The 25th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference recognized several individuals and churches for growth in professions of faith, ministry of social justice to others, reaching out to youth and evangelistic efforts to make new disciples. Several awards were handed out at the Dakotas Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 7-9 including these awards: One Matters, Multiplication Matters, Youth Worker of the Year, Youth Hall of Fame, Francis Asbury Award and the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism. 

Pastor Rick Craig, center, accepts the One Matters Award from Jodi Cataldo, Discipleship Ministries. Photos by jlynn studios.

One Matters Award

Several years ago, Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church established the One Matters Award. The award was created to celebrate the importance of baptisms and professions of faith in the life of the church, acknowledging the vital role these steps of faith play in fulfilling our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.  This award gives special recognition to churches who have moved from years of either no baptisms or professions of faith to at least one—because one matters—one life transformed, one life that matters to God and matters to us. This year, the Dakotas Conference One Matters Award recipient is Rolla United Methodist Church. 

Multiplying Matters Award

Multiplying matters because of how it benefits those inside the church as well as how it benefits those outside. Generally speaking, multiplying churches reach new people at a rate greater than churches that try other means. Multiplying matters in the Dakotas as our region grows and continually brings change with each new generation. It matters because there are people in every generation that still do not know Jesus. The first ever, Dakotas Conference Multiplying Matters Award was awarded to Sioux Falls First United Methodist Church.

Youth Awards

The Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) selects the recipients for the Youth Worker Hall of Fame and the Darrell Leach Youth Worker awards.

The Youth Worker Hall of Fame honors an individual who has committed to serving at least twenty years to Jesus Christ through youth ministry.  The 2018 recipient, John Srtska, Sioux Falls Sunnycrest.  John has spent many years at the conference, district and church levels leading youth ministry.

The Darrell Leach Youth Worker award 2018 recipient, Brenda Swanson, Spearfish UMC. The award honors someone who is currently serving in the leadership of youth ministry.  “You have made a difference in the lives of youth to grow in their faith and walk with Jesus,” said Davis Anderson, CCYM president.

Francis Asbury Award

The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church’s ministries in higher education at the local, district or annual conference level of the church.  The award is named for Bishop Asbury and is based on his admonition to the people called Methodist to erect a school in the vicinity of every church. The Asbury award is administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. This year’s recipient is Rev. Scott McKirdy, Spearfish UMC. He has put his own gift for mentoring young people into practice as he has led Spearfish United Methodist Church to not only reach out to the students of Black Hills State University but also to make a place for them in the life of their congregation. 

Davis Anderson, left, receives a hug from Deb Kjerstad, director of leadership development. Davis was a recipient of the 2018 Denman Award.

Denman Awards

The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program honors United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) – brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

The 2018 Harry Denman Evangelism Award for clergy was awarded to Pastor Don Vanderlip, who serves Flandreau and Sioux Falls Southern Hills United Methodist Churches. He shares illustrations and personal stories of seeing lives changed by the power of Christ and people are responding to his ministry and messages.

Amanda Lee, Kensal UMC in North Dakota was awarded the 2018 Henry Denman Award for Evangelism for laity. Amanda is the organizer of a community Vacation Bible School and community Sunday school.  There are 32 children in the elementary school and 22 come to Sunday school at Kensal UMC.

Davis Anderson was awarded the 2018 Denman Award for youth recipient. Davis is an active member of his church and the current president of the Conference Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM). Davis has a passion for mission and evangelism, which is evident in the areas of ministry in which he serves and participates.

Elizabeth Hozkamm was presented the 2018 Harry Denman Evangelism Award as a youth recipient. Elizabeth always has time for people.  This includes children, youth, young adults and those even older. She is encouraging in times of struggle and celebrates when she sees God at work in people’s lives.