Ryan Von Kanel Wins 2016 Byrd Preaching Award

Mississippi College student Ryan Von Kanel of Hoover, Alabama joins Department of Christian Studies Chairman Burn Page. On March 15, Ryan received MC's 2016 Byrd Preaching Award. He is a Christian Studies major who seeks to become a student pastor. Von Kanel spoke at a chapel program before hundreds of students at First Baptist Church Clinton.

Ryan Von Kanel seeks to become a youth pastor after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies at Mississippi College.

The 20-year-old resident of Hoover, Alabama remains on track to receive his diploma at the Baptist-affiliated university in December 2017.

During Spring Break, Von Kanel is working at home to fulfill a more immediate assignment. He’s crafting the message he will preach before hundreds of MC students at a March 15 chapel program. It’s one of the requirements for Ryan as the 2016 recipient of the Christian university’s Byrd Preaching Award. At First Baptist Church Clinton, he will deliver a sermon from the Book of Matthew that deals with the value of the Kingdom of God and Heaven.

The MC Department of Christian Studies annually awards the honor to an outstanding undergraduate who pursues a Christian ministry. It comes with a $500 cash prize and a certificate.

It’s quite an honor, says Von Kanel, a member of the Shawreth men’s club at Mississippi College. “I’m very excited and very humbled.”

The son of Teresa and Michael Von Kanel, Ryan received encouragement from his uncle and fellow members of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Alabama to pursue the ministry. His uncle, Randy Von Kanel, served as a former associate pastor at First Baptist Church Jackson. He was a graduate of Baptist-affiliated William Carey University.

His father is also a William Carey University graduate. “I’m the first one in my family to go to Mississippi College. I felt called into the ministry and looked at Christian schools.”

Ryan Von Kanel played an instrument known as the euphonium or a mini-tuba when he was a member of the Hoover High School band. It was fun for him to watch the nationally ranked Alabama football team on the field, but music was more of a passion than sports. Now he’s on fire to serve God.

The Byrd Preaching Award was established at Mississippi College by the three sons of the late David & Maude May Byrd. Last year’s winner was Mitch Aldridge of Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Department of Christian Studies Chairman Burn Page says Von Kanel is a wonderful student, with a bright future as a pastor.

Since arriving on the Clinton campus after graduating Hoover High in May 2014, Ryan is impressed with the institution’s Christian atmosphere and the quality of instructors here. “I like the professors and that MC has such small class sizes. I like the role of mentorships and the way you develop friendships.”