The Stump Preaching event will follow the same criteria as used in the "Short Sermon" category of National Youth Ministries Fine Arts Festival.

Short Sermon

RULES

1. Short Sermon is the art of verbally communicating a biblical message that includes Scripture quotations or readings
   presented by 1 eligible student.
2. Scripture reference must be cited with all Scripture quotations or readings.
3. Short Sermon entries have a time limit of 5 minutes. There are 60 seconds for setup and 60 seconds for tear down.
4. Entries must be original material, not just a memorization of someone else’s sermon. Participants are permitted to use
   illustrations, personal testimonies, statistics, stories, etc. Sources must be cited.
5. Participants are allowed to use notes. The sermon does not need to be memorized.
6. Participants may only use a Bible, notes, and a podium. Small handheld props are allowed in Short Sermon entries.
   Props are limited to what presenters can carry by hand into the presentation space. Neither flammable nor liquid props
   are permitted.
7. All aspects of the sermon must take place within the boundaries of the stage, including use of props.
8. Costumes, costume makeup, and masks of any kind are not permitted.
9. The use of audio or audiovisual devices is not permitted.
10. Presentations must be given with due reverence for God and His people, and must not be a cynical or satirical portrayal of
    any form of the ministry.
11. Introductory comments are required. See page 16. Include only main text Scripture reference(s) in the introduction for
    this category.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

SELECTION

• Appropriate—appropriate for this festival; appropriate level of difficulty.
• Christian message—presents a solid biblical perspective with ministry effectiveness in mind.

COMMUNICATION

• Expression/body language—use of nonverbal communication (i.e., facial expressions, hand and arm gestures) that enhance the delivery of the sermon.
• Originality—use of original and creative ideas; demonstrates a fresh approach.
• Posture—effective stance appropriate for public speaking, stage presence, and proper breath support.
• Stage presence—command of stage; control, confidence, and comfort.
• Timing—the ability to move from point to point smoothly, and with a sense of pacing; effective use of allotted time spent on opening, main points, and conclusion.
• Vocal clarity—appropriate volume for audience; proper pronunciation of words with appropriate tone and inflection.

PRESENTATION AND TECHNIQUE

• Elicits response—demonstrates purpose of sermon with a question for a response in conclusion.
• Opening/conclusion—use of quote, question, illustrations, or story is used to capture the audience’s interest in sermon topic; the conclusion recaps the main points and calls for a final response.
• Structure of content—effective, logical organization of thoughts communicated for understanding, believability, and remembrance.
• Transitions—statements that bridge the main points of the sermon.
• Use of illustrations—incorporates vivid image, examples, testimony, statistics, or quotations as reinforcements to sermon topic with proper recognition of sources.
• Use of Scripture—scriptural text/quotations foundational to overall presentation; reference(s) cited.

OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS

• Evident ministry—evidence of spiritual motivation demonstrated with sincerity and passion.
• Preparation—an apparent effort of time and thought in preparation.
• Relevance—appropriate and relevant application.
• Understandable concept—the sermon selection, communication, presentation and technique, and effectiveness in attaining a response.