Grace and Peace to You:
The day has come...finally...really! Several moments have caused me pause today. Today is the day that I will completly detatch from any official capacity as the Director of Missions here in central Louisiana. In a short while, I will turn in my keys to the Baptist Mission Center, which I have had on my person for the last nine years and one month. I have my "paycheck" in my pocket, and it is the last of those I will receive. My pastoral library is boxed and headed to a new NOBTS prison ministry campus. I pray that the students will grow and blossom into roles that will change lives for Christ in that great field. I no longer will be charged with making administrative decisions. New ministry directions will be capapably made, but will no longer be made under my jurisdiction. All of that sounds a little melancholy, but I am actually looking forward to new days ahead! I will now look unto the Lord for His favor in granting me an place of His design for a new measure of my still in process...lifetime of surrender to His service.
Here are some observations, in no particular order, of the wonderful season of serving 90 plus churches as Director of Missions.
I DO LOVE THE LOCAL CHURCH. Now you have to know that loving the local church is not for the faint of heart, but I can tell you that God has placed in my heart, a love for all of the local churches. I have had the privilege of participating in Sunday morning worship services in every nook and cranny of Rapides and Grant Parishes. From congregaions in sizes ranging from the teens to the thousands. In those experiences, I have been awed by experience of worship in such variety. I believe that in God's eyes no church is superior or inferior. No church has lesser or greater opportunity to experience His presence and power. However, every single church has equal responsibilty to biblically and sincerely approach our Mighty God with open and humble hearts. My friend, God doesn't really "show up," when we happen to get our hearts right...He was already there "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matt.18:20 NASB)! May we open the eyes of our heart and experience a fresh encounter with God every time we gather in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Believe me when I tell you that I love our Southern Baptist Churches here in central Louisiana!
I LOVE PASTORS. I have observed more pastors in the last nine years than the average church member ever will. I have heard most of these men as they preach the Word of God. There are as many "styles" as there are preachers...but only one Holy Bible. That constant is critical! I affirm to you that we have an amazing collection of Bible preaching pastors here in central Louisiana and I tell you..."they can preach!" My hat is off to our pastor/preachers and they have my admiration and respect for their preaching and for their God given calling!
UNITY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH IS VITAL It seems that some churches really struggle with this. About 15% of our churches have had at least three (3) pastors over the last nine years. Some of those, no doubt, had changes that were not because of disharmony...but disharmony is all too often a factor. I estimate that an additional 20-25% have had two (2) pastors during this time. That would include retirements, health issues, and other factors other than disharmony. Remember, now...this means that many of our churches show excellent stability and they usually manage to remain unified in their fellowship. Here is my exhortation to the churches: unity is held together by a slender thread. Work hard to maintain unity. Don't take that as meaning you must avoid conflict or pacify those who sew foul seeds of disharmony. It means what it means...work hard to maintain (or establish) unity! Follow God's plan. Paul reminded Timothy how important it is that we conduct ourselves correctly in the church: "...but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15 NASB).
I LOVE OUR MISSION FIELD. I heard this at a gathering of pastors in a local restaurant for planning an evangelistic event: "A person in central Louisiana that dies without Christ goes to the same hell that a person in some other part of the world goes, who dies without Christ." Our community is important to our Great God. No one church can reach every person. Every church is better when there is strenght in the fabric of all of our churches. I believe that our association of churches is a gift from God. I pray that in the days ahead, with our new Director of Missions, Dr. Daryl Stagg, we can grow...really grow in unity and in mission!
It has been my honor and great privilege to have served you as your Director of Missions. You are a great people!
May God Bless and Keep You
Robert Daniel
Friday, August 31, 2018
Monday, October 16, 2017
Joint Worship Service
Dear Pastor, Leader and Congregation,
I am so looking forward to having our churches from all three associations together for a joint worship service. In the eight years that I have been DOM, I have traveled throughout Rapides and Grant Parishes to individual churches, I have personally experienced the beauty and inspiration of our worship...every time...every church! It has been on my heart for some time to have a joint worship service...to celebrate together our shared joy and to feel the affirmation that results when we preach the Word!
