The results of the 2008 Intern Stewardship Sermon Contest have been announced! Of the 13 interns who entered, Robert Bekkerus was awarded first place. Quinn Gorges took second. Tim Feiertag, Judy Mai and Dawn Lindberg were given honorable mentions.
The 13 submissions were assessed based on relevance to today’s Christians; biblical, theological and homiletical standards; focus on financial stewardship that is reflected in gratitude; responsibility and willingness to give back with increase; and calls for people to change the way they live in the everyday world.
For winning first place, Bekkerus won $500. Gorges took home $250 and each honorable mention winner won $125. In addition, each intern who submitted a sermon received $50 toward book purchases.
Panel members included Joanna Swanson, an active layperson and member of the Center for Stewardship Leadership Advisory Team; Rich Omland, Luther Seminary philanthropic adviser and former synodical bishop; and Mary Brown, associate director of Luther Seminary’s Center for Biblical Preaching.
Jerry Hoffman, director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders, said, “The panel reflected on how reading and viewing submissions without the live experience of the preacher makes the task more difficult. …They were impressed with the overall quality of the content of the submissions and the various contexts in which the sermons were preached…”
In congratulating all the participants, Hoffman said, “I trust that as you complete your seminary experience, you will avail yourselves for the opportunities provided for you at the seminary to equip you to be effective Christian stewardship leaders for the 21st-century Church.”
The recipients will receive their awards at the annual Stewardship Breakfast for Seminarians, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8:15-11:30 a.m. in the seminary dining room. The theme will be Creating a Spirit of Generosity in the World.