Download Award Guidelines

John_Bennett_Award.pdf

 

John Bennett Award for Ministry

In addition to the Rural Church Award, Missouri School of Religion recognizes individuals who have made a difference through ministry. This award known as the John Bennett Award for Ministry is designated for "unsung heroes" in ministry who:

  • have contributed to the revitalization and renewal of congregations
  • have exhibited moral courage in addressing critical issues
  • exhibited compassion and care in congregation and community ministry
  • who have started new and innovative ministries
  • committed their time, talents, gifts or service to a local ministry
  • given visionary leadership in congregational ministry

 

To nominate a person provide the following information:

    Submit to MSR-CRM, P.O. Box 104685, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or email krystalmsr(at)earthlink.net by October 15, 2011.  Self nominations will not be accepted. Awardees will be formally recognized at the Missouri School of Religion Annual Dinner on November 11th, 6:00 p.m., at the Rickman Center in Jefferson City, MO.

    • Name and contact information of nominee.
    • Church Affiliation
    • A very brief (150-300 word) letter of nomination that describes why this person should be the recipient of the John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry in Church and Community.
    • Name and contact information of the person making the nomination.

    Past Recipients

    2009 John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry

    • Mike Miller, St John United Church of Christ, Florence, MO
    • Max Marble, Office of Creative Ministries, Columbia, MO

    2008 John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry

    • Uel and Vernie Blank, Columbia, MO
    • Cheryl Sanders, Central Christian Church, Higginsville, MO
    • J. Joseph Trower, Salem Presbyterian Church, Morrison, MO

    2007 John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry

    • Dale Lenger, Ashland, Peace United Church of Christ Disaster Recovery Mission

     

    2006 John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry

    • Jan Schwarz,  Gower Christian Church
    • Robert Elliott, Gower Christian Church
    • Richard Duncan, Jacksonville/Cairo Pastoral Unity
    • Gail Brown, Mendon, Triplett and Brunswick Christian Churches
    • James Hakanson, Court Street United Methodist Church
    • Allen Ladage, United Methodist Minister and Educator, Sinclair

    Cheryl Sanders

    Rev. Cheryl Sanders is the licensed minister of the Central Christian Church of Higginsville and a graduate of the MSR Certificate of Pastoral Ministry program.  Her activities in the community and area include:  ministerial alliance, Habitat for Humanity, mentoring new ministers, Northwest Area Christian Church activities, Mid-America Region Commission on Ministry, and chaplaincy for the local VFW auxiliary.