We will begin at 5:00 pm with a huge Missions Fair! There will be lots of mission exhibits, and tables of finger foods (provided by Kingsville Baptist Church).The worship service begins at 6:00 pm with wondrous music that will be so uplifting with our huge choir and a sanctuary full of our most energetic congregational singing! Quite plainly, I am looking forward to this element of the service as a kind of preview of how we will join our voices in heaven! Now, the next part is going to be the preaching of the Word. A few weeks ago, I heard an amazing message that seemed to be a perfect fit for this very time. Consequently, I have invited Rev. Drew Gardner, one of our newer pastors to preach for us. He serves as pastor of First Baptist Dry Prong, and I am supremely confident that you will be blessed.
Please don't miss this extraordinary opportunity. Transfer your Sunday EveningWorship to the following location and let us worship together!
Joint Worship Service
Kingsville Baptist Church
5:00 pm Missions Fair and Food
6:00 pm Choir and Congregation Singing capped-off with Bible Preaching!!
Robert Daniel
Director of Missions
Baptist Mission Center
Monday, November 21, 2016
Mission Opportunities and Cooperation
Grace and Peace,
Philadelphia Baptist Church, locations in Deville and Alexandria, recently emphasized to her members, mission opportunities for every member. They displayed as extensively as possible, all the mission endeavors of their church, all the while making sure that each member could and should be involved personally in some mission activity.
As a Southern Baptist Church, they had displays to inform members of their commitment to the SBC's Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the International Mission Board, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for the North American Mission Board, and the Georgia Barnett State Missions Offering for our beloved Louisiana. Everyone was able to see in this beautiful display the miracle of the Cooperative Program and its stunning impact throughout planet Earth in reaching all peoples with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The "Center" for Baptist work in central Louisiana...the Baptist Mission Center...also provided those members with a view into the work of the association of local churches in Rapides and Grant Parishes. The cooperative nature of SBC churches has tremendous impact locally, and members were able to see what happens for the kingdom when the local churches cooperate through their Association.
Additionally, the church has a very well developed network of ministries and missions in her own communities. Members were able to see in an amazing number of displays, the many ways that a local church can impact the culture surrounding the church by simply meeting needs and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But the most creative emphasis of the Missions Fair may have been the first booth that greeted the members as they entered the display area. The most prominent display, was a booth where each member could fill out an application for a United States Passport! Why? Pastor Clay Fuqua explained it with a personal story. A man was putting together a mission trip to a foreign country and inviting people to go with him. Clay told him that he was interested. The man asked him: "Do you have a passport?" Clay admitted that he did not have a passport. The man declared: "Then you're not really serious about going...you don't even have a passport!" Not only did the church provide passport applications, they also had a drawing to pay 100% of the expenses for a mission trip. There were three individuals who are now going to go on a mission trip outside the USA for the first time!! What a great idea!
That Missions Fair that morning was simply...outstanding! Try it in your church!
On Sunday evening, November 20, 2016, three North Rapides Baptist Association churches held a joint worship service. Now, joint worship services are not uncommon, especially among our more rural churches, but I don't see it too often among churches that are over 400 in attendance. But on this night the members of FBC Pineville, Kingsville, and Philadelphia churches assembled together at FBCP to worship as one family. They had a marvelous combined choir of a hundred or more voices, an Orchestra, and a great children's choir. The music was beyond amazing!
The host pastor, Stewart Holloway greeted the crowd and prepared us for what we were about to experience. Later, Kingsville's pastor, Bart Walker shared about the beauty of the Cooperative Program and the upcoming emphasis for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Then the Philadelphia pastor, Philip Robertson brought a perfectly timed message for this occasion on harmony and joy.
The evening was capped off with a magnificent time of fellowship provided and staffed by the host church. Their gracious hospitality was the perfect way to bring to a close a wonderful evening. A lot of work went into the evening, but I believe it was well worth it all.
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
Philadelphia Baptist Church, locations in Deville and Alexandria, recently emphasized to her members, mission opportunities for every member. They displayed as extensively as possible, all the mission endeavors of their church, all the while making sure that each member could and should be involved personally in some mission activity.
As a Southern Baptist Church, they had displays to inform members of their commitment to the SBC's Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the International Mission Board, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for the North American Mission Board, and the Georgia Barnett State Missions Offering for our beloved Louisiana. Everyone was able to see in this beautiful display the miracle of the Cooperative Program and its stunning impact throughout planet Earth in reaching all peoples with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The "Center" for Baptist work in central Louisiana...the Baptist Mission Center...also provided those members with a view into the work of the association of local churches in Rapides and Grant Parishes. The cooperative nature of SBC churches has tremendous impact locally, and members were able to see what happens for the kingdom when the local churches cooperate through their Association.
