Bethel Seminary’s Work with Purpose Initiative invites current pastors to participate in the second year of our friendly sermon competition. Help us advance a theologically sound vision of faith, work, and economics—and compete to win cash prizes—by preparing and delivering a sermon or teaching within your own church community.  

Who is eligible: Current pastors who plan to deliver developed sermons or teachings between September 1 and December 31, 2017.

Grand prizes: A small panel of judges will select three winning sermons based on a specific judging rubric. Amounts are as follows:

• 1st place: $500
• 2nd place: $300
• 3rd place: $100

Other incentives: All participants will receive a $50 stipend to help cover the cost of resources purchased as part of the sermon preparation. These stipends will be disbursed on a rolling basis. Participants will also receive a complimentary copy of the booklet Work with Purpose: Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Work.

Sermon goals: Sermons or teachings must be delivered on or before December 31, 2017 and pursue the following goals:

• Encourage listeners to see how faith relates to work, vocation, and economics
• Inspire congregants to see their ordinary work as a place of extraordinary discipleship, stewardship of gifts, and service to the world

How to apply

Complete and submit the online application to get started. Applications will be accepted between August 1, 2017 and September 1, 2017. You must also complete and submit the Media Release (pdf) and Form W-9 (pdf). The Work with Purpose team will contact you after we receive your application.

More information: 

• Competition guidelines (pdf): program specifics and application details
• Competition preparation (pdf): key dates, reporting requirements, resources, and tips
• Judging rubric (pdf): what judges will be looking for in each sermon
• Congregant evaluation (pdf): print and distribute to listeners