Have you experienced God’s work in your life? Have you come to believe a biblical truth you didn’t understand a few years ago? Do you want to help others see the difference the gospel makes to life as a young adult?
You and your generation have grown up with unique and new technologies, secular ideologies, and, often, personal struggles, and yet many young adult Christians have witnessed the power of God to overcome challenges and resist the temptation to conform to the world.
If you’ve experienced this, we want to hear your story.
This summer, The Gospel Coalition is launching an essay contest, inviting young adults (ages 16–22) to explore and write about their experiences of following Christ and seeking truth in an unbelieving world. Winning authors will receive a prize, and their essays will be published on TGC’s website.
Essay Requirements
Each 800–1,000 word essay must be original and must respond to one of the following three prompts. With each of these prompts, contestants are expected to share their own experiences and beliefs, rooting their arguments and ideas in the Bible. The author must give permission to TGC to publish their work, and each essay will be judged by TGC’s editorial team. Submissions will be accepted from June 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022, and winners will be announced September 1, 2022.
1. Why the Gospel Is Essential for My Generation
Like every generation before it, Gen Z needs the good news of Christ crucified for sinners. This gospel gives new life and radically reshapes the way we work, play, serve, and worship.
How does the gospel change the way young adults interact with the world as ____? (Choose one from below.)
Neighbors
Friends
Family Members
Roommates
Students
Athletes
Employees
Citizens
Social Media Users
Video Game Players
Creators
2. Why I Love My Local Church
Statistics indicate that church commitment continues to decline with each generation, and yet the Bible affirms the church as the place of God’s presence and blessing.
In a world that downplays the value of religious institutions, why do you keep showing up to your local church?
3. The Bible Doctrine I Learned to Love
The Bible often calls us to do and believe things that our sinful human nature—and the world around us—is not inclined toward.
What is a Bible doctrine you had to learn to love (choose one from below)? How did God help you overcome your reluctance? How has this doctrine changed your relationship with God and others?
Why I am pro-life.
Why I believe hell is real.
Why I believe in penal substitutionary atonement.
Why I believe marriage is only for one man and one woman.
Why I believe biology determines one’s gender.
Why I believe sex is reserved for marriage alone.
Why I believe the universe was created by God’s supernatural power.
Why I believe the Bible is inerrant.
Why I believe Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Why I believe the local church should be led by male elders.
Prizes
The winner of the contest will receive $500; second place will receive a $100 gift card to the TGC bookstore; third place will receive an assortment of books. The winning essays will be published on TGC’s website, as will any other essays the judges select.
Read the full contest rules and upload your essay! Questions? Contact contest@thegospelcoalition.org.
The Gospel Coalition