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HERO Pastor of the Year

Congratulations to our top 3 finalists!

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Celebrate a Pastor Who Champions Education

Nominate a Kansas pastor whose leadership lifts students, families, and schools.
Finalists announced November 17. Winner revealed December 22.

Image by Jaka Škrlep

How It Works

1. Nominate (Now–Saturday, November 1)
Submit your nomination for a Kansas pastor who’s helping the Church impact education.

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2. Board Review (Nov 2–16)
The HERO Board will carefully evaluate all nominations using the criteria below.

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3. Finalists Announced (Nov 17)
The Top 3 Pastors will be announced across HERO’s channels.

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4. Public Voting (Nov 23–30)
The public will vote online to help choose the 2025 HERO Pastor of the Year.

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5. Winner Announced (Dec 22)
Celebrate with us as we honor one pastor who’s making an extraordinary difference!

What We're Looking For

Our board will use the following criteria when selecting finalists:

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1. Involvement in Education
Finds ways for the church to connect with schools, homeschoolers, or other education needs.

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2. Support for Families & Students
Encourages and helps families and students in practical and spiritual ways.

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3. Church Participation
Inspires the congregation to actively serve and support education.

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4. Spiritual Leadership
Shares a clear vision for why education matters to God’s work.

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5. Partnership
Works with HERO or other ministries to make a bigger impact together.

Image by Jonas Allert
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What the Winner Receives

The HERO Pastor of the Year will receive:

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🎬 A Short Documentary Film highlighting their ministry and impact.


🌐 Feature Spotlight on HERO’s website, newsletter, and social media.

 

​​🎥 Plus increased visibility across the HERO network.


🌴 Getaway (Winner’s Choice):​

OPTION 1

Florida Vacation

+ $1,000 Travel Allowance

Enjoy a 5-day / 4-night stay (Mon–Fri) in beautiful St. Joe, Florida, plus a $1,000 travel allowance to make your trip unforgettable.

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Important Notes:
• This prize is strictly limited to available weeks during January or February 2026 at the designated vacation home.
• Availability is not guaranteed. Only dates open at the time of the award announcement will be offered to the winner.
• If no available dates exist during January or February 2026 — or if the limited available dates do not work for the winner’s schedule — Option 1 will be automatically replaced with Option 2 (Travel Credit).

OPTION 2

$1,000 Travel Credit

If Option 1 cannot be fulfilled, the winner will receive a $1,000 Travel Credit instead.
 

Eligible Uses:
• Hotel or lodging
• Airbnb or vacation rental
• Flights or airfare
• Fuel or road travel (gas)
 

Restrictions:
• The travel credit cannot be redeemed as cash or used for non-travel-related purchases.
• All travel arrangements using the credit must be submitted to and approved by HCMA prior to booking.

Eligibility

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  • Nominees must be pastors serving in Kansas.

  • Anyone may submit a nomination — church members, parents, educators, or community partners.

  • Nominations are free and open until Saturday, November 1.

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Image by James Wheeler
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Image by Aaron Burden

Nomination Form

Sorry, but this form is now closed.

Pastor of the Year Nomination

The questions below are about the pastor you would like to nominate for HERO Pastor of the Year.


Finalists will be chosen based on the following criteria:


1. Involvement in Education

Finds ways for the church to connect with schools, homeschoolers, or other education needs.

 

2. Support for Families & Students

Encourages and helps families and students in practical and spiritual ways.

 

3. Church Participation

Inspires the church to take part in serving and supporting education.

 

4. Spiritual Leadership

Shares a clear vision for why education matters to God’s work.

 

5. Partnership

Works with HERO or other ministries to make a bigger impact together.


Our board will be choosing three finalists in November based on the criteria above. Then we will ask our community of subscribers and followers to vote for one pastor to become HERO Pastor of the Year 2025.


Please answer the questions below to the best of your abilities. Thank you!

Key Dates

Key Dates

 

🗓️ Nomination Deadline: Saturday, November 1

📣 Finalists Announced: Monday, November 17

🗳️ Public Voting: November 23–30

🏆 Winner Announced: Monday, December 22

 

Fine Print & Prize Disclaimer

  • No purchase necessary. Nominations are free to submit.

  • Travel prizes are subject to availability, blackout dates, and standard booking conditions.

  • The winner may choose one of the listed getaway options. No cash substitutions will be made.

  • The documentary video will be produced by HERO for promotional and celebratory purposes; usage rights are shared between HERO and the winner’s church for non-commercial use.

  • The board’s decisions and public voting results are final.

  • By submitting a nomination, you grant HERO permission to reference or feature excerpts from your submission for promotional purposes.

  • HERO reserves the right to modify or substitute prize details if necessary due to availability or unforeseen circumstances.

 

For any questions, contact: info@HeartlandHero.org

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Thank You For Honoring Your Pastor

Every nomination is a meaningful way to say thank you to pastors who faithfully serve families, students, and schools.

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When you submit your nomination, take one more step —
Subscribe to HERO updates so you’ll be among the first to know when we announce the Top 3 finalists and open public voting (Nov 23–30)!

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