The alumni association of Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) awarded the 2023 Marshall Award for Ministerial Excellence to Rev. Renee Bridwell and Rev. Dr. Mark W. Pumphrey during the Remind & Renew conference in January. Rev. Daniel B. Merrick, Jr. was also honored with a special, posthumous award.
Bridwell received two degrees from Phillips Graduate Seminary. She served as co-pastor with her husband, Steve, at First Christian Church in Hennessey, Okla. Following her ordination, they accepted a joint call to First Christian Church in Marion, Ill. Renee’s final full-time ministry was Co-Regional Minister with in the Kansas region.
Pumphrey, who received three degrees from Phillips, started his journey into ministry in 1972 as a youth minister in Colorado and continued to serve the local church for more than four decades.
Merrick, Jr., editor of the Chalice Hymnal, who served congregations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Panama Canal Zone during his ministry career.
Phillips is grateful for the lifetime of ministry given by the three deserving alumni/ae.