The Preachers Pulpit Academy is an initiative launched in 2021 that seeks to Identify, Network, Inspire and Support young people in their call to gospel preaching.

The Academy is supported by Founding Partners: businesses, denominations, institutions, and organizations.

Our Young Preachers are generally high school, college, university and seminary students, usually between the ages of 14 and 35; in addition, we welcome Young Preachers who are between schools or who have completed their education. We also increasingly engage young preachers moving into their vocations of service in ministry. The Academy is no gatekeeper into Gospel preaching; we do not decide who is—or who is not—called to preach. We encourage each Young Preacher to examine his or her own heart and assess his or her individual calling. We welcome all who come testifying to a vocation as a preacher of the Gospel of God.

The Academy does not seek to influence the political, theological or denominational interests of Young Preachers. Our door is ecumenical and open to all denominations, genders, and races. Young Preachers from Evangelical, Non-denominational, and Pentecostal traditions have been involved in our Festivals. This broad affirmation of Young Preachers allows us to host events that enrich their lives and ministries as they mix and mingle. God is in the midst of it all—and we work for the Glory of God and the Common Good.

The Academy recognizes Gospel preaching as a vocation of significant social significance. It is crucial for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, even nations. We seek to instill and sustain this sense of divine purpose and social significance in the minds of young people who sense a call to Gospel preaching. We inspire them with their potential to make a difference in the world.

Our Academy of Preachers is the only organization of its kind. We offer guidance, direction, and professional accountability to Young Preachers through the National Festival of Young Preachers, Regional and Campus Festivals, coaching, and education. We also encourage Young Preachers to seek the guidance and wisdom of a mentor and to partner together with a supporting congregation in their denomination. In all of these ways, our aim is to help Young Preachers reach their full potential and help institutions and agencies fulfill their Christian mission.

Camp participants will meet on zoom from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CST)

Each morning and afternoon will include bible studies on the camp theme and online instructions on the elements of sermon development.

You will meet with your peers in preaching circles each day to discuss what you are learning and how you are making progress on your sermon.

Participants will preach a rough draft of their sermon to their preaching circle on Zoom.

You will then receive feedback in a one-on-one meeting with a mentor.

We will gather on WildFIre Campus International for virtual activities, including worship and sermon workshops.

Friday evening will include a dinner and preaching by PPa alumni.

Participants will begin with worship followed by a panel discussion led by young preachers.

There will be two rounds of preaching in late morning and early afternoon by camp participants.

Facilitators and mentors will then choose the prophetic and powerful sermons from among all sermons.

The afternoon will be a series of these chosen sermons.

Monday through Thursday activities will be held on Zoom. Friday and Saturday events will be hosted in-virtual at WildFIre Campus International. We will have virtual portals for Friday and Saturday’s events if you are unable to attend.