On behalf of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), the Vitality Ministry Council is accepting submissions for the J.J Russell Sermon Award. This award recognizes pastoral excellence in preaching related to Congregationalism.
Applicants to the J.J. Russell Sermon Award must be ordained pastors serving active NACCC member churches. Submitted sermons must have been preached between July 2023 and April 2025. Eligible sermons must focus on some aspect of classical Congregationalism and its relevance for today and communicate how we, as Congregationalists, can not only spread the good news of Jesus Christ but how to do that in a true Congregational Way.
Submissions must include:
- An audio version of the sermon (DVD, podcast, YouTube, etc.)
- A copy of the Sunday Worship Bulletin from when the sermon was preached
- A manuscript or transcript of the sermon
Links and documents can be submitted to Cynthia Hardy via email. Please contact Cynthia if you need a mailing address to submit materials. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025.
The awardee will receive:
- $350
- Full registration for the upcoming NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference
- 1/2 the room rate at the upcoming NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference
The winner of the J.J. Russell Sermon Award will be announced at the NACCC’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference.
The NACCC reserves the right to publish the award-winning sermon.
Click here for a pdf version of the qualifications and requirements of this award.