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A professor at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has won a top ministry award in the Church of God organization.

Carlton Hughes was one of three winners of the Shepherd’s Cup for outstanding service in children’s ministry in the Church of God.

The award is presented annually by the Children’s Leaders Association at their FOCUS Conference in Greenville, S.C.

Children’s pastors who have served at least 10 years in ministry at their church are eligible for the honor. Hughes and his wife, Kathy, have served as Children’s Pastors at the Lynch Church of God for 12 years.

“I was humbled and honored to win the award, not to mention totally shocked,” said Hughes. “I am thankful to God for placing me in such a wonderful church family with great kids and co-workers, and I want to recognize my wife who serves alongside me.”

Hughes is the first person from the Lynch church to win the award.

During the recognition ceremony, he was also lauded for his work with the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry, which he coordinates both in his church and in Harlan County.

“We are proud of Carlton and Kathy and their dedication to the children at our church,” said Don Chavis, Lynch senior pastor.

“I want to say congratulations to the Hughes, and I appreciate their ministry,” said Tony Lane, Discipleship and Children’s Ministries coordinator for the Church of God, based in Cleveland, Tenn.

The Hughes live in Cumberland and have two sons, Noah and Ethan.

Hughes is a professor of communication on the Cumberland campus. He is a native of Jenkins.