by Madison Dors, Student Public Relations Writer
Fletcher Colgan never wanted to preach.
Now, the Cedarville University Master of Divinity student has been named the 2026 recipient of the Master of Divinity Text-Driven Preaching Award, an honor recognizing faithful, expository preaching. Colgan is a fifth-year MDiv student from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Colgan entered the MDiv program hoping to become a missionary pilot and take the gospel to the nations — but he never imagined himself as a preacher.
“Growing up, my dad was a pastor. But I never wanted to preach,” said Colgan. “I thought it would be intimidating, but the more I’ve studied the Bible, the more the Lord has given me a desire to proclaim God’s Word to his people.”
From missionary pilot plans to preaching: Colgan’s calling takes shape
As Colgan's desire to preach grew, he found his understanding of preaching changed. No longer did he see preaching as simply teaching the Bible. Instead, he said, it is an opportunity to magnify the glory of God to believers so that, out of their love for him, they might in turn proclaim the gospel in their own circles of influence.
“As I’ve learned to preach, I’ve been amazed by the important role that people play in God’s plan,” said Colgan. “God doesn’t need us, but he chooses and delights to use his people, whether they are preachers, journalists or nurses. We get to play a role in the mission of God as we magnify his glory to the world.”
Mentored in preaching class: Jeremy Kimble’s influence
It was in a preaching class with Jeremy Kimble, professor of systematic and applied theology, that Colgan began to realize the importance of seeing and delighting in Christ before communicating Scripture to others.
“I’m so thankful to learn under men who teach God’s Word and then truly live it out,” said Colgan. “They have strong theology, but then their theology shapes their actions as they live in light of the fact that God is real. They showed me that preaching is an overflow of our delight in God. If you don’t have that delight in God for yourself, your preaching will be dead.”
Why Colgan was selected: Dean Trent Rogers cites character, Scripture handling
Trent Rogers, dean of the Cedarville University School of Biblical and Theological Studies, said Colgan was chosen for the award because “he embodies godly character and faithful handling of God’s Word.” Rogers explained that the goal of the MDiv program is to develop students' Christian affections, biblical knowledge and pastoral skills.
What’s next for Colgan: Utah residency, then ministry in the 10/40 window
After graduating, Colgan plans to complete a pastoral residency in Utah before seeking to be sent by a local church to the 10/40 window — a term used to describe regions of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia where many people groups have limited or no access to the gospel.
For Colgan, the MDiv program was a life-changing experience that taught him how to study the Bible, delight in the God of the Bible and preach the Word faithfully.
“I think the biggest gift of the Cedarville MDiv program is their goal to help men and women read the Bible well,” said Colgan. “For the rest of my life, I will be reading God’s Word. And they’ve given me the tools and the framework to set me on a trajectory of reading the Bible well and then live as a doer of the Word. Cedarville’s Bible programs help students live for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
