Edwin J. Omark Preaching Awards
Omark Preaching Competition
Sermon Theme
Gratitude
Gratitude is an important attitude for the people of God. The God we worship is a loving, generous Father who bestows innumerable gifts on his children. We are called to manifest a spirit of gratitude in all we do. Even when presenting requests to God, gratitude is to be the context in which we do so.
The Omark theme this year is gratitude. We look forward to receiving your sermons on this theme. Since it is such a pervasive theme and idea in Scripture, you may be led to a variety of passages where the theme is developed directly or less so. No matter how you are led, we pray that your engagement with this theme will not only result in a God-honoring, edifying sermon, but that you will grow in your love and appreciation for the Lord and all he has done for you.
Awards and Benefits
First Award: $1000—Edwin J. Omark Preaching Award and the opportunity to preach at the undergraduate chapel service in mid-April in St. Paul. Because of the unpredictability of COVID-19 regulations, the date for the chapel service is still tentative, as well as the format (in person versus remotely).
Second Award: $800—Robert A. Featherstone Memorial Scholarship
Third Award: $600—Emily A. VanAntwerp Memorial Preaching Scholarship
Benefits to All Participants
Sermon preparation support, constructive feedback on submitted sermons, and a video recorded sermon you can use in your search for ministry placement.
Eligibility
All Bethel Seminary students (online or face-to-face) currently enrolled in a Master’s level program are eligible to enter. Also, all Ministry Scholars in the College of Arts & Sciences are eligible.
Questions? Email seminary@bethel.edu.