best-selling book "Outliers: The Story of Success," he cites the research of Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, Swedish psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Florida State University. Ericsson is widely recognized as one of the world's leading theoretical and experimental researchers on expertise. It was he who developed the 10,000 rule as one fundamental factor that contributes to a high level of success.

Preachers need more practice; we need to start earlier, and we need to sustain it longer into our ministry. Excellence in gospel preaching is not just a matter of native talent, theological education, and spiritual anointing. No: it takes practice, practice, practice.

And the Festivals are one of the few opportunities for young preachers to practice.

So this fall the Academy of Preachers is hosting or sponsoring 7 festivals in 5 states: Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. And we are looking for more schools, congregations, and denominations to collaborate with us in these efforts.

You want better preaching? Practice (if you are a preacher) and create practice platforms (if you are a ministry leader); and the entire Christian community will be grateful for the results. 

Dwight A. Moody

Gospel Catalyst