Ron Barker, evangelism and prayer strategist with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, has received the Roy Fish Excellence in Evangelism Award from the North American Mission Board.
BarkerBarker was honored Nov. 27 in Florida during the winter meeting of the Fellowship of State Directors of Evangelism.
Barker is the third recipient of the award that notes his “commitment to displaying a passion to see lost people saved, consistently witnessing to others, equipping believers to do evangelism, building the kingdom through partnerships, and leading by integrity.” The award is especially poignant for Barker because Fish passed away in September, and Barker knew him well.
“If Southern Baptists could pick someone with the greatest impact in evangelism, it would be Dr. Fish,” Barker said. “It is an incredible honor for me to have been chosen for this award and for it to have been for serving in evangelism,” Barker said.
Frank Page, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, said he was overjoyed to see an admired friend chosen for the honor. “Having known Dr. Fish very well and having known Ron Barker for over three decades, I am certain that Dr. Fish would have been delighted to see this award go to Ron,” Page said.
A Vietnam veteran, Barker was called into ministry while serving in the military. He has since been a college professor, taught at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, pastored churches in four states, and worked in evangelism with the former Home Mission Board. He defines evangelism as ultimately seeing people’s lives transformed and changed.
“Evangelism means we are accomplishing and participating in the mission that God left for the church – that our time, energy and effort is spent making sure that people hear the gospel,” Barker said.
“There is not another in the nation like Ron Barker,” said Lee Clamp, director of the evangelism group, SCBC. “He is a jewel to our convention, and I’m humbled to have him as a part of our team.”
Jim Austin, SCBC executive director-treasurer, related his personal experience with Fish as his former professor and the contributions for which Barker has been noted. “Ron received this award because his peers – SBC evangelism leaders – have recognized him as a creative thinker, exemplary soul winner, and diligent student,” Austin said.
“We are certainly blessed to have someone as highly qualified and with his experience in evangelism leading in spiritual awakening and prayer on our staff.” – SCBC