About the Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award
The Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award is presented to an American Baptist individual who has, over a period of years, made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the life of Christ’s church, and who, in life and service, manifests richly the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. The award is supported by an endowment established by Cora and John Sparrowk. Cora Sparrowk served at one time as President of American Baptist Churches.
Nominations are received by members of the Board of the General Ministries. A recipient is selected by the board president in consultation with the vice president and immediate past president, who is then confirmed by the board’s executive committee.
The award recipients typically is presented with this award at the ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit, which occurs in June, odd-numbered years.
Past Recipients
2021 Albert Paul Brinson
2019 Charles and Marie Mercer
2017 Emilie Margaret Ballard & Newton Old Crow, Sr. (2 recipients)
2015 David G. Gnirk
2013 Andrew and Beverly Davison
2011 Yosh Nakagawa
2009 Robert and Margene Phares
2007 Judge Albert Matthews
2005 Charles and Barbara Chicks
2003 Loris B. Coletta
2001 Martha Cortner Pixley
1999 Veronica Lanier
1997 Gilbert Brink
1995 Eric & Hazel Stettner
1993 Richard Brownlee
1991 Astrid Peterson
1989 Lily Lawrence Lyons
1987 Jimmie A. Morrison
1985 Norman E. Joslin
1983 Esther Davis
1981 Elizabeth P. Caudill