Recognizing Presbyterian leaders whose courage, scholarship and leadership have shaped the church's life and witness.
The E.T. Thompson Award is Presbyterian Outlook’s biennial honor named for Ernest Trice Thompson — educator, historian, church journalist and longtime leader of the Outlook. This legacy award celebrates leaders whose service reflects Thompson’s deep commitment to the church’s faith, unity and public witness.
The E.T. Thompson Award honors Presbyterian leaders whose lives and work embody faithful service to the church and its public witness. Presented every two years by the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation board, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership, scholarship, journalism or ministry have strengthened the church and reflected the values long championed by the Outlook. Often regarded as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s functional equivalent of a leadership award, it celebrates sustained contributions that have shaped the life of the church.
The award is named for Ernest Trice Thompson, founder of the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation and co-editor of the Outlook for nearly 60 years until his death in 1985. Thompson was an educator, historian and church journalist known for his prophetic voice in the church’s social witness and his tireless work toward church unity. He also served as moderator of the 99th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1959.
Recipients are chosen for leadership that reflects the convictions and legacy of E.T. Thompson, including:
The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins has served since 2017 as director of advocacy for the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness, helping Presbyterians engage faithfully in public life and equipping the church to bear witness to God’s justice in the world. In 2026, he also became director for advocacy of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. Before beginning this denominational role, Hawkins served for 20 years as senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina, and previously as senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, Virginia, where he also served as stated supply for Holmes Memorial and Trinity Presbyterian churches.
A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Hawkins earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia, and a Master of Divinity from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (now the Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies) of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
Hawkins’ ministry has long connected the life of the church with the needs of the world. The Outlook board’s resolution recognizes his faithful service to the PC(USA), his leadership in public witness, and his participation in civil rights and justice movements, including the Moral Monday movement and the Poor People’s Campaign. Through these commitments, Hawkins has stood alongside faith leaders and community advocates to challenge systemic injustice and proclaim God’s vision of dignity, equity and freedom for all people.
A preacher, teacher, keynote speaker and mentor, Hawkins has spoken and preached across the church, including for presbyteries, youth retreats and conferences. His ministry has encouraged Presbyterians to pursue justice, deepen their faith and serve their neighbors with courage and compassion.
Hawkins has also strengthened the church’s witness through scholarship and writing. His books, Unbroken and Unbowed: A History of Black Protest in America and The Shaping of Black Identities: Redefining the Generations Through the Legacy of Race and Culture, both published by Westminster John Knox Press, illuminate the long struggle for justice and the enduring hope found in the faith and resilience of Black communities. He has also authored articles for the Presbyterian Outlook, Presbyterians Today, Call to Worship, Union Presbyterian Seminary and other publications.
In recognition of his distinctive service to the church and his lifelong contributions to theological education, scholarship and leadership, the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation awarded Hawkins the 2026 Ernest Trice Thompson Award, honoring leaders whose lives and work reflect the convictions and legacy of E.T. Thompson.
Read the full announcement“The ministry of Jimmie Hawkins reminds us that, as people of faith, we are at our best when our work is governed by justice, compassion and truth.”
Paul Roberts, Sr., president of the Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies
The Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, preacher, pastor, author and advocate, was honored with the legacy award during the Outlook’s Facebook Live interview on June 4, 2026.
Brian K. Blount, a New Testament scholar, preacher, teacher, and leader, was honored with the lifetime achievement award during the Outlook’s webinar on June 6, 2024.
Read more →Heath Rada received the 2016 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of his servant leadership across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including his service as moderator of the 221st General Assembly. An educator, humanitarian leader and advocate for the church's peace, unity and mission, Rada was honored for a lifetime of faithful service to both the church and the broader community.
Barbara Wheeler received the 2014 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of her decades of leadership in theological education and service to the wider church. As president of Auburn Theological Seminary for 30 years and director of Auburn's Center for the Study of Theological Education, Wheeler helped shape conversations about the future of religious leadership while advocating for justice and faithful engagement across theological differences.
Joseph Small received the 2014 E.T. Thompson Award for his distinguished service as a theologian, teacher and denominational leader in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As director of Theology, Worship and Education for the Presbyterian Mission Agency and a prolific author and ecumenical participant, Small helped deepen the church's theological reflection and strengthen dialogue within the wider Christian community.
John Buchanan received the 2014 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of his leadership as a pastor, denominational leader and influential voice in religious journalism. As editor and publisher of The Christian Century, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly and longtime pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Buchanan guided the church through thoughtful preaching, writing and public witness.
Laura Mendenhall received the 2012 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of her distinguished leadership in theological education and service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Former president of Columbia Theological Seminary and senior advisor to the Texas Presbyterian Foundation, Mendenhall has devoted her ministry to strengthening the church's institutions and leadership.
Syngman Rhee received the 2010 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of his lifetime of leadership in Presbyterian mission, ecumenical engagement and global reconciliation. A former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly and longtime leader in worldwide mission ministries, Rhee was honored for his efforts to strengthen the church's witness and promote peace and unity.
Cliff Kirkpatrick received the 2008 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of his decades of leadership in global Presbyterian ministry and his commitment to Christian unity. Serving as stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and later as president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Kirkpatrick devoted his career to strengthening ecumenical relationships and advancing the church's mission around the world.
O. Benjamin Sparks III received the 2006 E.T. Thompson Award in recognition of his decades of pastoral leadership, commitment to peacemaking and service to the Presbyterian Church. His ministry, teaching and long involvement with the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation reflect the convictions and public witness that defined Ernest Trice Thompson's legacy.
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