A DURHAM woman has been named as one of four exceptional preachers shortlisted for a national preaching competition Sermon of the Year hosted by London School of Theology and Preach magazine.

Esther Longe will preach her sermon in front of a live audience and BBC camera crew on The One Show, who are filming the finals of Sermon of the Year this evening.

Wife and mother of two, Esther is a Deacon in the Methodist Church and has been preaching for nearly 20 years.

The Sermon of the Year 2018 competition is the first time she has been in the spotlight with her preaching. Esther said: “Preaching stories about the love and grace of God is always a privilege for me. Now having reached the final, I feel excited to share the gospel with others in this unique way.”

Esther works across the East Durham Circuit of Methodist churches, mainly in Seaham. She lives in Durham with her husband, a Methodist Minister in Durham and Deerness Valley Circuit.