Cecil E. Sherman of Richmond, 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 newsjournal Baptists Today, and is open to the public.
Sherman, who is visiting professor of pastoral ministries at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, is a member of River Road Church, Baptist, in Richmond.
He 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, N.C., and Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
Sherman was a key leader in opposition to the conservative shift in the Southern Baptist Convention and helped 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 newsjournal 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 H. Slatton, pastor emeritus of River Road Church.
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.
Previous recipients are communications pioneer Jimmy Allen, author and speaker Tony Campolo, former seminary president Russell Dilday, missions advocate Alma Hunt and church historian Walter Shurden. Reservations for the dinner may be made by calling the Baptists Today office toll-free at 1-877-752-5658. Cost is $20 per person payable by credit card or advance check. First Baptist Church is located at 5 Oak St. in downtown Asheville.
Special to the Herald