Preachers of every age are being invited to enter a national 'Sermon of the Year' competition organised by the London School of Theology (LST) and Preach magazine.

The competition is designed to be the catalyst for a fresh look at and celebration of the craft of preaching.

According to the organisers, it will explore how stories and illustrations can be most effectively used and is designed to be an opportunity for preachers old and young to hone their skills.

Preach Magazine editor Jo Swinney said: "We believe sermons have the power to quite literally change the world. Yes, this is in part down to the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the listeners, but the preacher can do their part. We want the competition to cause our nation's preachers to consider their craft and raise their games for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom."

Submissions are to be in the form of written manuscripts of between 1000 and 2000 words, emailed to sermon@lst.ac.uk by midnight on December 31, 2015. Two finalists in the categories of under 21 and 21 and over will preach their sermons to a panel comprising the Vice-Principal of Moorlands College, Rev Dr Ian Coffey, international evangelist and speaker Julie Sheldon and the President of LST, Rev Dr Krish Kandiah, together with a live audience, on May 28, 2016, at LST.

The shortlisted entries will be published and the winners will be awarded various resources, the chance to access some free study at LST and the opportunity to be mentored in their ministries.