The Harry Denman Evangelism Award celebrates its 30th anniversary of presentation in conjunction with annual conference in 2011. Since 1981, more than 2,400 people have been recognized as living examples of the Great Commission at work in the life and ministry of United Methodists across the country. This year, The Foundation for Evangelism recognizes eight annual conferences that have presented this award for twenty or more consecutive years. Think of the multiplying impact of the personal ministry of the approximately 450 persons represented in these eight conferences!
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of recognizing clergy, lay, and, most recently, youth award recipients, a Harry Denman Evangelism Award pin was introduced this year. Dr. Harry Denman, founder of The Foundation for Evangelism, and for whom the award was named, understood the requirement for each of us to share the Good News with others. Many times he began life-changing conversations by simply asking someone the time – for this reason he rarely kept a watch. In much the same way, we hope those recognized with this prestigious award will start conversations using this outward sign of their inward commitment.
This year the Foundation partnered with 36 Annual Conferences to award 90 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards. This award honors clergy, lay and youth in each annual conference who exhibit outstanding effort and skill in the work of Wesleyan Evangelism. These awards showcase the work of evangelism in the local church celebrating those who are helping others experience God’s transforming love through Jesus Christ.
The following Annual Conferences have consistently honored persons who carry on the evangelistic spirit of Dr. Harry Denman:
• Mississippi – 29 consecutive years 1982-2011
•Nebraska – 29 consecutive years 1982-2011
• North Alabama – 26 consecutive years 1985-2011
• Greater New Jersey – 25 consecutive years 1986-2011
• Minnesota – 24 consecutive years 1987-2011
• South Carolina – 24 consecutive years 1987-2011
• Tennessee – 22 consecutive years 1989-2011
• Southwest Texas – 20 consecutive years 1991-2011
