Global Baptist Heritage Preaching Contest: this combined Winter/Spring 2001 issue of Baptist History and Heritage is especially important for four key reasons. (An Executive Note).

It is the first issue published by the newly named Baptist History and Heritage Society (formerly Southern Baptist Historical Society). The society's choice to incorporate into its new name the title of its journal signifies the importance it places on the publication. This issue has a brand new look throughout, thus making it more visually appealing and easy to read. The, theme of this issue, "Global Baptist History," represents the determination of the joint publishers, the Center for Baptist Studies of Carson-Newman College and the Baptist History and Heritage Society, to make the journal useful to Baptists internationally.

This is the perfect issue in which to announce a new Baptist Heritage Preaching Contest designed for Baptists worldwide. This contest is cosponsored by the H. Franklin Paschall Chair of Biblical Studies and Preaching at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Baptist History and Heritage Society. The purpose is to encourage preachers to include Baptist heritage and principles in their preaching ministries.

Any Baptist anywhere who is currently preaching in some capacity is eligible to participate. The following requirements apply: (1) Each sermon submitted must be 2,500 words or less. (2) Each sermon must focus on some aspect(s) of Baptist heritage and principles. (3) All quotations must be documented. (4) All sermons must be received by February 1, 2002; send both a double-spaced printed copy and a 3.5-inch diskette containing the sermon. (5) Each sermon must be submitted in English. (6) Each sermon must be the original work of the submitter and must be unpublished. All sermons will become the property of the Paschall Chair of Belmont University and of the Baptist History and Heritage Society.

Sermons will be judged on the basis of biblical accuracy, attention to traditional historical/heritage issues, originality, timeliness of topic, quality of construction, and ability to motivate/inform about heritage issues. Judging will be completed and winners announced by April 1, 2002.

Awards will be given for the top three sermons. Presentations will be made at the annual meeting of the Baptist History and Heritage Society on June 20-22, 2002, at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The awards will consist of the following. The first-place winner will receive up to $1,200 for travel expenses to receive the award, a $400 cash prize, a plaque, a one-year membership in the Baptist History and Heritage Society, and a complimentary registration for the 2002 meeting of the society. The winner will also be invited to preach his/her sermon during the 2002 meeting.

The second-place winner will receive a $300 cash prize and a plaque. Third place will receive a $200 cash prize and a plaque.

All submissions should be mailed to the Baptist History and Heritage Society, P.O. Box 728, Brentwood, TN 37024-0728.

Charles W. Deweese
Executive Director-Treasurer
Baptist History and Heritage Society