Award qualifications
The Courageous Leadership Award was created in 2006 by Willow Creek Association (WCA), in partnership with World Vision (WV). The second annual award will be presented at The Leadership Summit—held August 7-9, 2008. The award in 2008 will be given to three churches, domestic or international, that demonstrate outstanding involvement and effectiveness in the fight against AIDS. Funded by private donors, a total of $180,000 will be awarded to the winners with $100,000 going to the winning church and $40,000 going to each of the two runners up. In addition at least four additional churches will be chosen for the category of Honorable Mention and a $5,000 cash prize will be awarded to those churches.
The goal of The Courageous Leadership Award is not only to honor those churches already involved in fighting the HIV and AIDS crisis, but also to be a catalyst, encouraging other local churches to explore how they might get involved in what God is doing through His Church to have global impact. Rather than budget size or the scope of effort, The Courageous Leadership Award recipients will be chosen on the basis of how much the church strategically, intentionally and creatively leveraged their unique God-given vision, gifts, and resources to address the AIDS issue.
Mission Statement
Inspiring churches by honoring those who are doing exceptional work in bringing assistance to the wholistic needs of under-resourced communities of the world.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the 2008 Courageous Leadership Award, a church must meet the following criteria:
- All applying churches much affirm an historic, orthodox understanding of biblical Christianity. (Link to WCA Statement of Faith)
- Church applying for the award may be of any size and located anywhere in the world.
- AIDS initiatives must be over 1-year old.
- Churches applying for the award must currently be providing resources to carry out effective AIDS program work or actively involved in successful advocacy efforts.
- AIDS initiatives must have proven, measurable results
- AIDS initiatives must be ministries targeting the hardest-hit, under-resourced regions of the world.
- AIDS initiatives must demonstrate a strategic impact.
- AIDS initiatives must be sustainable.
- Churches do not need to be Members of the WCA or affiliated with World Vision in any way.
- 100% of the money awarded must go toward the AIDS budget of the church for ongoing AIDS work (not to the missions budget or the general fund of the church) and a report of how money was used will be required.
Application Requirements:
- The CLA will be awarded only to churches meeting the criteria. Individuals and other organizations should not apply.
- To be considered for The Courageous Leadership Award, a church must submit their completed application by April 1, 2008. (See application for detailed instructions)
- A site visit may be required by a member or members of the Working Committee.
- One person in senior leadership from each of the 3 winning churches must be present at The Leadership Summit in South Barrington, IL August 7-9, 2008 to receive their award.
- Submission of your application implies permission to use your story on our web site or other venues as a way to inspire and encourage other church leaders to get involved in AIDS work.
Note:
- Willow Creek Community Church is not eligible to receive this award.
- Churches attended by Willow Creek Association board members or World Vision board members are not eligible.
- Churches who were "Honorable Mentions" for the 2007 awards are welcome to re-apply.
