Annual Ball honouring Church leaders is a big hit

Church leaders, admin teams and supporters of the Church were present at the annual Ministers’ Appreciation Ball (MAB), held at the Hilton Hotel, Croydon. It was a sell-out.

The brainchild of Rev David Shosanya, MAB has become a must-attend event for Christian leaders across the denominational spectrum. Heads of charities and para-church organisations come to chill, enjoy good food and network with others working at the coalface of church life. The event attracted guests from across the UK.

This year’s event, hosted by Dr Lisa Adjei, featured performances by worship singer Monique, and spoken word pieces by Poetess Jess. Keynote speaker Carl Knightly, Director of Church Partnerships, London City Mission, reminded those present to not lose sight of the reason why they do what they do.

Over the years the MAB has evolved to not only provide a safe space for ministers to enjoy a good night out, but ministers are also presented with awards for exceptional service.

A total of 17 awards were given and some recipients, like Keep The Faith columnist Dr T Ayodele Ajayi, were rendered speechless when their names were called out.

Speaking about the MAB’s impact, Rev David Shosanya told Keep The Faith:

Since its inception in 2010, the Ministers’ Appreciation Ball has been honoured to host thousands of church and community leaders from across the UK. Year after year, feedback confirms that attendees deeply value the event and the opportunity it provides to recognise and celebrate outstanding leadership. We are grateful to God for His grace in making this gathering possible, and we look forward to 2026.

List of award winners
Award winners given awards for Outstanding Contributions in the following categories:

Rev Nezlin Sterling – Ecumenical Leadership
Pastor Rasaq Ibrahim – Missional Leadership
Dr T Ayodele Ajayi – Medical Mission
Claudine Reid MBE – Enterprise and Economic Empowerment in African & Caribbean Communities
Rev Victoria Lawrence – Positively Impacting Communities
Dr Lisa Adjei – Emerging Leader – One to Watch
Roy & Keely Morely – Local Church Leadership
Bishop Christopher Chessun – Christian Leadership & Urban Communities
Mrs Hope Oswald-Jones – Advocacy for Persecuted Christians Globally
NTCG West Croydon – Services to Alleviating Poverty
Rev Femi Omisade – Denominational Leaders Award
Rev John Glass – Denominational Leaders Award

MAB Pioneers Award recipients:
Pastors Denis & Lorna Wade, Micah Community Church
Paul & Rowena Henry, Paul Henry Architects

Longstanding Service Award recipients:
Bishop Mike Royal
Apostle Abraham & Deaconess Margaret Sackey
Pastor Clem & Mrs Tracy-Anne Okusi

Photos courtesy of www.toluwacreations.com