Sermon of the Year launched

The London School of Theology (LST) and Preach Magazine organise national competition designed to be the catalyst for a fresh look at and celebration of the craft of preaching

This competition will explore how stories and illustrations can be most effectively used and at heart "is a way for people to bring the Bible alive to a 21st century audience," say the organisers. Designed to be an opportunity for preachers old and young to hone their skills, the competition is a celebration of those with the gift of communicating the Word of God.

Submissions are to be in the form of written manuscripts of between 1000 and 2000 words, emailed to sermon@lst.ac.uk by midnight on 31 December 2015. Two finalists in the categories of under 21 and 21 and over will preach their sermons to a panel and a live audience on 28 May 2016 at LST in Northwood.

The shortlisted entries will be published and the winners will be awarded various resources, the chance to access some free study at LST and the opportunity to be mentored in their ministries.

Preach Magazine editor Jo Swinney said: 'We believe sermons have the power to quite literally change the world. Yes, this is in part down to the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the listeners, but the preacher can do their part.

'We want the competition to cause our nation’s preachers to consider their craft and raise their games for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom.'

Matt Adcock, director of communications at LST said: 'The Word of God is the bedrock on which LST’s theological teaching is built and our preaching module is a key element. All LST students undertake church-based placements and many deliver sermons across a range of denominations.

'The Sermon of the Year competition is great opportunity for those with a heart to share God’s Word to step forward and share their skills with a new audience.'

The panellists include Ian Coffey, a Baptist minister and currently the Vice-Principal and Director of Leadership Training at Moorlands College; Julie Sheldon, an international speaker, evangelist, writer and broadcaster; and Krish Kandiah, President of LST as well being Founder and Director of Home for Good.


Picture: Freely