ASHEVILLE, N.C. (ABP) — Cecil Sherman, the first national coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, will receive the sixth annual Judson-Rice Award at an April 21 dinner at First Baptist Church of Asheville, N.C.
The event is sponsored by the board of directors of the independent national news journal Baptists Today and is open to the public.
Sherman is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and a graduate of Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary. His pastorates included First Baptist Church of Chamblee, Ga., First Baptist Church of Asheville, and Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sherman was a key leader in efforts to resist the fundamentalist takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention that was formalized in the 1980s, and helped to build alternative forms of cooperation after the convention was radically reshaped.
“Cecil epitomizes not only the vision of Baptists Today but that which all good Baptists are called to do,” said Tommy Boland of Atlanta, past chairman of the news journal board. “He is most remembered for his deep commitment to the evangelization of the world, and most particularly recognized as the protector of our most cherished Baptist principles and heritage.”
Sherman will give an address following dinner and a tribute by James Slatton, pastor emeritus of River Road Church, Baptist in Richmond, Va.
“Dr. Sherman is a courageous and passionate defender of Baptist freedom and responsibility who always has a fresh and insightful word,” said John Pierce, executive editor of Baptists Today.
In retirement, Sherman has served as an interim pastor and as visiting professor of pastoral ministries at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond. His writings include the Adult Formations Commentary published by Smyth & Helwys and used weekly by many Sunday school teachers.
The Judson-Rice Award was created in 2001 to commemorate the contributions of early Baptist mission leaders Adoniram Judson, Ann Hasseltine Judson and Luther Rice, and to recognize a current Baptist leader who has demonstrated important leadership while maintaining the highest integrity.
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