Our panel of judges , led by Tobi Olujinmi , chose the winner based on several criteria including identifying and engaging with scripture , handling of biblical themes and ideas and how the sermon connected with the theme . Tobi commented , “ It ’ s always a great pleasure to participate as a judge in Sermon of the Year . All the 2022 sermons were of a high standard , and I was personally encouraged by each one .
Special congratulations go to Charmaine , who managed to take this year ’ s theme and bring it to life . Charmaine not only reminded us of God ’ s never-failing love but also showcased brilliantly , that the church is alive and full of fantastic communicators with a heart to share the gospel of Jesus Christ .”
Ian Buchanan , Chief Executive of LWPT added , “ Since we took Sermon of the Year online in 2020 , we have seen our audience grow in number significantly . The standard of entries this year is high , and they will give us all great encouragement for preaching and sermon writing in churches across the UK . LWPT is incredibly pleased to be able to organise this event , which plays a major role in our mission to support preachers of all denominations throughout the country .”
As organisers of Sermon of the Year , we would like to thank everyone who took part in this year ’ s event . Our sincere thanks also go to our sponsors Langham Partnership , The Methodist Church and All We Can UK .
Grants update : Scott Hamilton
We read in Colossians ( 3:16 ) that we are to “ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms , hymns , and songs from the Spirit , singing to God with gratitude in your hearts .”
What does that look like in a local church ? It means picking songs that help the church family to sing the truth of the gospel , collectively to God , with gratitude , so that His Word sinks deeper and deeper into our hearts .
With these convictions in place , I ’ ve had the privilege and the pleasure of working alongside other musicians and other preachers to make sure that the songs we sing are good songs , theologically rich and straightforward to sing . As we ’ ve worked through Luke ’ s gospel , we ’ ve sung songs that follow Jesus on His road to the cross to save us from our sins . One of the most encouraging moments for me as a music minister is when someone comes up to me after the service and says , “ those songs were just the sermon in song form !” That ’ s such a healthy sign !
“ During my training at Chalmers Church Edinburgh , I ’ ve been developing and working on the music ministry .
It ’ s been a real struggle not to be able to sing during the months of lockdown , and I ’ m so glad to be able to sing corporately again . I ’ m so grateful to the LWPT for their support over these past three years to enable me to help train the musicians and the church family to understand not only what we sing , but why we sing , and how our singing helps one another to grow in Christlikeness .
Blessings , Scott
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