Evangelism awards go to Foster, Chambers
A church statistic affirms the transforming work of the 2012 Denman Evangelism Award winners: laywoman Pat Chambers of Claremore-First and Mark Foster, senior pastor of Edmond-Acts 2 Church. That statistic: professions of faith. "Claremore-First has had well over 300 new members the past three years, and 180 have come on profession of faith. The Holy Spirit has used Pat to help many come to know Christ," stated her pastor, Ray Crawford. "Mark has helped Christ build a large church, with one-third new professions of faith," described North OKC District Superintendent Dan Pulver. Below are excerpts of nomination letters, provided to the Contact by Mark McAdow, who chaired the awards committee. Janelle Brammer will lead that group in the new quadrennium. Mark Foster, Edmond "Mark Foster is driven at making disciples. He has brought a large number of people to Christ in his 14 years of reaching people in Edmond. The average age of his congregation is 29. "Mark is showing us how the Kingdom can be multiplied through our churches. In 2010, Acts 2 successfully mothered a new-church start by bringing Adam Ricks on staff for that purpose. Mark has a true vision for growing disciples and transforming the world. His desire became the impetus that inspired OKC-Chapel Hill to mother a new-church start that same year. "Mark is a preacher’s son, who watched his father start a church. While at Perkins School of Theology, Mark served as pastor of evangelism at Highland Park UMC in Dallas. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in the area of evangelism and has studied deeply in the area of church multiplication." Pat Chambers, Claremore "In 1999, the pastor asked Pat if she would give leadership to an outreach ministry called P.I.E. (People In Evangelism). Since that time, Pat has baked and/or delivered over 1,800 pies to families and individuals who visited the church. "In addition, Pat and her team of evangelists organize attendance information each Sunday, listing names and contact information for each new and returning guest. This list is usually available to pastors and church staff by Sunday afternoon. "Pat tries to get to know each person she visits and shows genuine interest in their lives. Her faith and dedication is an inspiration to all." She has been a Claremore-First member and leader for 50 years.
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