pittfriendsd1899ebadf063e370edcc817e1a2aec611c22c1d

Honoring our 2025 Legends

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:52:40 GMT

Honoring the 2025 Legends: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges - including our LEGENDS from 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024!

Each year, Pittsburgh F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is honored to recognize a powerful group of individuals who are not only inspiring but transformational. Our 2025 honorees are living proof that faithful stewardship, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to unity can break down barriers and build bridges that bring communities together under one vision—ONE CHURCH.

These remarkable leaders are not content with maintaining the status quo. They are actively shifting atmospheres, healing divides, and paving the way for deeper connection across cultures, denominations, and generations. Their service reflects the very heart of God—uniting His people as one body, just as Christ is returning for one church, without spot or wrinkle.

From education and the arts to ministry, civic engagement, and beyond, this year’s honorees demonstrate that when passion meets purpose, transformation follows. Their stories are testaments to perseverance, innovation, and the power of vision anchored in faith. They remind us that true leadership is not measured solely by achievement, but by impact—how we love, lift, and lead others toward something greater than ourselves.

As we celebrate these bridge-builders, we also turn our hearts toward the future. Their example challenges us all to be intentional about raising up the next generation—to mentor, support, and empower others to carry the torch of unity forward.

To honor these individuals is to reaffirm our collective commitment: to build, to serve, and to reflect the Kingdom of God here on earth. We thank our 2025 Legends for walking boldly, leading faithfully, and reminding us that together, we are better. Together, we are ONE CHURCH.

Pittsburgh F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 2024 Highlights

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:05:14 GMT

As the year comes to a close

We are so excited to share our highlights with our F.R.I.E.N.D.S.!

The 2024 Pittsburgh F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Legends Awards Dinner Gala was spectacular! Our Honorees not only blessed us with their continued unity strides in our communities but our amazing guest-speaker Dr. David Anderson gave us a Word that was unforgettable!

2024 Legends Gala Highlights

Honoring our Legends 2024

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:54:47 GMT

Honoring our LEGENDS from 2021, 2022, 2023 and The New 2024 Nominees

Each year, we have the privilege of nominating exceptional individuals who not only inspire us but also enrich our broader community. These remarkable individuals serve as beacons of excellence, setting a standard for us to emulate and bridging the gap in our understanding of the qualities that define exemplary role models and future nominees. Their unwavering dedication, resilience, and steadfast commitment to their passions distinguish them. Whether excelling in the realms of science, arts, education, or humanitarian endeavors, they exhibit a rare fusion of vision and perseverance, continuously challenging norms and expanding horizons.

Their narratives underscore the transformative potential of hard work and the profound influence a single individual can wield. By sharing their stories, we not only laud their accomplishments but also inspire others to reach for loftier goals and pursue excellence. Through their examples, we glean invaluable lessons on leadership, empathy, and ingenuity.

As we commemorate these pioneers, let us also acknowledge the importance of nurturing and empowering upcoming generations. By offering opportunities, guidance, and platforms for emerging talents, we foster a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity. Together, we can cultivate a community where every individual has the chance to thrive and contribute to a more equitable and luminous future.

In honoring these extraordinary individuals, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering an environment where greatness is not merely a possibility but a shared reality for all.

2021 Honorees & Proclamation

info@bcink.design (Ben B) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:27:00 GMT

Honoring our Legends

Dr. Reid Carpenter

PITTSBURGH LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION: A Foundation designed to unite churches in the revitalization of Pittsburgh

Pastor Archie* and Apostle Claudette Dennis

PITTSBURGH BELIEVERS CONVENTION—A convocation of worship of Pittsburgh local churches

Rev. Maurice Doss* and Rodger Woodworth

A regular public dialogue within Christ’s body on race and reconciliation

Ernie Frederick*

PRAYERS OVER PITTSBURGH: A gathering of Pittsburgh church leaders for prayers and prophetic words over Pittsburgh. That Pittsburgh would be known for God rather than steel

Bishop Joseph Garlington and Pastor Gary Mitrik

PROMISE KEEPERS: A gathering of men in the Pittsburgh region

Pastor Jay Passavant*

MENTORING PARTNERSHIPS: Founding leader uniting men and women to mentor leaders. Service to churches and non-profits

Dr. Lorraine Williams

TRAILBLAZERS: United community leaders in Pittsburgh for blazing trails

Bishop David Zubik

AMEN TO ACTION: A gathering of churches united in feeding the hungry

Talking Church

info@bcink.design (Ben B) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:03:00 GMT

Talking Church | Clynt Reddy & Clinton Allen | A Journey of Diversity & Belonging

Watch - World Vision’s May we be One: Series

info@bcink.design (Ben B) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:01:27 GMT

The Power of Thanksgiving

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:00:13 GMT

Change your life and the world will thank you.

by Pastor Justin Murrell

I have learned that expressing thanksgiving and gratitude is the fastest way for me to experience the presence of God in my life. I first learned this lesson at the age of 12 when I got my first blue 6-speed huffy mountain bike for Christmas. It was and is to this day one of my favorite memories that I have from my childhood for a lot of reasons, but the main reason why this is my favorite memory is that it solidified for me the fact that I had a dad who loved me.

For the first six to seven years of my life, I had no consistent male presence in my household. My biological father was inactive. We knew each other but there was no real relationship. My mother, being the amazing woman that she was, understood that there was a big gap in my life known as the father wound and she wanted to fix it. Through different events that transpired in my mother’s life, she met and started a relationship with a coworker and she ended up marrying him after the date for some time and just like that, I had new a dad. However, because of damage that was done in my formative years my relationship with my new dad was very contentious. YOU’VE GOT TO READ THE REST! (Cl ick Here)