After inspiring sermons by eight contestants, our interfaith panel of judges named student Linda Choser as the winner of the 3rd Annual Preaching Competition, held via Zoom on May 4.

Linda is studying for the MA in Transformative Leadership and Spirituality. She plans on creating a nonprofit to do interfaith fellowship work, to hold spiritual retreats in an outdoor setting, and to minister to people who are unaffiliated as well as those in recovery.

“I am not being called to become ordained in a specific denomination, but I am a member of a fantastic UCC church where I am often invited to give sermons,” she said. “I am thrilled at having won the contest!  It was an incredible experience, one which has brought me joy, validation, and humility as I continue on my spiritual journey at HartSem and beyond.”

Our judges were Professor Benjamin Watts, Professor Deena Grant, and Professor Hossein Kamaly.

Watch the entire competition below. Thanks to all who participated!