
Are you ready to share your voice and engage with today’s most pressing cultural and philosophical challenges through the lens of a biblical worldview? The Institute for Faith & Culture invites you to participate in our National Student Essay Contest, an exciting opportunity to reflect on “The Mind of Christ in Our Secular Age.” This contest challenges young thinkers to explore how a Christian perspective can offer hope, freedom, and flourishing in a world of competing ideologies. With a $500 cash prize, publication opportunities, and an invitation to the Kingdom Come Conference, this is your chance to make an impact and inspire others with your insights.
CONTEST RULES
Eligibility
- Contestants must be United States citizens under the age of 26 at the time of essay submission.
- Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
- One submission per contestant.
Theme
- The theme for this year’s contest is “The Mind of Christ in Our Secular Age.”
- Essays should explore the competing philosophies of the day on a topic of your choice (e.g. sex/sexuality, culture and the arts, economics, judicial/legal, etc.), and show how a Biblical worldview empowers us to navigate our secular age, leading to greater human flourishing and freedom (academic, personal, artistic, or other.)
Submission Guidelines
- Essays should be no longer than 800 words, but may be as short as 500 words.
- Essays should be written in an easily readable font size (11 or 12 pt.) with a professional font style (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.).
- All essays should be submitted as a .docx or a PDF document and should include your name as well as a title for your essay. Cover pages are acceptable but not necessary.
- Essays must be written in English.
Judging
- Essays will be judged on content, writing style, and overall impression. Make your essay interesting, compelling, and aligned with the theme.
- The judging panel is appointed by the Institute for Faith and Culture.
Notification
- The winner will be notified prior to Monday, March 17, 2025.
- The winning essay will be featured on the websites of the Institute for Faith & Culture and the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics.
- The winner will be invited to the Kingdom Come Conference, with all expenses paid, to participate in a live panel discussion on their essay topic.
- The winner will receive a $500 cash prize.
Travel and Accommodations
- The Institute for Faith & Culture will cover airfare, ground transportation to and from the airport, and lodging for the contest winner.
Non-Partisan Policy
- The Institute for Faith & Culture is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
- Essays should focus on the theme and avoid partisan content.
Contact
- For any questions, contact the Institute for Faith & Culture at info@institutefc.org.