Students of all majors gathered together to prepare and share sermons at Asbury’s Christian Studies and Philosophy department’s (CSP) annual preaching workshop called The Festival of Preaching.
In the Bennet-Bernard Auditorium on Monday, Oct. 25, an established mix of local ministry leaders acted as a panel to provide participants with encouragement and feedback.
“It was a great opportunity to practice the art of preaching in front of knowledgeable pastors and professors,” said sophomore Christian Ministries major Zeke Atha, who also preached at the festival. “Their specific feedback was so helpful to me. I would suggest the event to not only ministry majors but any Christian. We must learn how to share our faith with others!”
The Festival of Preaching at Asbury was established in 2017 after students attended The Academy of Preaching’s annual Festival of Preaching in 2015.
Youth ministry professor Dr. Brian Hull said, “Our Asbury University festival of preaching was so well received by students, faculty and community ministry leaders alike that we have continued it every year despite the national festival discontinuing in 2018.”
Opening the event, Rev. Jessica LaGrone, Dean of Chapel for Asbury Theological Seminary, delivered a preaching workshop titled “Illumination: Bringing the text to light with illustrations, stories, and metaphors.” This encouraged students to use storytelling to highlight the message of the Bible while cautioning them against vanity within their sermons. Afterward, students were split into groups of four and sent into separate rooms to give their sermons. This allowed them to take inspiration from their peers while also receiving feedback.
This year, the theme of the event was “Faith, Hope and Love.” After giving their sermon, students received encouragement and constructive criticism from the judges.
First-year Christian Ministry major Haven Emery said, “The preaching festival allowed me a safe space to grow in confidence while providing me with practical ways to improve my content and presentation. Likewise, it was encouraging to have the judges there offering praise, sharing guidance, and gracefully walking alongside me as I explore my call to ministry.”
Dr. Suzanne Nicholson, who heads up the event, said, “The best part is hearing our students preach—they share so much of themselves and their heart for God.”
This festival provides an encouraging and constructive environment for students to explore the art of ministry. Nicholson said it will be exciting to see how these students grow throughout their time at Asbury as this annual festival persists.
