The Eastern PA Conference celebrates evangelism each year with two major awards, the One Matters Award and the Denman Evangelism Awards, that recognize churches and individuals making strides in living out Jesus’ Great Commission to “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). The goal of that important recognition—which comes from both the conference and two national, church-related agencies—is really to remind and inspire all of us to go and do likewise.

At a pre-Annual Conference awards ceremony April 6, EPA presented the One Matters Award, on behalf of UM Discipleship Ministries, to Lincoln Park Community United Methodist Church, located in Reading, PA. The church, which draws about 100 worshipers on Sundays, describes itself as “a friendly, open-minded, non-judgmental community of faith who are simply trying to be faithful to Jesus’ greatest command to
“love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength; and, to love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Luke 10:27).

“The ministry of Lincoln Park Community UMC is having a tremendous impact on the Lincoln Park community,” said the Rev. Lloyd Speer, co-chair of EPA’s Congregational Development Team, in announcing the award. “The pastor, Rev. Quentin Wallace, is a pastoral presence in the church and the community. He is a powerful leader whose unique talents and strengths have resulted in a new sense of purpose, passion, and growth in the church, which is affecting the community.”

In fact, since Wallace’s appointment in July 2023, two youth and one adult were baptized, and 23 persons have joined the church. Thanks to new ministries and creative worship, community outreach and worship attendance have increased.

Speer also announced three Harry Denman Awards for Evangelism, which are administered by the Foundation for Evangelism, a grant-making organization in Lake Junaluska, NC, started in 1949 by Dr. Harry Denman, then General Secretary of the Methodist Church’s Board of Evangelism.

The Rev. Scott Kuhnle, pastor of Black Creek United Methodist Church in Sugarloaf, near Hazleton, received the Denman Award for Clergy. He led members to serve a quarterly homecooked “mission breakfast” fundraiser to support neighbors in need. The 2023 Vacation Bible School also reached new people. VBS kids sang during Sunday worship to end the weeklong program, followed by a family carnival where Kuhnle led members in showing “radical hospitality” by offering “free food, ice cream, popcorn,
carnival games, prizes and a huge bounce house obstacle course.”

The outgoing pastor “believes evangelism is an essential part of his mission and works hard to create opportunities to engage his members in outreach throughout the year,” said the Rev. Hun Ju Lee, North District Superintendent. One of their most successful outreach events is a free community concert series, where “local bands perform at their outdoor venue, and people come to enjoy a free evening of music, dinner, and ice cream.”

Alvin Doeleh, a member of New Life UMC since his teenage years, received the Laity Denman Award from DS Clark. As both evangelism and youth ministry chair, he has helped double the number of active youth, along with adults. “He ensures that every youth who wants to attend church worship and events can
do so, even if he has to drive them there himself,” said Speer and Clark during the award presentation.

Doeleh helps young people to grow in faith and leadership abilities by training them to serve in the Youth Fellowship. He also involves them in the church’s community outreach group called “Love Renegades.” They gather each summer at SEPTA’s 69th Street Transportation Terminal with people of all faith backgrounds, including members of Upper Darby’s large Muslim community, to focus on fostering relationships and collaboration.

“Alvin lives his Christian life for all to see,” said DS Clark in nominating Doeleh. “He has been God’s instrument in bringing many young people to Christ.” Dooleh also brought a large group of church members from New Life, most of them family, to receive the award with him.

Finally, the Denman Award for Youth went to Delano Anderson, nominated by Mike Nelson, youth minister at Norwood United Methodist Church, where he says that Anderson is a model and leader who has “an impact” on other youth. Anderson was unable to attend the awards ceremony.

“He makes sure new students who may not be familiar with the group or the gospel can understand,” said
Nelson. “He will readily step in and make sure everyone feels comfortable. And he helps others understand the Bible, especially kids who are unbelievers…. I have had students come up to me and ask about Delano because he lives out his faith in such a way that other students want to know how he
does it.”