Each recipient will receive both lifetime membership in BACE and lifetime complimentary conference registration.

2021 Recipient

BILL TAYLOR

Dr. Bill Taylor is the founder of Unlimited Partnerships, an organization dedicated to raising up a new generation of Christian educators by placing them in a network of pastors, church leaders and mentors to support and encourage them in their role as ministers. Before beginning Unlimited Partnerships, he served as the Director of Network Partnerships for LifeWay Church Resources, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Prior to his role as director, he served as the overseer of both the Sunday School and the Bible Teaching/Reaching Divisions. After his call at LifeWay was complete, Dr. Taylor served as a Senior Strategist, and also Executive Assistant to the President, for Disaster Relief of the North American Mission Board.

Dr. Taylor’s ministry includes many years of pastoral experience. He has served as the executive pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and as minister of education and administration at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas; University Baptist Church, Coral Gables, Florida; Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, Georgia, and First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Louisiana.

Dr. Taylor is the author of several books including 21 Truths, Traditions, and Trends, The Power to Change Lives, Sunday School for a New Century and Ten Best Practices. He also produced the video series: Growing Your Sunday School in the ’90s; Teaching to Make a Difference; Growing Your Sunday School in the 20th Century; and 21 Truth, Trends and Traditions.

Dr. Taylor currently lives in the Dallas area where he leads the ministry of UP and is a sought-after speaker and consultant for churches of all sizes.

2019 Recipient

GARY RUFFIN

Gary was a successful businessman for over 30+ years before answering God’s call to Christian Education. After serving as Sunday School Director, Gary served for 18 years as the full-time Minister of Education and Outreach at FBC Lafayette, LA. Gary was involved in the Louisiana Baptist State Convention on many levels including serving as past president of the LBCEA (Louisiana Baptist Christian Education Association). Gary has been a mentor, encourager, equipper, and friend to countless people across the country throughout his 30+ years of ministry. Gary is still active in local, state, and national education ministries and is retired and living in Lafayette, LA. where he a member of FBC Lafayette, LA.

2018 Recipient

*BOB MAYFIELD

Bob was an advocate, not only for Christian educators, but for the work they do to equip the church to make disciples. Through his work in two state conventions and on church staff, Bob had the opportunity to help equip numerous church leaders. Bob was a forward thinker while being an advocate for proven principles of the past. The development and success of the Reconnect Sunday School training site (reconnects.com), Bob’s personal site (babmayfield.com), and the new BETA Collective for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma served as examples of Bob’s passion for continuing to define the work of Christian education for a new generation of leaders.

* Bob passed away in 2021. He was an incredible advocate for Christian education and discipleship. He will truly be missed.