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 for 2025. Lauren saw the need in her rural community for youth to gather, belong, and draw closer to Jesus. With help from her pastor and other laity, she began a youth ministry that started with just two youth four years ago. The gatherings have evolved into a Bible study with times of sharing, answering the Wesleyan question – “How is it with your soul?”, and games. The group has grown to a steady eight participants, with several others attending occasionally and younger siblings of current members eager to join. From this youth ministry, four youth have been baptized, and three families now attend worship regularly. Through her faithful leadership, the next generation of disciples is growing in Western Hanover, Virginia.
From Faith Stories to Community Impact
Churches Embark on Evangelism Training As the group gathered online, Terri Farmer (facilitator and The Foundation for Evangelism’s grants coordinator)
