The Wesleyan Theological Society awarded the Pastor-Preacher-Scholar Award to Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Henry W. Spaulding II during the society's 50th annual meeting, held at MVNU March 6 and 7.

The Pastor-Preacher-Scholar Award is given to individuals whose service is deemed an outstanding example of Wesleyan-Holiness ministry. It recognizes those who embody the virtues associated with excellence in Christian leadership. Spaulding was given this award in recognition of his previous pastoral leadership and his work at MVNU and other universities to establish a culture of Christ-centered scholarship. As a member of WTS for more than three decades, Spaulding's work has been characterized by theological integrity and a desire to share the gospel of Jesus.

Founded in 1965, the Wesleyan Theological Society is a group of Wesleyan-Holiness theologians and scholars that seek to encourage the exchange of ideas and stimulate scholarship among younger theologians, pastors, and laity. WTS hosts an annual academic conference at which they lead sessions and workshops on a variety of topics and present awards to outstanding members of the society. This year's speakers included Doug Strong, Beth Felker Jones, and Nicholas Wolterstorff. The presidential address was given by Richard Thompson of Northwest Nazarene University.

Two other awards were conferred at this meeting. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to David Bundy for his career achievements in Wesleyan-Holiness scholarship. The Thomas L. Smith and Mildred Bangs Wynkoop Book Award was given to Priscilla Pope-Levison for her bookBuilding the Old Time Religion: Women Evangelists in the Progressive Era.
--Mount Vernon Nazarene University