George and Pearl Kauffman Urban Leader Award

George and Pearl Kauffman were early church planters who had a deep concern for and commitment to urban ministry and leadership preparation for mission work. Following their death, their daughter and son-in-law, Jeanie and Lyn Hershey, set up a fund to be used to give respite to persons involved in ongoing urban ministry.

Now taking the place of the original fund, the George and Pearl Kauffman Urban Leader Award honors individuals who work in Anabaptist urban settings in the United States. Endowed by the Hersheys and given in the name of Mennonite Mission Network and the Urban Leaders Network, the award includes a cash gift to be used for leadership development or respite. A plaque will also be presented to the award-winning individual during the Urban Leaders Network meeting.

Please note: We are currently accepting nominations for the 2009 award. Deadline for nominations is February 28. The recipient will be announced at Urban Leaders Network Dinner/Gathering at Columbus 2009 on July 1.

Criteria for selection:

• Actively engaged in an Anabaptist urban setting in the U.S.
• Engaged in urban ministry for a minimum of five (5) years
• Currently making a significant impact on his/her local community
• Working to holistically integrate evangelism with peace and justice

If you know an urban worker whom you believe meets the above criteria, please complete the web form below or you may download a PDF version of the nomination form and mail it to:

Mennonite Mission Network
P.O. Box 370
Elkhart, IN 46515-0370
Fax: (574) 294-8669

Questions? Contact or 1-866-866-2872 (toll-free)