The Foundation for Evangelism Advisory Trustees were recognized Thursday evening, October 28, during the Foundation’s annual board meeting. Lane Rees, board chair, emceed during the evening’s dinner and shared the history of the Advisory Trustees.

The Foundation for Evangelism was established as a lay organization, but its board quickly realized that they needed the wisdom and knowledge of clergy to help guide their work. At first, this group of clergy was called Staff Ministers, then Regional Directors, and most recently Advisory Trustees. Twelve Advisory Trustees have served The Foundation for Evangelism in recent years. In attendance were Rev. Allen Black and wife Marjorie Black of Hermitage UMC, Hermitage, TN; Rev. David Bush and wife Joanie of First UMC, Stuttgart, AR; Rev. Terry Greer and wife Lisa of First UMC, Decatur AL; Dr. Joe Peabody of Mt. Zion UMC, Marietta, GA; and Dr. Curtis Schofield and wife Clara, retired pastor from Flat Rock, AL. Each Advisory Trustee received a framed print of Offer Them Christ by Kenneth Wyatt, and a certificate of appreciation.

Following their recognition, each Advisory Trustee was asked to share a bit with the group. Rev. David Bush encouraged board members by saying “The best days are ahead for The Foundation.” Dr. Joe Peabody challenged the board to “Sweeten the Tea” of The United Methodist Church, charging them to train new generations of pastors and lay people to patiently share the basic principles of a Christ centered life.

Those not in attendance included Dr. Charles Whittle, retired pastor from Ft. Worth, TX; Rev. Eric Beck of Central UMC, Lake Odessa, MI; Bishop Bruce Ough of the Ohio West Area Conference, Worthington, OH; Dr. Roberto Escamilla, pastor from First UMC Ada, OK; Dr. Frank Alegria of First UMC, Beaumont, TX; Dr. Jeffrey Greenway of Reynoldsburg UMC, Reynoldsburg, OH; and Dr. Lovett Weems, Director, The Lewis Center for Church Leadership,Washington DC.