Celebrating Two Ministries Making an Impact
The annual Bott Radio Network Breakfast at NRB 2026 was a morning of celebration, as two award recipients were honored for their faithfulness and impact in Christian broadcasting.
The Journey with Steve DeWitt — New Broadcast Ministry of the Year
Pastor Steve DeWitt, senior pastor of Bethel Church in Northwest Indiana, was awarded New Broadcast Ministry of the Year for The Journey — recognized "for embracing the creative power of radio with outstanding Biblical teaching, knowledge and worldview to connect the hearts of listeners to the power of God's Word."
The Journey is a 25-minute daily and weekend broadcast offering life-giving truth from Scripture for every season of life. Through clear, practical, and theologically rich teaching, Pastor Steve brings God's Word to life with a passion for expository preaching, the doctrines of grace, and the beauty of God. A council member of The Gospel Coalition and board member of Global Action, Steve is also the author of Eyes Wide Open, Enjoying God in Everything, and Loneliness.
The award carried with it the words of Isaiah 62:6-7:
"I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."
Wayne Shepherd — The Aaron & Hur Award
Veteran broadcaster Wayne Shepherd was honored with the Aaron & Hur Award, presented "for faithfully supporting and strengthening God's leaders behind the scenes, lifting them up in prayer, encouragement, and service, just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands so that God's people might prevail."
With over 40 years of broadcasting experience, including a long tenure at Moody Radio, Wayne has dedicated his career to drawing out stories of God's faithfulness. As host of First Person, a weekly interview program featuring powerful, firsthand accounts of life transformation through Jesus Christ, Wayne uses his expert interviewing skills to connect listeners to the hope found in Christ. He also serves on the boards of National Religious Broadcasters, Far East Broadcasting Company, and Mission Eurasia.
The award's Scripture reference, Exodus 17:11-12, captures the heart of Wayne's ministry:
"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
These two awards reflect the breadth of what faithful Christian broadcasting looks like, from a bold new voice bringing Scripture to life daily, to a seasoned servant who has spent decades lifting up others behind the scenes. Congratulations to Pastor Steve DeWitt and Wayne Shepherd on these well-deserved honors.
