Alexandra Mahaffey of Beecher City, Illinois, wins scholarship and preaching award at Olivet

2016 May 19

Alexandra Mahaffey is heading for graduate school with a scholarship and the prestigious award for preaching excellence presented through the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University.

Mahaffey, who hails from Beecher City, Illinois, earned the top honor in Olivet's 2016 Sylvanus Carter Homiletics Award program. A member of the class of 2016, she earned her bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry. She will attend Asbury Theological Seminary and pursue a Master of Divinity degree.

To win the award competition, Mahaffey researched, wrote and prepared the manuscript for a sermon that she presented before an audience of students and professors. She based her sermon, "Imagine," on Scripture in Mark 14, recounting a woman's anointing of Jesus at Bethany. A selection panel evaluated entrants' sermons based on Scripture interpretation, focus, relevance for the audience and delivery.

Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Carter established the Sylvanus Carter Homiletics Award in honor of Stephen's father, Rev. Sylvanus Carter, a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene for 56 years. Rev. Carter's life and ministry are widely acknowledged for modeling a strong commitment to preaching and pastoral care.