2026 WMU Preaching Festival

Purpose

Given the vital role of preaching in pastoral ministry, this contest aims to emphasize the importance of homiletics for MDiv and MAT students. We seek to encourage and support future ministry leaders in developing and refining their preaching capabilities.

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled MDiv and MAT students.

Competition Process

1. Selection: Participants are selected through open application or faculty recommendation.

2. Preliminary Round: Evaluation based on submitted manuscripts.

3. Final Round: Conducted live via Zoom.

Themes (Select one)

Mission, Evangelism, Piety (Godliness), Service, Calling, Relief/Charity, Discipleship, etc.

Scripture Options (Select one)

1. Matthew 28:18-20

   
   

   • "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...'"

2. James 1:27

   
   

   • "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

3. John 12:24

   
   

   • "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

Manuscript & Time Limits

• Manuscript: Approximately 4 pages (Letter size).

• Time Limit: 15-minute sermon for the manuscript; 10-minute sermon for the Final Round.

Important Dates & Info

• Preliminary Manuscript Deadline: March 8 (Sun)

  
  

  • Submit to Prof. Sungwoo Cho: scho@wmu.edu

• Live Final Round: March 19 (Thu) at 2:00 PM

  
  

  • Zoom ID: 213 388 1000

Evaluation Criteria

• Passion and Delivery

• Exegesis of the text

• Structure and Punctuality (Time management)

• Practical Application for the field

Awards

• Grand Prize: $400

• First Runner-up: $300

• Second Runner-up: $200

• Encouragement Award: $100

• Award winners will be announced on the school website.

※ Special Benefits for Grand Prize Winner:

• Opportunity to preach at the University Chapel.

• Selected as the school representative for the Southern California Preaching Festival.