The grand finale of the NRB 2025 Convention was a night to remember, spotlighting excellence in Christian media, inspiring messages, and uplifting musical performances.
The evening featured the Special Service awards, which honor individuals and organizations making a significant impact in faith-based broadcasting and communications. Attendees were also treated to musical performances from The Erwins, whose powerful harmonies and heartfelt worship added a special touch to the night. Dr. Robert Jeffress delivered a compelling message addressing the challenges faced by Christian leaders today.
John Sorensen, president of Evangelism Explosion International, which sponsored the event, took to the stage to speak on the launch of a brand new initiative—Faith Talks, a curriculum tailored to teach high school students both to share their faith and grow in a deeper understanding of their faith.
“I’ve heard people talk about the fact that there’s a bit of a revival going on here in the United States of America, and it’s certainly something that we’ve been watching happen at Evangelism Explosion,” Sorensen said. “Let’s change this culture for Jesus Christ.”
After celebrating the Special Service Award winners, Dr. Jeffress, pastor at First Baptist Church Dallas, opened with sobering remarks: “The reach of Christian broadcasting is greater than ever before, but so are the temptations and traps laid by the enemy. If you think this isn’t for you tonight, you might be the next casualty on the enemy’s list.”
In his message titled, “How to Keep from Blowing Up Your Ministry,” Jeffress outlined the four “landmines” that threaten Christian leaders: silver, sloth, sex, and self. His insights were both convicting and practical, drawing from decades of ministry experience and biblical wisdom.
On the danger of financial impropriety, Jeffress recounted the downfalls of ministry leaders who lost everything over small, dishonest gains.
“They lost their ministry over a few thousand dollars they took that really didn’t belong to them,” Jeffress said. He stressed that the love of money, not money itself, is the real danger, cautioning leaders to remain vigilant against financial temptation.
Turning to the issue of laziness in ministry, Jeffress challenged leaders to work diligently, reminding them that “hard work is not going to kill you, but laziness will kill and destroy your God-given dreams.”
When addressing the epidemic of sexual immorality among Christian leaders, Jeffress asked the audience to raise their hands if they knew someone who had fallen due to moral failure. Nearly every hand in the room went up. “Most immoral relationships begin innocently,” he warned.
Finally, Jeffress spoke on the greatest threat of all—the self.
“Every life is either God-focused or self-focused,” he said. “Every life is focused on building God’s kingdom or building my kingdom. It’s one or the other; it can’t be both. The most basic issue in your ministry you’ve got to settle is: Whose kingdom are you building?”
Jeffress’ clarion call to faithfulness, integrity, and perseverance spurred on ministry leaders to recommit to the mission God has given each of them.
The Erwins, an award-winning sibling musical group, sent out Convention attendees with powerful musical performances and times of worship.
Recipients of the Special Service Awards included:
Hall of Fame Award | Richard (Rich) P. Bott, II, Bott Radio Network
William Ward Ayer Award | Roger Kemp, RK Media
Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications | Samaritan’s Purse
Milestone Award | David Benware
Milestone Award | KALS 97.1FM
Milestone Award | Moody Radio
Milestone Award | Joe Battaglia
NextGen Award | Dallas Jenkins
President’s Award | Lauren Libby
Chairman’s Award | Anne Graham Lotz
Board of Directors Award | Candace Cameron Bure (unpictured)
Watch Robert Jeffress’ full remarks here:
About Evangelism Explosion International
Evangelism Explosion (EE) began when founder Dr. D. James Kennedy asked the question, “What would happen if every Christian were a witness?” He believed that if we could make that happen, we could literally change the world! And for more than 60 years, Evangelism Explosion International has been a leader in evangelism training. EE equips believers to share their faith in Christ and then trains them on how to equip others to do the same. EE’s mission is to see: “Every nation equipping Every people group and Every age group to witness to Every person.”