Additionally, the church has a very well developed network of ministries and missions in her own communities. Members were able to see in an amazing number of displays, the many ways that a local church can impact the culture surrounding the church by simply meeting needs and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But the most creative emphasis of the Missions Fair may have been the first booth that greeted the members as they entered the display area. The most prominent display, was a booth where each member could fill out an application for a United States Passport! Why? Pastor Clay Fuqua explained it with a personal story. A man was putting together a mission trip to a foreign country and inviting people to go with him. Clay told him that he was interested. The man asked him: "Do you have a passport?" Clay admitted that he did not have a passport. The man declared: "Then you're not really serious about going...you don't even have a passport!" Not only did the church provide passport applications, they also had a drawing to pay 100% of the expenses for a mission trip. There were three individuals who are now going to go on a mission trip outside the USA for the first time!! What a great idea!
That Missions Fair that morning was simply...outstanding! Try it in your church!
On Sunday evening, November 20, 2016, three North Rapides Baptist Association churches held a joint worship service. Now, joint worship services are not uncommon, especially among our more rural churches, but I don't see it too often among churches that are over 400 in attendance. But on this night the members of FBC Pineville, Kingsville, and Philadelphia churches assembled together at FBCP to worship as one family. They had a marvelous combined choir of a hundred or more voices, an Orchestra, and a great children's choir. The music was beyond amazing!
The host pastor, Stewart Holloway greeted the crowd and prepared us for what we were about to experience. Later, Kingsville's pastor, Bart Walker shared about the beauty of the Cooperative Program and the upcoming emphasis for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Then the Philadelphia pastor, Philip Robertson brought a perfectly timed message for this occasion on harmony and joy.
The evening was capped off with a magnificent time of fellowship provided and staffed by the host church. Their gracious hospitality was the perfect way to bring to a close a wonderful evening. A lot of work went into the evening, but I believe it was well worth it all.
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
Monday, April 27, 2015
If I Were the Devil (Spin-Off)
Recently, I saw the following theme on Facebook. In light of the churning social climate in the USA that has become more antagonistic, it seems, toward the Christian world view
IF I WERE THE DEVIL,
I’d get people to love Jesus, but not be a radical in their love for Him. After
all, there are many things to love. I would whisper a thought in people’s ears
about the Lord not wanting them to miss fun and/or relaxing activities. I’d
then get them to gradually place more importance on sleeping late on Sunday’s
and thinking of the fun things that seemingly can only be done on that day.
IF I WERE THE DEVIL,
I’d get people to watch TV preachers and buy plenty of inspirational books. At
first I’d get them to think of this as a way of adding more spiritual things
into their lives. Gradually, I’d convince them that if they can hear such great
preaching and music on TV, they don’t really need to go to that old traditional
institution called church. I’d encourage them to think that just because Christ
ordained and instructed them to be faithful to the church; they don’t really
need all that. In fact, I’d whisper a thought that they can get all of God they
need in nature, by watching TV, or by reading inspirational stories.
IF I WERE THE DEVIL,
I’d get families to get really busy with jobs and activities. That way, they
would have to consume themselves with making money to afford all the “things”
that they need to live the “good life.” I’d tell them that there would be more time
for God some other time of life. I’d expend my best efforts and all my resources
to simply get families, while still getting a little religion, to make their
own selfish needs their priority. In that way, they could convince themselves,
that God understands that they have these “needs” and that someday they’ll have
more time for Him.
IF I WERE THE DEVIL,
I’d get church people to think that the “little” sins of gossip, a critical
spirit, and lack of love are just normal things that God probably won't even notice. I’d
get a church to become satisfied in thinking they were doing all they need to
do, just having regular services, and lots of “eating meetings.” I’d urge them
to be satisfied with half-hearted singing, lifeless worship and prayers that
are void of tears.
HOWEVER, I’M NOT THE
DEVIL, SATAN IS. And he does not need any help. He is already doing a very
good job of convincing people to dilute their devotion to the Lord and to His
church. And, he is amazingly effective in keeping us from evangelizing the lost
. . . Don’t you think?
Enough of that...after all, Satan is a defeated enemy. Our focus is upon Jesus Christ...with Whom we are more than conquerors! Yes, let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus...in all things.
