Young Preachers Festival Opens Registration

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection announced  that registration is now open for the second annual Young Preachers Festival and Conference (YPF), being held July 21 and 22, 2016 at the Leawood, Kansas campus. The Church of the Resurrection has partnered with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to encourage and equip the next generation of leaders for the United Methodist Church. The gathering is designed specifically to engage and empower young people across the country to pursue their call to ministry and to help further inspire and develop preaching gifts in those who have already answered that call. Attendees will experience:

• Featured Preaching sessions led by Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie, Rev. Olu Brown, Rev. Matt Miofsky, Bishop Scott Jones and Rev. Adam Hamilton
• Inspiring and practical workshops led by seminary representatives and Methodist leaders
• Intentional time of networking and connection
• Fun and interactive “sermon slam”
• An optional opportunity to preach a sermon and receive feedback from a panel of ministry leaders

This year’s conference marks the second United Methodist Young Preachers Festival; 150 attended in July 2015. Kyle Reynolds, a 2015 attendee, notes, “I was thankful that the large group and small group leaders represented a wide range of cultural, theological and geographical diversity. I was also impressed by how honest our leaders were willing to be with us as they shared both their good and difficult times in the pastorate.” The limited number of attendees allows for maximized time with colleagues and ministry leaders alike.  Reynolds shared, “YPF gives you the chance to make connections with people you might not otherwise meet and begin to build friendships and dream about what the future of the church might hold.” The Festival is designed for high school youth group students, college-aged ministry participants, seminary students, declared candidates, youth directors and young clergy already serving in churches.  One 2015 participant said, “All young preachers need this kind of affirmation and guidance.” Additional details and registration can be found at www.youngpreachersfestival.org.  Registration is limited, so register early.  Contact us at sharechurchevents@cor.org or 913-232-4139.