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High School Festival: Preaching

young man preaching

Get help developing your ability to communicate God’s Word clearly and effectively. And learn how to prepare an expository sermon from the New Testament book of 1 Peter.

In addition, you may enter up to two Festival individual/solo contests and may compete in the group contests. Please keep in mind, however, that participation in other events may result in scheduling conflicts that prevent you from getting the maximum benefit from the workshops and preaching sessions.

Guidelines

The goal of the preaching and teaching conference is to take you through the sermon or lesson construction process as it relates to New Testament epistles. After registering, you will be assigned a passage from 1 Peter. Though you are welcome to study the passage beforehand, participants are discouraged from preparing their sermon or lesson ahead of time so that all participants can work on it together with qualified instructors.

Through interactive workshops, we will take you from the text to an effective message. Those who wish to preach/teach their sermon/lesson and get feedback on their content and delivery will have an opportunity to do so. We encourage you to bring a laptop or notebook that you can use as you work on your message.

There are printers and a copy center available on campus for you to use. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to read through 1 Peter in one sitting at least once before the conference begins.

Printable Guidelines for all categories

Benefits

You will benefit from the following:

  • The opportunity to prepare and preach a message from God’s Word
  • Helpful, personal feedback and coaching from members of the School of Religion and Seminary faculty
  • Workshop sessions designed to aid in accurately interpreting New Testament epistles and then constructing and delivering a biblically faithful and compelling message
  • A free book for those who attend the workshop sessions
  • Cookout and informal interaction with School of Religion and Seminary faculty

Basic Schedule

Tuesday and Wednesday

  • Workshops designed to help with interpreting and preaching from New Testament epistles
  • One-on-one coaching designed to help you prepare and improve your message

Thursday

  • Preaching session with feedback
  • Cookout with faculty

Workshops/Special Events

The workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday will offer valuable information to help you communicate the Word of God effectively.

On Thursday, sponsors and participants have the opportunity to enjoy a free cookout dinner with members of the School of Religion and Seminary faculty.