Omark Preaching Competition

Edwin J. Omark Preaching Awards

Since 1968, Bethel Seminary has been recognizing outstanding communicators within the Bethel Seminary student body through the Omark Preaching Awards. This year marks the 58th anniversary of the preaching competition in honor of former seminary professor Edwin J. Omark, and will again award three students who demonstrate excellence in preaching.

Sermon theme

This year's theme is Peacemaking in Troubled Times.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He himself is the Prince of Peace. But what does it mean to be a peacemaker in a world marked by division, hostility, and hate? Omark sermons will explore what it means to be peacemakers and how to live this role out in contemporary settings.

Awards and benefits

First Award: $1000—Edwin J. Omark Preaching Award and the opportunity to preach at the annual Seminary Preaching Showcase on May 5, 2025.

Second Award: $800—Robert A. Featherstone Memorial Scholarship and an invitation to the Seminary Preaching Showcase.

Third Award: $600—Emily A. VanAntwerp Memorial Preaching Scholarship and an invitation to the Seminary Preaching Showcase.

Fourth Place: Honorable mention and an invitation to the Seminary Preaching Showcase.

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.