The NACCC’s Excellence in Ministry Awards are composed of the Marion Bradshaw Award, the Harry R. Butman Award, and the Jennette Butman Award. Each Excellence in Ministry Award is intended to recognize a leader or innovator who has made a significant contribution to Congregationalism and who exemplifies a personal commitment to faith, freedom, and fellowship.

Nominations may be made by churches or individuals. Supporting documentation may also be submitted to assist the Vitality Ministry Council in their selection process, including letters of support and/or articles about the nominee.

Awardees are chosen at the discretion of the Vitality Ministry Council. Submitted materials will be kept confidential and become the property of the NACCC.

Marion Bradshaw Award

Marion Bradshaw was a professor at Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine and was the only faculty member to take a principled stand for continuing Congregationalism. The Marion Bradshaw Memorial Fund was originally endowed by Rev. Dr. Harry Butman in Bradshaw’s honor. This award is given to an ordained minister who is personally committed to Congregationalism. Preference is given to a minister in the state of Maine. Awarded funds are to be used for continuing education.

Harry R. Butman Award

Harry R. Butman was a Congregational minister and ardent proponent of Congregationalism. A graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine, he served several churches before moving to California as minister of the Congregational Church of the Messiah in Westchester. Harry believed in encouraging ministers and their spouses in their work on behalf of the church. This award is given to a minister or ministers with at least ten years of service in a NACCC church and a personal commitment to Congregationalism.

Jennette Butman Award

Established by Harry R. Butman in honor of his wife, this award honors spouses married to ordained Congregational ministers who have served NACCC churches for at least ten years and have been of help to their spouses. It may also be awarded to a widower or widow of a Congregational minister or the spouse of a CFTS student. The award is made on the basis of need, merit, or outstanding achievement.

Your completed nomination form along with any supplemental material can be submitted to Rev. Robb Tarr via email. The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2025.

You can access and download the fillable nomination form here.

The awardee of the Marion Bradshaw Award will receive $500 for continuing education outside of a professional degree program.

The awardee of the Harry R. Butman Award will receive $500 for ministerial assistance and encouragement.

The awardee of the Jennette Butman Award will receive $500 based on need, merit, or outstanding achievement.

On behalf of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), the Vitality Ministry Council is accepting submissions for the J.J Russell Sermon Award. This award recognizes pastoral excellence in preaching related to Congregationalism.

Applicants to the J.J. Russell Sermon Award must be ordained pastors serving active NACCC member churches. Submitted sermons must have been preached between July 2023 and April 2025. Eligible sermons must focus on some aspect of classical Congregationalism and its relevance for today and communicate how we, as Congregationalists, can not only spread the good news of Jesus Christ but how to do that in a true Congregational Way.

Submissions must include:

• An audio version of the sermon (DVD, podcast, YouTube, etc.)
• A copy of the Sunday Worship Bulletin from when the sermon was preached
• A manuscript or transcript of the sermon

Links and documents can be submitted to Cynthia Hardy via email. Please contact Cynthia if you need a mailing address to submit materials. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025.

The awardee will receive:

• $350
• Full registration for the upcoming NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference
• 1/2 the room rate at the upcoming NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference

The winner of the J.J. Russell Sermon Award will be announced at the NACCC’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference.

The NACCC reserves the right to publish the award-winning sermon.

Click here for a pdf version of the qualifications and requirements of this award.

On behalf of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council (MOMC) is accepting nominations for the Charles Rush Award. This financial award is presented to minority persons who are working with Congregational Christian churches toward worthwhile social and personal goals. The award is intended to exemplify the excellent spirit of the Rev. Charles Rush, and to emphasize the importance of Christian social involvement. The Rush Award is presented at the Annual Meeting and Conference of the NACCC.

The late Charles Rush lived in California. His life of unselfish service as an educator and minister, friend of the Free Church, and active participant in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches set an example for many. His friends have honored his memory by establishing this fund in his name.

Final determination of each year’s winner(s) is made by the Missionary and Outreach Ministry Council, as is the amount of the award. The recipients’ travel expenses to and from the Annual Meeting including room and board for up to forty-eight (48) hours will be paid out of the Charles F. Rush Memorial Fund.

Please send letters of nomination to: The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, c/o Mission and Outreach Ministry Council, 184 Main Street, Kingston, NH, or via email to Missions Coordinator Julie Robie at jrobie@naccc.org.

The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2025.

On behalf of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council (MOMC) is accepting nominations for The Charles Rush Award. This financial award is presented to minority persons who are working with Congregational Christian Churches toward worthwhile social and personal goals. The award is intended to exemplify the excellent spirit of The Rev. Charles Rush, and to emphasize the importance of Christian social involvement. The Rush Award is presented at the Annual Meeting and Conference of the NACCC.

Rev. Charles Rush’s life of unselfish service as an educator and minister, friend of the Free Church, and active participant in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches set an example for many.  His friends have honored his memory by establishing this fund in his name.

Final determination of each year’s winner(s) is made by the Missionary and Outreach Ministry Council, as is the amount of the award. The recipients’ travel expenses to and from the Annual Meeting including room and board for up to forty-eight (48) hours will be paid out of the Charles F. Rush Memorial Fund.

Please email letters of nomination to NACCC Missions Coordinator Julie Robie. They may also be sent to Julie Robie, NACCC Missions Coordinator, 184 Main Street, Kingston, NH, 03848. Applications will be received until May 10, 2024.