On June 10, the Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference gathered on Zoom to celebrate outstanding leaders in ministry across the Western North Carolina Conference. This annual award honors recipients for their exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) – that brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. A Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient consistently introduces those they serve to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The 2021 Laity Recipient is Tim Hoffman, an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist in Mocksville. Rev. Dr. Suzanne Michael shares, “Tim Hoffman’s life is an exemplar of a Harry Denman Award recipient. He embodies the characteristics of a good person found in Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but do justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?” Tim creates ways to ignite and reignite the spiritual flame within others; as he does so, he walks humbly with his Lord. Tim approaches leadership projects by asking – ‘Where is God at work in the world and how can I use my giftedness to join God in that work?’ Tim embraces ample opportunities to participate in and develop ministries that nurture and grow God’s kingdom on earth.” Tim is an active lay leader in his local congregation as well the District Lay Leader for Yadkin Valley.
The 2021 Clergy Recipient is Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand. She has been consistent and tireless for many years in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and setting up opportunities, systems, and processes to lead and teach others in innovative evangelism. A deacon in full connection to the Western North Carolina Conference, she currently serves as the Metro District Vitality Associate and recently coordinated the Metro District COVID-19 vaccine efforts. She also is actively engaged as an inspirational leader at St. Mark’s UMC in Charlotte. Rev. Pam Blackstock shares, “She is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. Reverend Hand epitomizes what a faith-filled, compassionate evangelist is. Our Conference mission statement reads, “Follow Jesus, Make Disciples and Transform the world.” The world is not evangelized by churches, but by Spirit-filled disciples who love God and neighbor. Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand exemplifies this example of selflessness for the sake of the Gospel.”
This story was originally posted at wnccumc.org. It has been reprinted with permission.
