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Background
The Denman Evangelism Award was established in 1980 by The
Foundation for Evangelism to honor pastors and lay persons who
are doing the work of responsible evangelism in the local
church. In 1980, it was a national award. After nominations had
been received from individuals in all five jurisdictions, the
Executive Committee of The Foundation for Evangelism selected
one clergy and one lay person who were honored to begin the
program. In 1981, the Denman Awards were introduced to the
annual conferences so they could have the opportunity of
honoring one clergy and one lay person annually. Each year more
choose to participate. This is a time of inspiration which
reminds all attending the conference of the church’s purpose for
existence – “to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Why
Each conference of The United Methodist Church would do well to
establish two annual Denman Evangelism Awards. This can provide
a way in which to honor pastors and lay persons who are doing
the work of effective evangelism. Also, it keeps before the
church the fact that United Methodism has always been an
evangelistic movement. We have an intelligent, holistic
evangelism for which the world is ready and which we must share.
We must reach multitudes who long for a right relationship with
God.
The Foundation for Evangelism will provide, without cost to the
annual conference, a certificate in an attractive
binder for each person who is honored. Also ,the foundation will
send a letter of congratulations and a gift to each recipient.
Who
Who should
receive the Denman Evangelism Award? A pastor – lay person – who
is effective in making true disciples of Jesus Christ. This can
involve speaking, personal witnessing, inspiring the church to
be involved in evangelism, etc. This person may or may not have
the best statistical record and may be from any size church.
The ones
honored should be persons whose life styles bring honor to
Christ and the Church.
Keep in mind
that the Denman Evangelism Award was established to recognize
those who are doing this vital work in ways that are in keeping
with the United Methodist history and traditions.
NOTE: The
Denman Evangelism Award can give evangelism more visibility and
greater credibility in your annual conference. |
