Annual Conference Awards
We love to celebrate congregations and ministries that are faithfully living into the United Methodist Church vision of forming disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. Together, these awards uplift stories of vitality, learning, and witness—encouraging one another to grow toward our shared call and commitment.
- Love Boldly Award honors a congregation that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, embodies Christ-like love through radical hospitality, deep belonging, and intentional inclusion, expressing that love both in local communities and in connection with the world. Learn more and apply.
- Serve Joyfully Award honors a congregation that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, engages its community and the wider world in relational, joyful service that reflects Christ’s compassion and deepens discipleship. Learn more and apply.
- Lead Courageously Award honors a ministry or congregation that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrates faith-filled leadership and courageous action in response to adaptive challenges. Learn more and apply.
- Lay Ministry Impact Award honors a lay-led ministry that creates vitality through faithful initiative, discipleship, and community impact. Learn more and apply.
- Young People's Ministry Impact Award Honors ministries that form young disciples (ages 3-30) who love like Jesus and create meaningful impact in their communities. Learn more and apply.
Applications/nominations are due April 1st.
One ministry will be selected per award category to receive $1,000 to support or expand its work.
Stories may be shared (with permission) to encourage learning across the conference.
Who may apply or nominate?
- Self-nominations are encouraged
- Any member of a faith community in the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Episcopal Area or ministry partners may nominate
- District Superintendents, Vitality Specialists, or conference staff may nominate