Evangelism is happening in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church…
The Harry Denman Award is our denomination’s way of formally honoring those who are doing this ministry and sharing the love of Christ. Outstanding evangelists are recognized in the United Methodist connection in each conference every year.
In North Carolina, over twenty applications were reviewed for the clergy, youth, and laity categories. The winners were recognized during a video at the 2024 Annual Conference and in their local churches this summer. Our North Carolina evangelists are Rev. Bruce Petty, Ms. Stacie Holmes, and Ms. Jolie Sullivan.
Clergy Award, Rev. Bruce Petty, Trinity UMC, Sanford
The Rev. Bruce Petty has found an unconventional but successful way to share his insights about faith outside his congregation. He volunteers for a local Sanford radio station to answer questions during a program called Ask a Pastor. Anyone can call in with questions about God and faith. Pastor Petty shares scripture and answers questions with love and care, helping seekers and skeptics to understand religion and faith.
Petty is well known in the community because he connects with others outside of his church. Regardless of church membership or attendance at services, Petty offers prayer and shows the church’s neighbors the love of Christ. Even though Trinity UMC is in an area with a high crime rate, respect for Petty has inspired respect for the church. Pastor Petty’s connection with the community and the way he cares for his neighbors embodies the evangelistic spirit of the Denman Awards.
Laity Award, Ms. Stacie Holmes, Faith Harbor UMC, Surf City
Stacie Holmes is finding ways to connect with schools and support local children in unique ways. What started as an idea during a small Bible study in a living room eight years ago has bloomed into an outreach ministry and a non-profit that supports military kids at seven Topsail public schools. The Operation Military Kids Club (OMKC) Stacie started now serves more than 400 kids with monthly meetings designed to support the challenges military kids experience. Because of the impacts, Pender County Schools is committed to including this program in all the county schools!
In addition to OMKC, Stacie has created a study group for moms of preschoolers and is helping connect Faith Harbor UMC’s youth to help a local Presbyterian church host an annual Vacation Bible School. Stacie’s ecumenical and secular partnerships show an evangelistic spirit that is impacting the community and the church.
Youth Award, Ms. Jolie Sullivan, Asbury UMC, Sanford
Asbury UMC is fortunate to have Jolie Sullivan as a member. Jolie’s impact on the church is visible on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. She is a choir member and soloist, delivers the children’s message, steps in to help with special events at the church, and gets the fellowship hall cleaned and ready for outside groups to use.
Jolie volunteers at the local Salvation Army preparing and serving meals. She also serves on Asbury’s ministry council, is the Fairway District representative for the Conference Committee on Youth Ministry, and volunteers on the Resolutions Committee to shape new directions for our conference.
Jolie impacts the church and community and is a model of how our United Methodist youth can be the light of Christ to others.
The NC Conference continues to show the light and life of Jesus in eastern North Carolina communities. We are grateful for our award recipients and the way they continue to live into this vision. Be on the lookout for true evangelists in your church and nominate them in early 2025.
–Evangelism and Discipleship Committee, North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church