The Frank & Gladys Reynolds Servant Leadership Award (FGRSLA) recognizes excellence in service to the ministry among staff employees.
These awards are intended to provide incentives for continued workplace performance to full-time staff employees who make significant contributions to the ATC community. The intent of this award is not to recognize executive directors, but to highlight those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
We hope that we are not only recognizing servant leaders of today, but also inspiring others to step up to this level. We want to inspire everyone to recognize their part in encouraging students.
Before her passing, Gladys Reynolds, widow of Frank Reynolds, graciously met with President Gary Blackard to give her blessing for this award. During their conversation, she shared that Frank would have deeply valued recognizing staff members who serve without fanfare or recognition—those who exemplify selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the mission of ATC. It is in this spirit that the award now bears both their names.
This year one full-time staff employee will receive a one-time $1,000 award. The intent of the award is to recognize exceptional service and dedication to the mission of Adult & Teen Challenge to lead students to find freedom from addiction.
If you feel led to support the Frank & Gladys Reynolds Servant Leadership Fund, the fund that makes awards like this possible, you can make a gift today.
Application Deadline
Applications accepted January 1 – April 1, 2026
Note: This award is only granted on years with a National Conference.
Awards Presentation
Award recipients will be recognized at the biennial National Conference.
Selection Process
The selection will be made by a committee chosen by ATC from across the country. The Review Committee reviews all nominations received and selects award recipients by committee consensus. Recommended award recipients are subject to final approval by their CEO and/or the president.
Eligibility
Full-time, regular employees in administrative, professional, and support staff positions and have at least one year of full-time employment at an accredited ATC location are eligible to receive an award. There is no limit on the number of times an individual employee may receive an award, but individuals may not receive an award for two consecutive years.
Award Criteria
The Frank & Gladys Reynolds Servant Leadership Award (FGRSLA)
Adult & Teen Challenge is honored to present the The Frank & Gladys Reynolds Servant Leadership Award (FGRSLA), a recognition that celebrates the quiet heroes of our ministry—those who serve faithfully behind the scenes with humility, excellence, and Christlike leadership.
Frank & Gladys Reynolds each modeled a legacy of service, integrity, and spiritual strength. Frank’s leadership was shaped by the example of Christ—marked by a servant’s heart, boldness in sharing the gospel, and wise, judicious guidance. Gladys, faithfully supporting and serving alongside Frank, embodied grace, perseverance, and compassion throughout their years of ministry.
This award honors ATC staff members and leaders who have sacrificed much and influenced many through quiet yet impactful service. The ideal recipient will reflect the qualities exemplified by Frank and Gladys:
- Strong personal integrity
- A servant’s heart
- Boldness for the gospel
- Wise and faithful leadership
Awards may be presented in recognition of:
- An extended period of excellent service to the ministry
- A particular season or moment of extraordinary dedication
Because of the wide range of roles within the ATC network, nominations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with attention to the unique contributions of each individual.
Nominations
Currently enrolled students, graduates, staff, or administrators are encouraged to nominate full-time staff employees for the Frank & Gladys Reynolds Servant Leadership Award.
Nomination forms should be substantive, with a clear rationale for the nomination. Nominees may be asked for more information.
An applicant must be nominated by three different people for the nomination to be accepted. Encourage fellow staff members to nominate the same individual to better their chances of being selected.
View an example of a good, informative nomination letter below.
Example Nomination
Please describe the activities and contributions to the ministry that makes this individual deserving of significant recognition. Please be as specific as possible and be sure to include examples of strong integrity, a servant’s heart, boldness for the gospel, and wise and judicious leadership.
I wish to nominate Jerry Jones for the FGRSLA. Jerry is deserving of this honor because of his tireless service to the students. He has worked in various roles at the center always going beyond the call of duty. One example would be when a student had been sick with the flu and Jerry worked with him to get his classroom work done to keep him on track for graduation. The student and Jerry had to find personal time to get the work completed, but Jerry made himself available to get the job done.
An example of Jerry’s integrity was a time that a student was lying to his parents about things that were happening at the center. The parents were upset and took it out on Jerry, but Jerry didn’t lash back at the parents. He patiently explained the process at the center. In the end, the parents didn’t take their son home and he went on to complete the program.
But it doesn’t always work that way, some students leave early, and Jerry has often counseled with staff with less experience when they have been upset because a student leaves early. He doesn’t complain if he’s given early or late work schedule.
Once Jerry was awakened in the night and felt compelled to check on students in the dorm. There were some students planning to cause problems, but Jerry was able to defuse the situation because he listened to the Lord.
