Rev. Luke Smith, Cornerstone UMC in Watertown, South Dakota is a 2015 recipient of the Denman Award for Evangelism. Each year Luke's ministry of Cornerstone has seen 30 to 80 persons make personal commitments to Christ. Luke has been a light and witness to the power of the Gospel for many years.

Smith came to Cornerstone as the youth pastor in 2001 and grew the ministry to attendance of 150 students, sharing his faith with the young people and seeing many lives transformed. 

Luke has been a light and witness to the power of the Gospel for many years.  As a student and football player at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, he was instrumental in starting Campus Crusade for Christ.  

Luke moved into the Discipleship leadership of Cornerstone seven years ago.   In those years his passionate love for Christ has been evident.   Luke does extensive spiritual counseling and guidance with people who are going through times of crisis and distress in life.   He is very open with those he deals with.  The healing and transformation come through the power of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to listen and obey the leading of God.  Hundreds of lives have changed as Luke leads people gently but directly into a personal walk with Jesus Christ.

Luke has trained dozens of lay persons at Cornerstone and other churches in the community as Prayer Counselors and Guides.    He leads a men’s support group called Sampson Society that is helping men face their secrets with one another and find freedom in Christ.  He is helping Cornerstone develop a culture of discipleship through a process called 3DM.

Rev. Roger Spahr, Vision pastor at Cornerstone UMC and Glacial Lakes District Superintendent ad, “Luke is someone with a passion for God. . and it's contagious!   He speaks, acts and walks with enthusiasm and love for the Lord.  It is quickly apparent whenever you're around Luke, that he is completely living for our Savior,” said Rev. Roger Spahr, Vision pastor at Cornerstone UMC and Glacial Lakes District Superintendent. “His eyes glow, his smile is quick and wide, and his arms fly with excitement when talking about God.  But he is also at times, at the right times, quiet and thoughtful, and sensitive to whomever he is talking with.  He is always ready to help... to listen...to pray...to encourage... and to share God's word! “