Home > SEJUMM > Pastors Honored

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.’		read more 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.”  read more
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.”		read more 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.   read more
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.		read more 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.” read more

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.

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.

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.

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

The G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award Recipients for 2004

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