Rev. Steve Trefz addresses the plenary. Photos by jlynn studios.

Rev. Dr. Steve Trefz has a creative ability to mentor and journey with students, helping them discern their call that matches their unique God-given talents and passions. Sometimes a person’s call fits within the existing structure of lay or clergy, such as Certified Lay Ministers or elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors. When the existing structure does not match an individual’s call, Dr. Trefz helps them blaze a new trail, seeking a new place to serve out their God-given call, advocating, and sometimes provoking the system for new wineskins for today’s new wine.

Because of how Trefz has supported students from all walks of life in discerning and responding to God’s call in their lives, as well as experimenting and innovating in Wesleyan seminary education around the world, he is the 2026 recipient of the Francis Asbury Award for the Dakotas Conference.

Bishop Francis Asbury, a foundational figure of American Methodism, was a passionate advocate for education. Asbury believed that educated leadership was vital for the church's health and societal progress. His efforts laid the groundwork for numerous secondary schools and colleges. President Calvin Coolidge stated, "Many institutions of learning, some of them rejoicing in the name of Wesleyan, all trace the inspiration of their existence to the service and sacrifice of this lone circuit rider!"

Asbury’s commitment to combining "knowledge and vital piety" remains a cornerstone of The United Methodist Church's educational philosophy. Today, the church honors his legacy through the Francis Asbury Award. The award recognizes United Methodist individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering United Methodist ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level.

Dr. Trefz’s passion for intentional, creative, and innovative ministry is clear in his role in developing, creating, and continuing to evolve the global seminary of Kairos University.

Kairos combines his passion for research, the church, pastoral theology and practice, and transformational change. Currently, Dr. Trefz serves as Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Wesley House of Study.

He has mentored hundreds of students and shepherded them into their calling to ministry. It's the part of his ministry at Kairos that gives him deep satisfaction. "What I enjoy most as part of the Kairos University team is being a faculty mentor for students, but I also get to be involved in key trajectory decisions from enrollment to curriculum and everything in between," said Trefz. "I get to help lead the Wesley House of Study, which covers a vast amount of the Methodist family tree, but particularly United Methodists. No day is ever the same, but each day involves something that God has gifted me and called me to do."

Trefz also spoke about his motivation for ministry. "When someone brings their call story to you, it's a sacred space. Asking questions, seeking the Spirit together, and finding out where Jesus already is in that person's story is such a blessing. I've seen hearts and lives changed; I've seen teams of people help each other get through the tough reality of ministry in this broken world, and I've seen redemption that only God can give."

Witnessing those Spirit-led transformations is what carries him through the sometimes tedious tasks of ministry. Trefz said, "That makes it pretty easy to keep putting in the hours, checking the never-ending emails, and dealing with the frustrations that such large systems inevitably endure. As long as what God's doing through me is helpful, I'll keep sharing it!"

Rev. Trefz’s creativity and innovation arise from a desire to connect ancient practices and modern awareness. He has been shaped by diverse tools and people: spiritual gift resources, Wesleyan theologies, Thomas Aquinas, and Stephen King. All of it helps Dr. Trefz to see how intentional ministry life can be giving, here and in the life to come.

Bishop Lanette Plambeck congratulates Dr. Trefz.

He shares this statement about his work on the Kairos University website. “I give thanks to God every day that I get to journey with students from sources and research of ministry into the actual practice of ministry. The global nature of our student body and faculty/staff makes each day a living proof that God is at work in the world, and that we are called to be the body of Christ day in and day out…. Whenever the church comes to life, I get to see a glimpse of the Kingdom and gain the courage to keep on going.”

The award was presented at the 2026 Dakotas Conference held in Bismarck, North Dakota.

“A lot of you have had to endure ideas of mine long before they were helpful. Thank you for being you and for your ministry. I don’t take it for granted,” said Trefz after receiving the award.

Bishop Lanette Plambeck, resident bishop for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, stated, “Congratulations, Steve! His Wesleyan spirit makes it easy to love him and his work.”

View video of Trefz receiving the award.