Recognized for Excellence in Ministry

Joe Kutter

I had always admired Joe Kutter, even before I met him. I knew so many others who greatly valued his character, his leadership and his witness. Joe lived up to this high regard both from a distance and up close in a working relationship. I had the privilege of working with him as a colleague in the Ministers Council and will always treasure those experiences. I know he enhanced the lives of countless souls who found in him an integrity and hope they could trust. Thanks be to God for Joe Kutter.

Submitted by Holly V. Bean on September 7, 2020

Richard Harris

Over the years when I tell a colleague in ministry that Rick is my brother, they start telling me a story of how helpful he has been to them. Rick has been and is a guide, friend, mentor and encourager to countless American Baptist clergy. From being a supervising pastor for seminarians to assisting ministers searching for new positions he cares for all of us.

Long before others were supporting women in pastoral ministry he was advocating for and helping women in their desire to follow their call from God. While starving as a full time pastor he also served as the Executive Director of a Baptist Educational Society that supported students in seminary. He also served many years on the Endorsement Committee for Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors. The Nehemiah Project gave him chances to mentor younger clergy. Thank you Rick for being you!

Submitted by Douglas Harris on October 31,2020

Michael Harvey

Licensed to preach at the age of fourteen, Michael has lived in the scriptures and has been proclaiming Good News for sixty years. Shaped by the Sermon on the Mount and the coming reign of a Loving God, he is still awaiting those promises to be fulfilled. Like the ancients before him, Michael sees those promises in the distance and has chosen to embody them in the present. It has been my joy to journey with this man for forty years. He has been a mentor and colleague in ministry, but best of all I call him friend. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Submitted by Randolph Miller on November 30, 2020

Thomas Carr

In honor of your retirement, Tom, thank you for being my mentor, watch care pastor, colleague, and friend. May God bless you with many happy and fulfilling years ahead.

Submitted by Rachael Lawrence on December 1, 2020

Tim Phillips

In honor of Rev. Dr. Tim Phillips, now serving as Lead Pastor of Seattle First Baptist Church. His pastoral support, modeling and gifts were key to God’s healing work in our life at the Grace Baptist Church and the many decades since, and particularly pivotal to Jacki’s call to ministry.

Submitted by Jacki Belile and Carla Riggs on January 28, 2021

Nicholas Richards

In honor of Rev. Nicholas Richards, the founder of ROHO Ministry. Thank you, you’ve been a wonderful blessing to me. I appreciate the time you have dedicated to spreading messages of biblical encouragement and because of you I am growing closer to God because of what I’m reading each day. I start my day with your emails and frequently submit prayer requests. I wasn’t sure I could trust anyone with my story. Being able to share with you has helped me tremendously. You always comfort and remind me to trust in the Lord when everything seems to be not working. Your prayers come in hand when I need help the most. Thank you again and God Bless.

Submitted by Abby R. on October 26, 2021