The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s  Harry Denman Evangelism Award: the Reverend Daniel M. Hayes Sr. (clergy) of John Wesley United Methodist Church in the Cumberland River District, Dedra Campbell (laity) of FreshStart Columbia/Columbia First United Methodist Church of the Harpeth River District, and Arabella Clark (youth) of Calvert City United Methodist Church in the Purchase District. 

Daniel Mario Hayes, Sr. received a call to ministry from an early age. As a child, he would gather his sisters and brothers, the children in the neighborhood, as well as their pets, to join him in a makeshift sanctuary in his yard. With dogs barking and chickens running around, he would preach with fire and power that startled many, but confirmed for others that this would be the beginning of an awesome pastor. At the age of 18, his formal journey in The United Methodist Church as a licensed preacher began. In 1972, he preached the first Youth Day sermon at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church and soon became their first youth pastor. Daniel’s community ministry activism began as an undergraduate student at Tennessee State University. During that time there were no sports teams outside of the area schools that were developed. His love for football, baseball, and basketball led him to coordinate neighborhood teams, giving him first-hand exposure to young men who needed coaching, mentoring, and opportunities to grow into valuable members of the community. He wove ministry in his coaching methods and helped provide Jesus Christ to those who would otherwise not experience a church setting. His career began more than 42 years ago, throughout which time he has been referred to as the “Building Pastor.” Spiritual, physical, and membership growth have been the characteristics of his ministry. He has intentionally built ministries for children and youth, especially with senior members, for whom he has a passion.

Dedra Campbell serves as the Executive Director of FreshStart Columbia, an addiction recovery ministry in a rural community south of Nashville. There, she has led significant expansion while overseeing residential treatment and housing, and serving as a supply pastor of the ministry’s recovery church. She is deeply invested in the life of each recovery resident and church member. In every encounter, she spreads the love of Christ and exemplifies unconditional acceptance. Because of Dedra’s tireless work, many have come to know Christ and many have begun addiction recovery.

 At 12 years old, Arabella Clark is a “beacon of light and love,” describes her pastor Rev. Dr. John Purdue. After a challenging season for her congregation that saw more than half of its members leave, Arabella has deepened her engagement to bless and inspire her home congregation. She works at the church’s monthly food bank, regularly writes cards of care to members in the community, and serves as an acolyte. During Wednesday night meals, she gathers empty plates from those who have finished eating, helps in the kitchen, and makes “take-out boxes” with leftovers. On each “take-out box,” she writes a notes of encouragement like “God loves you!” or “You are loved!” At the church’s recent eclipse party, she asked permission to go to nearby houses and invite non-members to join us. One household said they had lived there for years and this was the first time anyone had invited them to the church. “Arabella has exemplified what it is to be humble, and love your neighbor as yourself,” says church member Lois Cunningham. “She has once again put smiles, laughter, joy, and hope into the hearts of the church.”

About the Award: Each year, through the Harry Denman Evangelism Award, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference joins the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize persons whose lives exemplify the Great Commission through word and deed. This Award honors those whose ministry of evangelism consistently brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and requires relationship among a variety of persons. What distinguishes a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is their passionate commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ Followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey

The award is named for Dr. Harry Denman, general secretary of the board of evangelism of the Methodist Church from 1939 to 1964. In the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, the youth, lay and clergy recipients are nominated from members of the annual conference and then selected by the Discover-Send Strategy Team. Recipients are notified by their District Superintendent on behalf of the Conference, and recognized at Annual Conference.