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G. Ross Freeman Leadership Awards for 2010 presented to six local pastors
Includes the first ever award to a female pastor for work with men’s ministries

An old Southern saying goes, “I want to give them their flowers while they can still smell ‘em.”  In presenting the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award to six local pastors, it is sincerely hoped that the fragrance of these awards will be a sweet smell of glory to God for leaders who lift up the name of Jesus to the men of their churches.

In reviewing the nomination forms submitted by each Annual Conference UMM a clear common factor emerges.  These leaders don’t just preach the Word.  They live it by example.

The Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men and the G. Ross Freeman Foundation, Inc. are pleased to recognize the following servant leaders as a witness to the power of God in the lives of these committed pastors.

The Florida Conference recipient of the award is the Rev. Dr. John Stephenson as Pastor of Anona United Methodist Church, Largo, FL.  His engagement with the men of his church is clearly seen as he consistently lifts up and participates in men’s ministries in all aspects of the church.  In a wide variety of areas, from disaster response, mentoring, fellowship groups and mission outreach, As his nomination states, he “always finds a way of bringing to our gatherings

and fellowships a holiness In the Spirit, reminding us that it is not always all about us, but about our Lord Jesus Christ.’

 

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The Rev. Dr. John Stephenson
Anona United Methodist Church
Largo, FL

 


The Rev. Richard Stone
Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church
Fuquay Varina, NC

From North Carolina, the recipient is The Rev. Richard Stone as Pastor of Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church, Fuquay Varina, NC  He has been active and involved in the work of the men of the church in a wide variety of ways, from small groups to mission projects and Bible studies.

Charlie Gray of the men’s fellowship said, “Richard Stone is very committed to the mission and ministry of men in our church. He sets an example in his words and actions that serve to motivate and energize those who serve alongside him. 

His leadership style is not ‘all consuming’ but instead provides opportunities for leadership and decision making to develop in others.” 

From the North Georgia Conference, the Rev. Sharma D. Lewis , serving Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, McDonough, GA, is the first female recipient of this award.  Her steadfast commitment to the work of the men at her church has resulted in phenomenal growth both in number and in spirit. Mr. Tonja Johnson, local president, said, “Rev. Lewis boldly preaches and teaches with an unyielding desire

for us as a church body to serve God and revere His Holy Name.  Her…sincere concern for our personal welfare and spiritual growth as men of the church is truly remarkable.”

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The Rev. Sharma D Lewis
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
McDonough, GA

 


The Rev. Dr. Jimmy Asbell Jr.
First United Methodist Church Of Warner Robins, GA

From the South Georgia Conference, the recipient of the 2010 G. Ross Freeman Award is the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr., senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, Warner Robins, GA.  His nomination was very strong in praising him for always being involved in the many projects that the men undertake – not only helping but leading the way.  Dr. Asbell is one that goes the extra mile and works tirelessly with the men to help them be the best that they can be.

 

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From the Tennessee Conference, the recipient of the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award is the Rev. Stephen E. Handy, Sr. serving McKendree United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN.  “Brother Steve has been instrumental in promoting and supporting men’s ministry in all of the churches he has served and is most deserving of this honor”, said Ingram Howard, Tennessee Conference UMM President.”
Rev. Handy has been instrumental in rebuilding and reorganizing the men's ministry at McKendree United Methodist Church of Nashville. 

Under his leadership, the men of the church have been active in multiple forms of mission to the community and beyond in the name of Jesus Christ.

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The Rev. Stephen E. Handy, Sr.
McKendree United Methodist Church
Nashville, TN

 

The Rev. Clarence "Smoke" Kanipe
Mauldin United Methodist Church
Mauldin, SC

The South Carolina Conference recipient of the award is the Rev. Clarence "Smoke" Kanipe as Pastor of Mauldin United Methodist Church, Mauldin, SC.  His active involvement in the life of the men of the church is seen in his work with mission and mentoring both at home and abroad.  But the best witness for the influence of “Smoke” (as he is known to his church family) is from this statement from his nomination: “The most influential effect that Smoke has had on the UMM as well as the church body are his family values and the way he lives his life outside the church.  As a Christian man, he is an example to follow in his everyday life by the way he

places his family high on his Priority list.  He makes sure that his family is taken care of both spiritually and physically.  By his actions, his love of God, the way he walks with Christ is an example for each of the men in Mauldin to live by.”