Tonight... the Area Wide Vacation Bible School Clinic will be held at Philadelphia Baptist Church. Bring your workers and come on out for the perfect event to stimulate your efforts for VBS. Great inspiration and training will be the tangible result of coming!
Congratulations to Lee and Gail Taylor upon their 50th Anniversary! Congratulations! Lee is the pastor of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Lecompte, Louisiana.
Blessings,
Robert Daniel, Director of Missions
Big Creek, Central, and N. Rapides Associations
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
CONDUCT BECOMING...CHURCH MEMBERS
Good Afternoon Central Louisiana Baptists!
"...I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15 NASB).
In the United States, members of the armed forces can be punished for "Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentlemen." The standards for conduct in the armed forces are much higher than the normal standards expected of civilians. Violations of these standards are typically characterized by dishonesty, cruelty, indecency, unfair dealings, lawlessness and overall injustice. Generally speaking, this conduct is of the nature considered to dishonor the officer's position. The main focus is to encourage integrity and honor in the United States Armed Forces. Thus, any type of poor conduct should not be performed by one in the position of a military officer even if though it may not be illegal.
Do the members of a Christ honoring, Bible believing, Bible preaching New Testament Church have a "Code of Conduct" of which they are to be held accountable? Paul, in his letter to Timothy very plainly instructed Timothy in the high standards that were to be applied to those who were in the church at Ephesus. Like those followers at the church at Ephesus, I suppose that Christians today also, have very high standards of conduct. To be succinct, Christians...like officers in the United States armed forces...are held to standards of conduct that are much higher than the normal standards than those expected of people outside the family of faith. So give this some thought. Is there room for improvement...in your conduct? Yes, me too!
I had an experience today that I've just got to share! I was with approximately 25 ministers from various churches in Grant Parish, in a meeting in the Grant Parish Sheriff's Department Conference Room. The subject was the possibility of a building that could be utilized to hold chapel services at the jail. This is a wonderful opportunity! Thank you Lord, for the exciting news and for the obvious concern shared by these ministers to make a difference in our community. May God grant his life-changing Good News to even more people through this emerging ministry.
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
"...I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15 NASB).
In the United States, members of the armed forces can be punished for "Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentlemen." The standards for conduct in the armed forces are much higher than the normal standards expected of civilians. Violations of these standards are typically characterized by dishonesty, cruelty, indecency, unfair dealings, lawlessness and overall injustice. Generally speaking, this conduct is of the nature considered to dishonor the officer's position. The main focus is to encourage integrity and honor in the United States Armed Forces. Thus, any type of poor conduct should not be performed by one in the position of a military officer even if though it may not be illegal.
Do the members of a Christ honoring, Bible believing, Bible preaching New Testament Church have a "Code of Conduct" of which they are to be held accountable? Paul, in his letter to Timothy very plainly instructed Timothy in the high standards that were to be applied to those who were in the church at Ephesus. Like those followers at the church at Ephesus, I suppose that Christians today also, have very high standards of conduct. To be succinct, Christians...like officers in the United States armed forces...are held to standards of conduct that are much higher than the normal standards than those expected of people outside the family of faith. So give this some thought. Is there room for improvement...in your conduct? Yes, me too!
I had an experience today that I've just got to share! I was with approximately 25 ministers from various churches in Grant Parish, in a meeting in the Grant Parish Sheriff's Department Conference Room. The subject was the possibility of a building that could be utilized to hold chapel services at the jail. This is a wonderful opportunity! Thank you Lord, for the exciting news and for the obvious concern shared by these ministers to make a difference in our community. May God grant his life-changing Good News to even more people through this emerging ministry.
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
Friday, October 31, 2014
Good morning Baptists in Central Louisiana!
It was a blessing to be with the good people of Homewood Baptist Church for three mid-week services in October. My prayers are with Pastor Jimmy Koonce in his recovery from a recent medical procedure. During the time that he was away, the Baptist Mission Center and the Louisiana Baptist Convention partnered together in the "Shepherd's Rest" ministry to supply preachers for the services. This ministry is provided in needed situations to assist a church at no cost. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to simply return unto a church a small blessing in light of all the ways our churches have supported the work of Southern Baptists, the Cooperative Program, the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the local Associations. Pastor, if you have a need to be away for a few weeks for a sabbatical, health, or any significant need...give me a call and allow your association an opportunity to be a blessing to you and your church.
