Brendan Shea of Mount Airy, Maryland, finalist in Olivet's 2017 homiletics award competition

2017 May 2

Brendan Shea of Mount Airy, Maryland, was a finalist in the 2017 Sylvanus Carter Homiletics Award competition at Olivet Nazarene University. He is a senior, majoring in pastoral ministry.

While at Olivet, he has served as a leader of the Preaching Ambassador Program and is actively involved at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene. He has served with Mission Possible prison ministry and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has completed internships with Grace Harbor Church of the Nazarene and Richland Center Church of the Nazarene, both in Wisconsin. During his freshman year at Olivet, he was a member of the Tiger men’s swim team and competed at NAIA Nationals. After graduation, he will pursue his Master of Arts degree in family ministry, work full time as an admissions counselor in Olivet’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, and marry his fiancée, Arika Schmitt, an Olivet alumna.

Each participant in the competition for this award researches, writes and submits the manuscript of a sermon that he/she has prepared. Next, selected participants deliver their sermons to an audience. Each sermon is rated on exegesis of scripture, focus and relevance for the audience who will hear it, as well as the participant's delivery of it. Three finalists are then chosen to receive scholarships, and one of those is designated as recipient of the award. Professor Jason Robertson of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry serves as chair of the selection committee.

"We are grateful for Dr. Stephen and Donita Carter's generosity that makes these scholarships possible," Professor Robertson said. "The process of evaluating the sermons of our students and working with them as they grow as preachers is a highlight of our year. We couldn't be more proud of our three recipients this year. Not only did they write and deliver excellent sermons but each embodies the values the School of Theology and Christian Ministry seeks to foster in our students."

The Sylvanus Carter Homiletics Award was established by Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Carter 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 modeled a strong commitment to preaching and pastoral care.