Connor Berg of Mount Airy, Maryland, finalist in Olivet's 2017 homiletics award competition

2017 May 2

Connor Berg 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 served as a resident assistant; a chaplain for Proclamation Gospel Choir; a Preaching and Music Ambassador; and a small group leader at College Church of the Nazarene, Bourbonnais, Illinois. He is planning to pursue his Master of Divinity degree.

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.