This past Sunday and Wednesday, I experienced the privilege of supplying the pulpit at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church. This opportunity was especially meaningful to me as this church has been such an integral part of my spiritual development. My family and I were members there during my College and Career Sunday School days. Then as a young married adult, this church provided my first experience as a Sunday School teacher (6th Grade), and in counseling a young fellow as he found the JOY of receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior! Thank you Lord, for the ministry of our churches in proclaiming the Good News and their investment in the discipleship process of many people...including me!
I hope you have made plans to attend the annual Louisiana Baptist Pastor’s Conference. It will be November 9-10, 2014, at FBC Lafayette.
Sunday Evening Session is: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday Morning Sessions are: 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Monday Afternoon Sessions are: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Also, the Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting convenes at FBC Lafayette, on November 10-11, 2014. The basic schedule:
Monday Evening Session 5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Tuesday Morning Session 8:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday Afternoon Session 1:45 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
For more information, click on this link: http://louisianabaptists.org/annualmeeting
I hope to see you there!
Robert Daniel
It was a blessing to be with the good people of Homewood Baptist Church for three mid-week services in October. My prayers are with Pastor Jimmy Koonce in his recovery from a recent medical procedure. During the time that he was away, the Baptist Mission Center and the Louisiana Baptist Convention partnered together in the "Shepherd's Rest" ministry to supply preachers for the services. This ministry is provided in needed situations to assist a church at no cost. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to simply return unto a church a small blessing in light of all the ways our churches have supported the work of Southern Baptists, the Cooperative Program, the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the local Associations. Pastor, if you have a need to be away for a few weeks for a sabbatical, health, or any significant need...give me a call and allow your association an opportunity to be a blessing to you and your church.
This past Sunday and Wednesday, I experienced the privilege of supplying the pulpit at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church. This opportunity was especially meaningful to me as this church has been such an integral part of my spiritual development. My family and I were members there during my College and Career Sunday School days. Then as a young married adult, this church provided my first experience as a Sunday School teacher (6th Grade), and in counseling a young fellow as he found the JOY of receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior! Thank you Lord, for the ministry of our churches in proclaiming the Good News and their investment in the discipleship process of many people...including me!
I hope you have made plans to attend the annual Louisiana Baptist Pastor’s Conference. It will be November 9-10, 2014, at FBC Lafayette.
Sunday Evening Session is: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday Morning Sessions are: 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Monday Afternoon Sessions are: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Also, the Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting convenes at FBC Lafayette, on November 10-11, 2014. The basic schedule:
Monday Evening Session 5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Tuesday Morning Session 8:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday Afternoon Session 1:45 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
For more information, click on this link: http://louisianabaptists.org/annualmeeting
I hope to see you there!
Robert Daniel
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
https://www.facebook.com/events/286340708240327/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Grace and Peace Be Unto You!
Please hear this...Calling all pastors in Big Creek Baptist Association, Central Louisiana Baptist Association, and North Rapides Baptist Association...Your prayers and participation is urgently requested at the "Pastor Prayer Gathering!"
Theme: Praying for the churches in the central part of Louisiana and for all Louisiana Baptists
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where: Tall Timbers Conference Center Magnolia Room
Time: 9:30am -- 1:30pm
Cost: No Cost for this event
Lunch is provided!
There will be corporate prayer, individual prayer, and triplets of prayer. Musical interludes will be provided and several Scripture readings. This is an opportunity to join hearts and prayers for all pastors who have been called to minister in central Louisiana area churches.
No reservation is required...but if you would please let us hear that you are coming. Email me at radaniel933@gmail.com
Grace and Peace Be Unto You!
Please hear this...Calling all pastors in Big Creek Baptist Association, Central Louisiana Baptist Association, and North Rapides Baptist Association...Your prayers and participation is urgently requested at the "Pastor Prayer Gathering!"
Theme: Praying for the churches in the central part of Louisiana and for all Louisiana Baptists
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where: Tall Timbers Conference Center Magnolia Room
Time: 9:30am -- 1:30pm
Cost: No Cost for this event
Lunch is provided!
There will be corporate prayer, individual prayer, and triplets of prayer. Musical interludes will be provided and several Scripture readings. This is an opportunity to join hearts and prayers for all pastors who have been called to minister in central Louisiana area churches.
No reservation is required...but if you would please let us hear that you are coming. Email me at radaniel933@gmail.com
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