Serving Boldly Award
The Serving Boldly Award
That Others May Follow Christ’s Light
The Serving Boldly Award, created by the Virginia Synod Council in October 2020, is given to a lay leader who embodies and demonstrates a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ in their congregation and/or community. The award is given annually.
One award may be presented in each of the five conference partnerships each year.
- Coastal Partnership: Tidewater and Peninsulas (including Gloucester and Kilmarnock)
- Piedmont Partnership: Richmond and Germanna
- Valley Partnership: Northern Valley, Central Valley, and Page
- Blue Ridge Partnership: Southern Valley and Southern
- Appalachia Partnership: New River and Highlands
The lay leader may be nominated by a church council, a group in a congregation, or an individual church member (rostered or lay person).
Making a Nomination
Nominations can be made using this online nomination form: The Serving Boldly Award Online Nomination Form or by downloading the mail-in nomination form: The Serving Boldly Award Mail-In Nomination Form. Please note, both forms require a clear headshot of the nominee.
Regardless of which form you use, you will be invited to answer the following questions and given the opportunity to attach up to 4 additional pages for amplification, e.g. letters of support, news clipping, pictures, etc.
- Briefly describe the ministry area(s) impacted by the nominee and the duration of the ministry. Areas of ministry may include, but are not limited to: education, environment, social justice, regionalism, health and public safety, arts and culture, economy)
- Describe the nominee’s contribution (financial contributions, in-kind donations, volunteer time and talent)?
- In what ways has the congregation / community benefited from the nominee’s contributions?
- Provide a summary statement explaining why the nominee should be selected and any future goals the nominee may have for participation in the life of the congregation/community. Include information the judges may not know, e.g. mentoring others for leadership roles.
- Attach a clear headshot.
Timeline for the Award
- The call for nominations will be issued by the Council Vice-President and sent to all congregations and conference Deans by December 1, 2024.
- The Deadline for receipt (not postmark) of nominations by the Synod office will be March 1, 2025.
- The panel of judges will render a decision in May 2025 and select up to five nominees (one from each conference partnership) and notify the Synod Office and Synod Council Vice-President.
- Honoree(s) will be announced in late May and awards will be acknowledged in June 2025.
If you have questions, please contact The Rev. John Wertz, Jr. at: wertz@vasynod.org or call 540.389.1000.
Serving Boldly Award Recipients
Use the links below to learn about previous Serving Boldly Award Recipients