'Overlooked' Theologians Grateful for Recognition
Recipients of the awards honoring often times ‘‘overlooked’’ theologians expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement and noted that the awards were long overdue.
HOUSTON – Recipients of the awards honoring often times ‘‘overlooked’’ theologians expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement and noted that the awards were long overdue.
The 2nd Annual 2006 Theologian Awards & Gospel Music Celebration on Saturday honored many theologians that have worked tirelessly to spread the Word of God and help others but have not been recognized.
“I think it (the Theological Awards celebration) is long overdue,” said Bishop Leroy Woodard, minister of the Christian Rescue Mission Church and recipient of the 2006 Humanitarian Award at the ceremony. “I thank God for Pastor Darrell Johnson – the visionary of this event to give honor to pastors who are in the struggle 24-7 preaching the Gospel, counseling people, laboring in the field.
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“Often times pastors like me feel forgotten but I thank God for the Theologian Award and the board who design this catalyst for honoring preachers and those in the struggle and in the ministry for the Kingdom of God.”
According to the award ceremony’s founder, a theologian is someone who studies the Word of God and the title does not exclude preachers who lack formal education.
Recipients of the award reflected that they wish to be good role models for the younger generation of theologians, including preachers and gospel singers.
“I thank God that He has been in my life and has helped me to set some standards by which other young preachers can see,” said the Rev. James C. Carrington, Jr., recipient of the 2006 Trail Blazer. “Young preachers need a role model and I’ve been trying to go to the plow and do as He would like me to do it.”
Vanessa Bell Armstrong, whose vocals have been compared to Aretha Franklin’s, said that she hopes to “reach the masses” including the younger generation. One of her lifetime goals is to “bridge the gap” between the generation.
“I know that I have been here for 35 years and I have the older more seasoned people, but I want to bridge the gap and get the younger children,” said Armstrong. “I want to be what God is calling for even out here [at the awards ceremony]. There’s so much talent and a lot of them are singing but they don’t really know what they are singing about or they are not living the life. I am trying to do that. That is my ultimate goal – to live the life that I sing in my song.”
The 2006 Theologian of the Year recipient, Pastor John P. Kee, spoke about the need to have the right heart in everything people do.
“It is not in the script in your hands but it is in your heart! See, you can say hello but curse them in your heart.”
Kee is a Stellar winner and Grammy-nominated Gospel music artists who has a vision to build a Christian-focused facility in North Carolina. He made a great impact in helping the Gulf Coast victims after Hurricane Katrina.
Winners who accepted the award via video included: Pastor Frederick Price, Jr., recipient of the 2006 Youth Theologian of the Year; Vince Young, recipient of the 2006 Christian Athletic Award; and Frederick K.C. Price, recipient of the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Well-known and respected Gospel singers Darryl Cooley and Vanessa Bell Armstrong received the Theologian in the Area of Gospel Music and the Lifetime Achievement Gospel Music Award respectively.
