Stump Preaching Competition
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
- Short Sermon is the art of verbally communicating a biblical message that includes Scripture quotations or readings
presented by 1 eligible student. - Scripture reference must be cited with all Scripture quotations or readings.
- Short Sermon entries have a time limit of 5 minutes. There are 60 seconds for setup and 60 seconds for tear down.
- 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. - Participants are allowed to use notes. The sermon does not need to be memorized.
- 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. - All aspects of the sermon must take place within the boundaries of the stage, including use of props.
- Costumes, costume makeup, and masks of any kind are not permitted.
- The use of audio or audiovisual devices is not permitted.
- 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. - 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.
Registration