Ms. Kay Schecht was named the 2017 Distinguished Evangelist for her work ministering to children in the neighborhood near her church in Irving, Texas. As a lay person, she partnered with her pastor and church to create a safe space for children to meet and learn about God, while at the same time providing them with opportunities to excel academically and find their own calling. Sometimes Kay meets with the children under a tree near a building complex where many families live, sharing a Bible story and activity. Sometimes she helps them find assistance with school work or accompanies them as they begin the process of enrolling for college. Kay has served as a mentor and the hands and feet of Christ to these children for over 22 years. She marvels at how some of them have gone on to achieve their goals and raise families of their own.
Each year The Foundation for Evangelism recognizes one person as the Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church. The purpose of this grant is to create a platform from which exceptional, innovative leaders who are in ministry in a United Methodist setting can serve as role models and inspiration for others seeking to new, impactful way to approach evangelism in the spirit of John Wesley whereby people enter into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings. Evangelism impacts and engages all generations and requires relationship among a variety of persons. All are called to be evangelists – not just those who are also called to be clergy. It is the purpose of this award to celebrate, inspire, encourage and equip ALL who are called to be evangelists.
The Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church will be invited to:
- Participate in media efforts to promote FFE and this award.
- Partner with FFE and partners to create a Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church resource for the national stage.
- Participate in FFE’s Speakers Bureau.
- Share with FFE links to websites, blogs and other social media with which they are affiliated.
- Provide articles and videos (or access to existing) for use on the FFE website.
Nominations
Nominations are due by September 15 of each year and are considered active for 3 years from the date received.Information received after this date will be held until to be included with nominations received for the following year.
Send Nominations to:
Nominations
The Foundation for Evangelism
P. O. Box 985
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Grants@FoundationforEvangelism.org
Past Recipients
Past recipients of this award include:
- Ms. Kay Schecht, Irving, TX – 2017
- Adam Weber, Sioux Falls, SD – 2016
- Harry Lyness, West Harrison, IN – 2015
- Bishop Richard Looney, Chattanooga, TN – 2014
- Rev. R Mark Beeson, Granger, IN – 2013
- Rev. Charles Anderson, San Antonio, TX – 2012
- Dr. Ed Robb, The Woodlands, TX – 2011
- Rev. Shane Bishop, Fairview, IL – 2010
- Rev. Jorge Acevedo, Cape Coral, FL – 2009
- Dr. Keith Tonkel, Jackson, MS – 2008
- Dr. Kent Millard, Indianapolis, IN – 2007
- Dr. Norman Neaves, Oklahoma City, OK – 2006
- Dr. George E. Morris, Canton, Georgia – 2005
- Ms. Billie Fidlin, Phoenix, Arizona – 2004
- Rev. Dr. Michael Slaughter, Tipp City, Ohio – 2003
- Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Bouknight, Memphis, Tennessee – 2002
- Rev. Dr. Joe Hale, Waynesville, North Carolina – 2001
- Bishop Earl G. Hunt, Jr., Asheville, North Carolina (Lifetime Award)
- Rev. Adam Hamilton, Leawood, Kansas – 2000
- Dr. James C. Logan of Wesley Theological Seminary – 1999
- Reverends Juanita and Rudy Rasmus, Houston, TX – 1998
- Rev. Stephen A. Rhodes, Washington, DC – 1997
- Dr. James E. Barnes, Denver, Colorado – 1996
- Dr. Kirbyjon Caldwell, Houston, Texas – 1995
Dr. Lawrence Lacour, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Lifetime award) - Dr. Eddie Fox, Nashville, Tennessee -1994
- Bishop Kenneth Carder, Nashville, Tennessee – 1993
- Dr. James Buskirk, Tulsa, Oklahoma – 1992
- Dr. E. Malone Dodson, Roswell, Georgia – 1991
- Joe A. Harding, Corvallis, Oregon – 1990
The following 40 persons were honored in 1989 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Foundation for Evangelism:
- Akbar Abdul-Hagg
- Mortimer Arias
- Mary McLeod Bethune
- Guy H. Black
- John C. Broomfield
- Emilio E. Castro
- Violeta Cavallero
- John R. Church
- Ralph S. Cushman
- Harry Denman
- Maxie Dunnam
- Donald English
- Charles R. Goff
- James W. Golden
- Robert E. Goodrich, Jr.
- J. Wallace Hamilton
- Abel Hendricks
- Ralph H. Holdeman
- E. Stanley Jones
- Samuel T. Kamaleson
- Gerald H. Kennedy
- Helen Kim
- John Ed Mathison
- Arthur J. Moore
- Jessie S. Moorman
- John R. Mott
- Reuben H. Mueller
- Daniel T. Niles
- George H. Outen
- Albert C. Outler
- Edmund W. Robb, Jr.
- William E. Sangster
- Earl A. Seamands
- Charles C. Selecman
- Roy H. Short
- Roy L. Smith
- G. Ernest Thomas
- Walter Towner
- Alan Walker
- Mary Culler White