Announcing Tgc’s 2025 Essay Contest For Young Adults

The Gospel Coalition invites young adults to explore and write about the Bible’s teaching on sexuality and marriage, joy in work, and intergenerational relationships.

Writers aged 16–22 may submit their essay to this summer’s essay contest. The winning writers will receive a prize along with the opportunity to have their essays published on TGC’s website.

Essay Requirements

Each essay (800–1,000 words) must be an original, previously unpublished response to one of the following three prompts. With each prompt, contestants should draw from their own experiences and convictions, and use Scripture to support their conclusions. (Want examples? Read the winning essays from 2022, 2023, and 2024.) Contestants 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 to July 1, and winners will be announced on September 1, 2025.

1. Why I’m Grateful for the Bible’s Teaching on Sexuality and Marriage

For those growing up in a postmodern world where sexuality and marriage are whatever you decide to make them, understanding what the Bible says is vital. What in particular about the Bible’s teaching on sexuality and marriage have you been grateful for? What’s something you’ve been surprised to appreciate? Tell us how this truth has affected the way you live and what you believe.

2. How to Find Joy in Ordinary Work

Young adults entering the workforce are told to dream big, pursue their passions, and never settle. But how should believers view work when their job isn’t the highest paying or they aren’t employed in a field that inspires them? Tell us about the value of Christians pursuing joy in hard work, even when the tasks aren’t exciting.

3. The Overlooked Ministry of Intergenerational Relationships

Today, it’s common to maintain relationships only within your peer group. But the church is a place that connects believers of all ages. Have you ministered to people in another generation? Have they ministered to you? What would you have missed if you only spent time with people your age? Tell us how you’ve experienced the blessing of intergenerational relationships in the church.

Prizes

The first-place contest winner will receive $200; second and 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 submit your essay. Questions? Contact contest@thegospelcoalition.org.