Presented by Mood Magazine
Thursday, October 31, 2025
Harlem Collective Theater | New York City
HONORING LEADERSHIP WHILE THEY ARE STILL AMONG US
The Dunamis Gospel Awards is a people’s choice celebration of gospel leadership in Black churches across New York City. Presented by Mood Magazine, this event gives flowers to the pastors, worship leaders, choirs, youth ministers, and church administrators who serve our communities with power, sacrifice, and love.
This is not a night of competition. This is a night of recognition, gratitude, and legacy.
And it happens on a day when it’s needed most — October 31st — as an evangelistic alternative to Halloween. While the world dresses up in costume, we’ll be dressing up in honor.
A CITYWIDE CELEBRATION
Each year, we partner with 20 of New York’s leading Black churches to spotlight the power of ministry across generations. Churches are invited to nominate leaders, vote for one another, and gather together for one unforgettable night of unity.
We’ll have live performances, ministry tributes, video highlights, red carpet arrivals, candy for the kids, door prizes, and a packed house of believers ready to praise and celebrate the true leaders among us.
HOW IT WORKS
August
Churches and individuals submit nominations across all categories.
September
Public voting opens to the entire community.
October 31
We gather to celebrate the winners, the nominees, and the ministries behind them.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Participating churches may nominate in the following categories:
- Pastor of the Year
- First Lady of the Year
- Minister of Music
- Worship Leader of the Year
- Youth Ministry Leader
- Children’s Ministry Leader
- Rising Star in Ministry
- New Gospel Artist
- Church Choir of the Year
- Church Administrator of the Year
- Media/Tech Ministry Leader
- Community Outreach Award
- Faith & Justice Award
- Legendary Ministry Award (Lifetime Recognition)
- Dunamis Church of the Year (Selected by public vote)
TICKETS
Early Bird General Admission: $25
General Admission: $35
VIP Seating: $50 (includes premium seating and gift bag)
Group Packages: 10 tickets for $200 (ideal for church delegations)
All attendees are encouraged to wear church formal attire. Children are welcome.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Live music from leading gospel voices
- Video spotlights of ministries making an impact
- Special recognition of First Corinthian Baptist Church
- Red carpet arrival and media coverage
- Gifts and scholarships awarded during the ceremony
- Kid-friendly activities and candy zones
- Door prizes and ministry resource giveaways
MISSION
The Dunamis Gospel Awards exists to affirm, uplift, and bring visibility to the power of Black ministry. It is our evangelistic answer to a night often known for darkness. On this night, we shine the light.
We don’t just celebrate celebrities — we celebrate the shepherds, servants, and stewards of the gospel.
PRESENTED BY
Mood Magazine
Mind. Body. Spirit. Culture.
In partnership with Harlem Collective
Curated and hosted by
Jarvus Ricardo Hester
Founder, Harlem Collective
Editor-in-Chief, Mood Magazine
GET INVOLVED
If your church would like to participate, nominate your leaders, or secure group tickets, contact us at:
Official nomination form opens August 1. Voting begins September 1.
Seats will fill quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room.
