Alumnus Dr. Edward Heck receives 2014 Ministerial "O" Award from Olivet

2014 Nov 5

Olivet Nazarene University's Alumni Association recently honored Dr. Edward H. Heck as an outstanding alumnus by presenting him with the 2014 Ministerial "O" Award. Since its beginning in 1957, this is the highest honor that the University gives to its alumni. The award was presented as part of the 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend activities.

"Dr. Ed Heck is one who lives out what it means to be an Olivetian and a minister of the gospel," said University President John C. Bowling. "His service for our Lord in the global Church marks him as a good and faithful servant. This award is one small way to recognize the great impact of his dedicated service."

Dr. Heck, a 1976 Olivet gradutae, is in his 15th year as the senior pastor of Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene, Kankakee, Illinois. Broadly experienced in the ministry of the local church, he brings to the pulpit a heart sensitized by nearly 35 years of pastoral ministry.

Prior to his ministry at Kankakee First, Dr. Heck experienced great growth and spiritual vitality in each of his pastor assignments, including Morenci, Michigan; First Church of the Nazarene, Flint, Michigan; Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, Vicksburg, Michigan; and Vandalia, Ohio.

Dr. Heck completed his undergraduate work at Olivet and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical literature. Continuing his education, he graduate from Nazarene Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1980. In 2001, he received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

He travels and speaks frequently for the Nazarene Church. He has served on the Future of the Church Commission for General Assembly, as well as on other boards and committees of the Global Church of the Nazarene. Currently, he is the district secretary of the Chicago Central District and a mission area assistant to the District Superintendent. At Olivet, he is an adjunct professor in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and also teaches courses for the new interdisciplinary minor in leadership.

He and his wife of 39 years, Kathy (Welton) -- a 1977 Olivet graduate -- have one daughter, Alea, who is a junior at Olivet.