The Foundation
for Evangelism Laity Awards
About the Laity Evangelism Award
The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award is jointly presented by denominational regional bodies (annual conference, district, etc) and the Foundation. The award honors lay persons with exceptional evangelistic ministries that bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, encourage continued discipleship, and emphasize living out one’s faith in daily life.
With a nod to The Foundation for Evangelism’s beginnings as a lay-led organization, the Foundation’s board of trustees named “Engaging the Ministry of the Laity” as one of its three grant focus areas. In recalling this genesis, the Foundation decided to reimagine its legacy award program to be a celebration across the larger Wesleyan-tradition family –
Lifting up lay people of all ages who have a passion for evangelism and are in their community inviting others to a transformed life in Jesus!
Nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award are received by denominational regional bodies in the U.S. (annual conference, district, episcopal area, etc.) with one individual selected per area. The award is presented jointly by the denomination’s regional body and The Foundation for Evangelism at a time chosen by the regional body. Following the selection of award recipients, up to 12 awardees from across all denominations will be chosen to receive a grant toward their evangelism ministry.
Looking for the Harry Denman Evangelism Awards?
In 2025, The Foundation for Evangelism retired these awards in order to lift up Laity Evangelism. You can still view the past recipients of the Denman Awards on our website.
Award Materials and Information:
For Regional Offices:
Download the Nomination Packet below for instructions, checklists, and documents. Send your award recipient information to grants@foundationforevangelism.org at least 2 weeks before award materials are needed to allow time to prepare and mail. A packet which includes instructions, checklist, call for nominations and nomination form can be downloaded below.
For Nominators:
Contact your Denominational Regional Office (such as your annual conference, district office, or episcopal area) for a nomination form. Complete and return the form to the designated contact. Please DO NOT send nomination forms to The Foundation for Evangelism.
Laity Evangelism Award Recipients
Missouri Youth Leader Makes Space for Youth to Experience Jesus
Kris O’Neal received 2025 The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award from the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church for his outstanding commitment to sharing
Former Inmate and Sheriff’s Deputy Receive Laity Award For Leading Prison Ministry
Jess Hansen and Chief Deputy Brent Koens were awarded the 2025 Laity Evangelism Award at the United Methodist Church Dakotas Annual Conference.
Eagle Scout Creates Space for Community to Pray, Rest, and Connect with Church
Brady Ward received the 2025 Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award from the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church for his work to create a
Youth Needed a Place to Belong – this Laity Evangelism Award Recipient Is Welcoming Them
Lauren Easter from the Three Notch’d District of the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church was awarded The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award
