Awards
Awards Presented by The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Randle R. Mixon Award for Christian Service
The Randle R. Mixon Award for Christian Service is given to an individual clergyperson whose work has helped to increase the inclusion of sexual minorities within Baptist bodies and has served to advance the cause of justice by educating congregations and organizations about sexual minority and gender identity issues.
Barbra MacNair Award for Christian Witness
The Barbra MacNair Award for Christian Witness is given to an individual layperson whose life has inspired understanding and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people by opening dialogue that would not otherwise be there, opening the eyes of those who might otherwise turn away, and, by example, helping to advance the affirmation of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Historically, awards have been presented every two years in conjunction with the biennial meetings of the American Baptist Churches USA. However, we are pleased to announce that these awards will now be bestowed annually so we can more regularly celebrate the welcoming and affirming work of our Baptist community. Congratualtions to all our winners below:
Current Awardees
The Barbra MacNair Award for Christian Witness
AWAB is pleased to present the 2026 MacNair Award to Josie Zanfordino, a member of First Baptist Church of Ithaca, New York. As her nominator shared, “Josie is brave and willing to discuss her transition with anyone who asks.” Josie, thank you for being the kind, courageous, and caring woman you are. Your witness has helped so many understand more deeply, love more fully, and embrace more wholeheartedly the dignity and worth of every person.
The Randle R. Mixon Award for Christian Service
AWAB is pleased to present the 2026 Mixon Award to Rev. Micah Busey, Senior Minister of Judson Memorial Church, New York, New York.
As his nominator shared, “Micah’s statement says it all: ‘My queer agenda is to nurture curiosity and artistry in everyone, to embrace artists as modern-day prophets, and to make artists out of people who would never call themselves artists.’”
Through his pastoral leadership, creative vision, and prophetic witness, Micah has inspired countless people to imagine more expansive, compassionate, and life-giving communities of faith. He is a pastor among pastors and an artist among artists.
Past Recipients
Randle R. Mixon Award for Christian Service
1997 Geyserville, CA: Randle R. Mixon
1999 Des Moines, IA: H. James Hopkins
2001 Providence, RI: Brenda Moulton
2003 Richmond, VA: Craig Darling
2005 Denver, CO: Darrell Lance
2007 Washington DC: Howard Bess
2009 Pasadena, CA: Stan Hastey
2013 Providence, RI: Heather Rittenhouse
2015 Overland Park, KS: Robin Lunn
2017 Portland, OR: David Reese Weasley
2019 Virginia Beach, VA: Aidsand Wright-Riggins, III
2021 Nashville, TN: April Baker
2023 Atlanta, GA: George Mason
2024 Cambridge, MA: Michelle Nickens
2025 St. Louis, MO: Jon Singletary | Royersford, PA: Reid Trulson
Barbra MacNair Award for Christian Witness
2005 Denver, CO: Barbra MacNair
2007 Washington DC: Chris Boisvert
2009 Pasadena, CA: Kathy Stayton
2013 Providence, RI: Peggy Campolo
2015 Overland Park, KS: Jodi Robinson
2017 Portland, OR: Bea Hoffman
2019 Birmingham, AL: Helen Moore-Montgomery
2021 Dallas, TX: Aubin Petersen
2023 San Juan, PR: Shella Chace
2024 Moorestown, NJ: John & Lois Dinsmore
2025 St. Louis, MO: Mark Hayes | Omaha, NE: Bob Sittig