Greetings! The final order and rank of this year's finalists are below for the 54th Omark Preaching Competition. Thank you to all student participants, judges, and community members for making the competition meaningful and successful. We hope you can join us in chapel on Friday, April 30, to hear Tolu preach his sermon! 

First Prize: $1000 from the Edwin J. Omark Preaching Scholarship and the opportunity to preach at undergrad chapel

Before starting the M.Div Program at Bethel in 2020, Tolu Toluhi contemplated professional soccer, med school, dance, theater, psychology, and public health. If he had any spare hours in the day, he would spend them in conversation with old friends or trying to make new ones. His heart is to serve the church, as he currently does at Crossroads Church, and see her follow Jesus faithfully. He enjoys a good game of any sport whenever possible.

Second Prize: $800 from the Robert A. Featherstone Memorial Scholarship

Dan Cook is in his 4th year of the M.Div program at Bethel Seminary. He's also in his 20th year as a talk show producer at WCCO Radio, so you might say that communication is in his blood. As an adult convert, he's had to shed many assumptions about the nature of Christianity over the years and has developed a passion for revealing a Jesus-centered, grace-filled, merciful, loving picture of God to any and all who share some of those same assumptions. He's praying that we can get back to sharing God's word in person soon! (And perhaps even take in a ballgame or two?)

Third Prize: $600 from the Emily A. VanAntwerp Memorial Preaching Scholarship

Narah is currently pursuing her M.Div. degree. Her undergraduate degree was in biochemistry, and she spent some years teaching science to elementary students. Her greatest passion is studying the Bible, and she is involved in leading various Bible studies. When she's not reading, she can usually be found on walks or spending time with friends and family.