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation, Inc., and the Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men give all glory to God for the leadership provided by these faithful pastors.  The G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award is presented annually.  For more information on how you might nominate a deserving pastor, please click for infromation on nominations of pastors..

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation Award Recipients for 2009

It is with great pride that the United Methodist Men of the following Conferences join the United Methodist Men of the Southeastern Jurisdiction in presenting the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award to the following Pastors.

Florida Conference

Rev. Larry Bergstrom
Associate Pastor
First United Methodist Church
Coral Springs, Florida

North Georgia Conference

Rev. Lee Pendleton, Pastor
Bethel-Atlanta United Methodist Church
Atlanta, Georgia

South Carolina Conference

Rev. Richard Hayes Knight, Pastor
Lexington United Methodist Church
Columbia District, South Carolina

South Georgia Conference

Rev. Thomas M. Veal, Pastor
Gethsemane United Methodist Church
Dublin District, Georgia

Tennessee Conference

Rev. Paul Slentz, Pastor
61st Avenue United Methodist Church
Nashville, Tennessee

Virginia Conference

Rev. Charles Tillapaugh, Pastor
Wright's Chapel United Methodist Circuit
Ashland District, Virginia

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation Award Recipients for 2008

It is with great pride that the United Methodist Men of the following Conferences join the United Methodist Men of the Southeastern Jurisdiction in presenting the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award to the following Pastors.

Alabama-West Florida

Rev. Brad McClain, Associate Pastor
Dauphin Way United Methodist Church
Mobile. Alabama

Florida Conference

Rev. Dr. Kevin M. James, Sr., Pastor
Palma Ceia United Methodist Church
Tampa, Florida

North Carolina Conference

Rev. Robert Flynn, Pastor
Swansboro United Methodist Church
Swansboro, North Carolina

South Carolina Conference

The Rev. Darren Hook , Pastor
Covenant United Methodist Church
Greer, South Carolina

South Georgia Conference

Rev. W. Lamar Harper
Rose Hill United Methodist Church
Columbus, Georgia

Tennessee Conference

Rev. William Allen Weller III, Pastor
Dickson First United Methodist Church
Dickson, Tennessee

Virginia Conference

Rev. Lynn R. Wilbur
Jeffersonton-Culpeper United Methodist Circuit
Culpeper, Virginia

 

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation Award Recipients for 2007

It is with great pride that the United Methodist Men of the following Conferences join the United Methodist Men of the Southeastern Jurisdiction in presenting the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award to the following Pastors.

Florida Conference

Rev. Gerald (Jerry) Van Dyken
Present Address:
First United Methodist Church
388 First Avenue South
Naples, FL  34102

Memphis Conference Rev. Joseph A. (Joey) Reed
South Pleasant Grove UMC
1801 Lincoln Avenue
Murray, KY  42071
North Carolina Conference

Rev. H. Gray Southern
St. James United Methodist Church
2000 East Sixth Street
Greenville, NC  27858

South Carolina Conference

Rev. Jeffrey (Jeff) Grant Kersey
Mt. Horeb UMC
1295 Old Cherokee Road
Lexington,  SC  29072

South Georgia Conference

Rev. S. Wayne Defore
First United Methodist Church
727 Golf Drive
Swainsboro, GA  30401

Virginia Conference

Rev. Thomas (Tom) L. Mercer, Sr.
Hickory United Methodist Church
2637 Smithson Drive
Chesapeake, VA  23322

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation Award Recipients for 2006

FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Rev. Frank K. Reynolds
Nominated by the Faith United Methodist Men, Jacksonville, FL, where the Award was given.
Currently serving First United Methodist Church
9025 49th Street North
Pinellas, FL 33782

KENTUCKY CONFERENCE
Rev. Jackson (Jack) Brewer
First United Methodist Church
102 Thistle Road
Frankfort, KY 40601

NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Dr. James H. Lowry
Norcross United Methodist Church
2500 Beaver Ruin Road
Norcross, GA 30071

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. James Leroy Friday
John Wesley United Methodist Church
of Greenville
524 Brighton Circle
Easley, SC 29642

SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Marvin Goodman
Nominated by Waldens UMC, Stapleton, GA where the award was given.
Waldens United Methodist Parish
5837 Highway 88 West
Stapleton, GA 30823

