Pastor at Eastside church surprised by Murphy mentor award

ASHEBORO — When Pastor Michael White saw Willie Gladden at his New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church, the two exchanged greetings. Only later did White realize why Gladden was in attendance.

At the end of the service on Sunday, March 1, someone said Gladden had an announcement to make. “Willie said I was chosen as an outstanding mentor,” White said.

Gladden presented White the Russell E. Murphy Sr. Mentor Award, which is given each year.

“Was I surprised? Yes, I was,” White said the next day. “It was an honor. Someone nominated me at church for this.”

Originally from Siler City, White pastors New Beginnings, located at 4720 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, and also has a regular job. 

“I have always had a passion to reach men from a spiritual standpoint, children and men,” he said.

White has a gathering of men and boys in what he calls the “Mancave” at the church. He said the motto is “What’s said in the Mancave stays in the Mancave.” He calls it a “safe place to meet” where people can say what’s on their minds from a male perspective.

“As a mentor, I try to make sure my life speaks louder than my words,” White said, “that my actions reach the men. I try to see the best in everyone and see their potential. I believe someone should just be a good listener.”

The Russell E. Murphy Sr. Mentor Awards recognize African American male role models/mentors in the Asheboro Eastside Community. Those who qualify must have gone above and beyond in helping young African American males in their development and growth as they pursue the journey of education and manhood. 

The qualifications are modeled after the late Coach Murphy’s ideals which he spent most of his adult life in the Asheboro community enacting.