Spurgeon Awards celebrate churches’ work in Florida

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–Two Florida Baptist churches were honored at the second annual C.H. Spurgeon Awards ceremony Oct. 23 at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

First Baptist Church, Brandon, won the "Most Comprehensive Programs," award and was a finalist for the "Prayer" award, while Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, won the "Preaching" award.

Other Florida churches that were finalists are: First Baptist Church, Lake Butler, "Worship"; Gadara Baptist Church, Keystone Heights, "Ministry"; First Baptist Church, Weston, and Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa, "Discipleship"; and Church in the Farms, Jupiter, "Sunday School/Small Group."

Tommy Green, pastor, First Baptist Church, Brandon, and president of the Florida Baptist State Convention, said his church is pleased.

"Our church is very honored to have been recognized in this fashion," said Green. "It’s a reflection on the quality of the ministry team God has brought to First Baptist and the commitment of our church family to impact our world for Christ."

Stan Lewis, associate pastor, Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, said his church is "honored" at the recognition.

"The Lord has used our pastor tremendously in preaching the Word and we are grateful unto God for such a wonderful pulpiteer," Lewis said of Olive’s pastor, Ted Traylor. "We are truly blessed to have a pastor who prioritizes the preaching of God’s Word and for the vision he has to raise a new generation up to be the great preachers of the future."

The C.H. Spurgeon Awards ceremony and conference debuted last year. It is sponsored by the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth and was conceived by the school’s dean, Thom Rainer.

The Spurgeon Awards honor top churches in 12 categories, such as global missions, evangelism, prayer and innovative ministry. Rainer had been sending certificates of recognition to top SBC churches for several years prior to his founding of the Spurgeon Awards.

"The purpose of the Charles Haddon Spurgeon Awards is to bring glory to God by recognizing His work in His churches," Rainer said. "Although the churches do get rightful recognition, we are very clear that we do not seek glory for the churches, but to encourage and exhort them in the manner of the Apostle Paul."

Both objective and subjective criteria determine finalists and award recipients in each category. All finalists receive a recognition letter from Rainer and the Graham School. A winner is selected from among the finalists.

The Spurgeon Awards have broadened their scope since their inaugural year. Last year, only Southern Baptist churches in the Midwest were eligible for the awards. This year, nominees came from SBC churches nationwide and the event will continue on a national scope in the years to come, Rainer said.

The Spurgeon Awards are named in honor of the famous British Baptist pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who lived from 1834-1892.