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE
Rev. Lawrence E. "Buddy" Royston, Jr.
Nominated by the Bell Buckle United Methodist Men, Bell Buckle, TN, where the Award was given.
Currently serving Verne United Methodist Church
48 Walden Road
Verne, TN 37086
VIRGINIA CONFERENCE
Rev. John T. LeGault. Jr.
First United Methodist Church
10246 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. H. Donnell Fitzjefferies
St. Mark United Methodist Church
917 Clanton Road
Charlotte, NC 28217

The G. Ross Freeman Foundation Award Recipients for 2005

FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Rev. Douglas Zipperer, Pastor
First United Methodist Church
745 Fernwood Drive
Brooksville, FL 34601
NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Marvin Moss, Pastor
St. James United Methodist Church
3000 Webb Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30004

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. Joseph E. Tysinger, Associate Pastor
St. John’s United Methodist Church
of Fort Hill, South Carolina
3 Shipmaster Court
Lake Wylie, SC 29710

SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Rex Odom, Pastor
Heritage United Methodist Parish
4062 Vineville Avenue
Macon, GA 31210
TENNESSEE CONFERENCE
Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, Sr., Pastor
Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church
2334 Herman Street
Nashville, TN 37208
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. William “Billy” Jarrett, Pastor
Flat Springs United Methodist Church
3222 NC Highway 134
Asheboro, NC 27205


The G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award Recipients for 2004

ALABAMA-WEST FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Dr. Larry G. Teasley
Marion United Methodist Church
Post Office Box 85
Marion, AL 35756
FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Rev. Roger G. Watts
First United Methodist Church
8650 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065

NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. Harold William Green, Associate Pastor
First United Methodist Church
117 South Academy Street
Cary, NC 27511

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. Jerry Temple
Mauldin United Methodist Church
100 East Butler Street
Mauldin, SC 29662
SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Dennis Stalvey
Fort Valley United Methodist Church
Post Office Box 1258
Fort Valley, GA 31030
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. Randy Sherrill
Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church
430 Weisner Street
Winston,Salem, NC 27127

 

The G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award Recipients for 2003

ALABAMA-WEST FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Rev. John T. "Jack" deJarnette
Perdido Bay United Methodist Church
12055 Longwood Court
Pensacola, FL 32507-9082
FLORIDA CONFERENCE
Dr. Thomas E. Farmer
St. Paul United Methodist Church
2452 Charter Oak Cr.
Clearwater, FL 337649

NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. R. Allen Stewart
(Award for work with men in the
Bascomb United Church
2295 Bascomb Carmel Road
Woodstock, GA 30189)
Address now is First United Methodist Church
200 East Howell Street Hartwell, GA 30643

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. Lee C. Bines
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
701 St. John Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Richard Soper
First United Methodist Church
309 South Broad Street, SW
Cairo, GA 39828

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE
Rev. David Adams
(Award for the work with men of
the Monterey and Bethlehem
United Methodist Churches
Monterey, TN 37352)
Address now is First United Methodist Church
51 Mechanic Street, Lynchburg, TN 37352

VIRGINIA CONFERENCE
Rev. Joe B. Royal
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
14800 Ashdale Avenue
Dale City, VA 22193
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
Rev. A. Frank Gordon, Jr.
Glen Alpine United Methodist Church
Post Office Box 576
Glen Alpine, NC 28628

The First G. Ross Freeman Leadership Awards Recipients for 2002

  • NORTH ALABAMA CONFERENCE
    Rev. Tim J. Barnes
    Hamilton United Methodist Church
    Post Office Box 1625
    Hamilton, AL 35570
  • HOLSTON CONFERENCE
    Rev. David Brannock
    (Award for work done at
    White Pine United Methodist Church
    1803 Main Street
    White Pine, TN 37890)
    Address now is 402 Suffolk Avenue
    Richland, VA 24641
  • WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
    Rev. Wade H. Childers
    Canaan United Methodist Church
    1760 Shady Grove Church Road
    Winston Salem, NC 27107
  • NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
    Rev. Richard D. Winn, Sr.
    Warren Memorial United Methodist Church
    181 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, SW
    Atlanta, GA 30314
  • VIRGINIA CONFERENCE
    Rev. Arthur L. Woltz, Jr.
    Amelon United Methodist Church
    156 Scotts Mill Road
    Madison Heights, VA 25472

The Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men (SEJ UMM) approved the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award Program in June of 2002 to honor Pastors who encourage the Ministries of Men in Evangelism, Missions, and Spiritual Growth.

Many of these pastors have contributed their wisdom and expertise to a collection of Clergy Think-Tank Reports available on our RESOURCES pages.) Click to learn how you can nominate a deserving pastor

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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