WNHO Professional Resource Directory World Council of Postsecondary & Religious Education
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Posted: 26 June 2004
The Reverend Doctor Michael A. Coleman, pastor of the Potosi / Mineral Point United Methodist Churches,was honored by the members of the Missouri Annual Conference by being awarded the Harry Denman Award for Excellence in Evangelism. The Harry Denman Award is named for a layperson recognized for his passion to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Billy Graham refers to Harry Denman as "one of the Lord's greatest servants." He further states, "I had no better friend or greater supporter or better counselor in my evangelistic work than Harry Denman." It is little wonder that he is remembered as "The St. Paul of the United Methodist Church." Dr. Coleman was presented the award by the Bishop Ann B.Sherer, during the June 5th afternoon session. The four-day meeting of the annual conference was held at the Holiday Inn-Select, in Columbia, Missouri from June 4-7. Pastor Mike Coleman has demonstrated that size and location are not the essentials for effective evangelism. In only one year since he came with his family to live in our community, he has set in place a transformation that has brought healing and recovery to both congregations. It began with a re-structuring of the leadership and at least monthly "Special Sunday" worship themes. A revival was conducted in October, 2003, by Reverend Ed Rhodes, Arcadia Valley U.M.C, who recommended him for this honor. Both churches participated in putting in place programs and procedures that won for each church the coveted "Igniting Ministries Welcoming Churches" denominational award. In January, the churches met and redesigned their mission statements and established their ten-year goals in attendance and membership. Rev. Rhodes returned and led the churches in a workshop on "The Purpose Driven Church" from which they were able to redefine the entire ministry thrusts of their churches from the five biblical purposes by which a church should be led. A weekly radio ministry, the Christian Counselor Program, continued the outreach beyond just our community. The Conference Treasurer was brought to Potosi to redefine our missional giving thrusts. Rev. Bill Hampton, the Missouri Conference Congregational Development Specialist came and analyzed our churches and presented a five-year plan to achieve our goals and purposes. All of these emphases, and more, are a part of the serious level of dedication and love for his two churches that Pastor Mike has shown them with integrity. The Gateway Regional District of the Missouri Conference awarded him the District Denman award. From the twelve Missouri districts one clergy and one laity award were chosen. Dr. Coleman says, "It is a humbling honor to receive this kind of recognition among my peers and associates at the 2004 Annual Conference. We still have much to do to get where we are going, but we are now on steady footing. Both of our churches are here to serve their respective communities. We are vital United Methodist congregations who love God and all of God's family."
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