The Next Gen Preacher Search
I saw this "competition" from my alma mater and wondering about it. (IT might be a Good thing but communicates something different) Found here: https://www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/ngps/ They travel to CA and get coached by a team, and of course if "Win" can preach to many as 25 000. (Who wouldn't want that, right?). Here are some of the issuesI have with this idea: 1. It turns preaching into the NEXT BIG THING - competition, celebrity mega pastor, Idol, Got talent thing rather than a calling. 2. It wastes money. Sure 2 students and their professors go cross country to "compete" with others - is it good stewardship? 3. What does this say to others in the preaching program? (Oh, these students are better than you and well forget you and ministry you'll never make it) 4. Does this communicate reality? Preaching ministry is more than Speaking. What about pastoral, administrative etc. 5. What about the small church? Fact is 8