CHICAGO – The Center for Innovative Ministry recognizes Ryan Althaus, leader of Kentucky-based Sweaty Sheep Ministries with $5,000, as the first recipient of the McCormick Prize for Innovation. Sponsored by McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago, in partnership with the Center for Innovative Ministry, the global award was established to raise the profile of innovation in ministry, as well as recognize and reward impactful innovations. Award entrants from 22 states and two countries submitted summaries of their initiatives, providing context for their ministry, its innovation and overall impact.
“These are very challenging times for the church,” said Thomas Dickelman, founder and director of The Center for Innovative Ministry. “The McCormick Prize for Innovation lifts up the dynamic and innovative ministries that, amidst those challenges, inspire us for today and give us hope for tomorrow.”
Winning entrant Sweaty Sheep Ministries is a community rooted in endurance athletics, and as a ministry it bears the core belief that one’s faith journey is akin to an endurance race. Founded in 2010, Sweaty Sheep provides indoor and outdoor worship services, Bible studies, pre-race prayers, post-race parties, and mission trips, among many other community-driven activities.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive the first-ever McCormick Prize for Innovation,” said Sweaty Sheep Founder Ryan Althaus. “People often don’t know what to make of innovators, so it means a great deal to be acknowledged. And, the prize money will allow us to expand our reach to new communities.”
The standard for winning the McCormick Prize, is “impactful innovation.” Through its engaging initiatives, Sweaty Sheep has experienced significant growth the past two years. The church also created a program called runPossible, a mission partnering with local shelters to provide physical training, wellness/recovery based Bible studies, and mentoring to people experiencing homelessness.
“Churches have a long history of developing interest-based programs to attract people,” said Dickelman. “The innovation of Sweaty Sheep has been in developing an entire interest-based faith community, and then expanding it to include populations in need in new creative ways.”
Second and third place winners are also being presented with prizes. Jessica Winderweedle, Executive Director of The Feed Truck, based in central New Jersey, will be awarded $1,500 for her entry, a mobile food truck that serves locally-sourced, farm-to-fork breakfast fare at area events, particularly on college campuses. The truck is a revenue stream for a small church, creating meaningful work opportunities, and a unique connection between a local congregation and its broader community.
For more information, visit the Center of Innovative Ministry at www.centerforinnovativeministry.com/mccormick-prize
