The Archbishop’s 2025 Annual Theological Essay Contest

The Challenge

• To Clergy:

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

As those entrusted with leading our congregations through the ministry of Word and Sacrament, of pastoral care, and the rhythms of the Church’s life, how often do we reflect on the fruit of our labors? Particularly, how can we tell if are truly forming mature disciples of Jesus Christ? What does faithful, Anglican discipleship look like in your particular context?

I invite you to share practical and pastoral insights: What are some clear indicators of spiritual growth in individuals and in the congregation as a whole? What signs suggest that people are not merely attending church, but being shaped and formed in the way of Christ? Your reflections will help all of us think more deeply about how to nurture discipleship in our parishes.

• To Lay Leaders and Members:

Dear Friends in Christ,

Each of us experiences discipleship in the daily practices of worship, relationship, service, and personal faith. From your vantage point, what does it look like when a parish is truly helping people grow as followers of Jesus Christ?

I value your perspective. In your reflections, would you consider how Anglican practices—such as liturgy, prayer, fellowship, and mission—have shaped discipleship in your life and community? What practical signs might indicate that a congregation is not only welcoming people into its life, but helping them grow in Christlikeness over time? How might we recognize when individuals are not simply attending church, but truly being formed in the way of Christ?

Submission June 1 – August 31, 2025
Judging Sept 1- November 15, 2025
Announce Winners November 30, 2025

Prizes
For Priests/Deacons Entrants
1st Prize $1,500 | 2nd Prize $1,000 | 3rd Prize $750

For Lay Entrants
1st Prize $1,500 | 2nd Prize $1,000 | 3rd Prize $750

• All winners will receive a trophy and a letter of commendation from the archbishop.
• First Place essays will be published on the ACNA website and as free digital downloads at anglicanhousepublishers.org.
• The top 3 essays within each category will be published on the Anglican House website.
• Other winners may be selected for publication as well.

Who May Enter
The Clergy Category is open to priests and deacons in good standing within ACNA.
The Lay Category is open to lay persons who are active members in good standing within in an ACNA church.

Sponsorship
The Archbishop’s Annual Theological Essay Contest is presented by Anglican House Publishers, a Ministry Partner of the Anglican Church in North America.

Judging the Contest
The contest will be judged in the blind by a panel of outside individuals, including members of the Anglican House Board of Directors, who are neither officers of the ministry nor active in management.

Methodology
Submissions will be assigned a numeric code to facilitate the blind judging process.

Criteria
Essays will be judged on these points:

• Understanding of the topic – To what extent did the writer demonstrate a clear understanding of the question and respond with details about his/her experience?
• Original thinking relative to the topic – To what extent was the original thinking relative to the subject?
• Effectiveness in presenting a point-of-view – To what extent did the writer present his/her point of view.
• Literary Style, Grammar, and Spelling.

Submission
All entrants must pledge the following:

• That they are a priest/deacon or member in good standing within the ACNA.
• That they will not use artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing of their essay.
• Essays must be submitted as a Word document not exceeding 2,500 words.
• Essays should use footnotes rather than endnotes. Endnotes should only be used if they are hyperlinked.

During open Submission: Click on ESSAY CONTEST at anglicanhousepublishers.org for the Contest Rules. When you submit an entry, you will receive a confirmation acknowledgement of your submittal. This will be the only confirmation of your entry. Submissions arriving after the August 31, 2025 submission date will not be counted.