National Ministries’ Black church strategist, Rev. Brenda Halliburton, received the McKee Bible encouragement award for her work, which includes identifying and empowering leaders within the Black churches. While the award recognizes Halliburton for faithful perseverance and commitment in her ministry, it also represents a new emphasis for the consultation that was reinforced during the February gathering,  where the award was presented.

Named for the first African American on a national Board in American Baptist Churches USA, the McKee Consultation has fostered cohesion among African American executive staff within the denomination since 1984. Part of its stated purpose is to strengthen church networks and empower committed clergy.

In recent years, the Consultation began to focus on relationships with Black churches, the Black caucus and the denomination as a whole. Rev. Yvonne Carter, National Ministries’ Christian education coordinator, who served on the award committee, said, “We want to encourage Brenda in her ministry to the Black churches. It is right in line with how McKee sees its mission to resource Black churches.”

The award presentation of the “McKee Bible” indicated: “The McKee Consultation wishes to recognize the inspirational value her experience and commitment brings.” Halliburton was honored by staff members, friends and colleagues from around the country with a Bible they signed.

“I feel blessed,” Halliburton said. “And I’m thankful for the new emphasis within McKee to give attention to bridge building even more, so the Black churches will be supplied with leadership resources,” she added.

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