Future Preacher’s Training Camp
Phil Grear
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2) With these words God instructed that preacher training be given a place of paramount importance in the church. Each generation is to train the next to preach the word.
The Alkire Road church of Christ takes this responsibility seriously. For the past several years they have overseen and conducted an annual “Future Preacher’s Training Camp.” The camp is directed by Mark Bass, preacher of the Alkire Road church and is designed for boys ages 13-18 with the following stated purposes: (1) to acquaint young men with the fundamentals of preaching, teaching, and song leading, (2) to help these young men prepare themselves to teach classes, extend the invitation, lead singing, do personal work, prepare and present a sermon, etc. This program is open to Christian young men regardless of whether they plan to preach or not.
The week is spent studying at the feet of sound gospel preachers from around the brotherhood. Classes are offered on a four-year cycle so that if a boy attends for four years he will have completed the entire program. He may begin in any year he chooses. This year’s program includes the following classes: Introduction to Greek, Apologetics, Hebrews, Acts, The Preacher and His Work II, and Song Leading. The days are spent in classes, with a study period each evening. As one who has taught in this camp for several years, I am gratified to see the seriousness with which the young men approach this week of study. They do enjoy periods of fun, but they understand the importance of what they are doing.
The camp always begins on the Sunday after the Fourth of July and continues for one week. This year’s dates are July 11-18. The Alkire Road church underwrites all expenses, so there is no cost for the boys. It is held in the Alkire Road building, and the ladies of various area congregations provide all meals. The boys stay in the church building under the supervision of various adult men.
There is no greater responsibility given to the Lord’s church than that of preparing others to preach the word of God. Helping young men decide to do that is extremely important. Not all who attend this camp will be fulltime preachers, but all will be better prepared to be elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, song leaders, etc,. in the future. They will also make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Should you know of a young man who would be interested in attending this camp, please have him contact the Alkire Road church of Christ, 2779 Alkire Rd., Grove City, OH 43123. Phone number: 614-875-1028. -2863 East High St., Springfield, OH 45505 churchchrist@aol.com