Earlier this morning, Christian Tools of Affirmation (CTA) announced that this year’s Servant Heart Pastor of the Year is Rev. Donald Ruth of St. John’s Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Pastor Ruth was chosen from among more than 2000 nominations representing approximately 1400 pastors from around the United States.

“Our pastor is a humble-spirited kingdom builder,” reads the nomination from his congregation. He “reaches out to all races, ages, and socio-economic groups. He is about meeting needs, regardless of the cost. This awesome man of God is the very essence of love and untiringly gives so much to so many.”

In addition to serving at St. John’s, Pastor Ruth founded St. John Bible Institute in 2002. He also recently began an educational summer camp for young children aimed at reaching out and enhancing the lives of local youth. Pastor Ruth’s ministry spans racial, social, and international boundaries. 

As the grand prize winner for this award, Rev. Ruth receives an all-expense-paid trip to a seminar of his choice at the Billy Graham Training Center—The Cove—in Ashville, N.C. In partnership with The Cove, CTA sponsors the annual Servant Heart Pastor of the Year award in recognition of October as Pastor Appreciation Month.