Austin Lewter
Jefferson Jimplecute
First Baptist Church Jefferson welcomed a new pastor this month when Dr. Ron Danley was called to serve the congregation.
He has 26 years in ministry and comes to Jefferson from Meadow Lane Baptist Church in Arlington where he served for the past 15 years.
Prior to that, his resume includes six years at Lytton Springs Baptist Church and four years at Nolan Baptist Church where he was ordained.
“I’ve lived all over Texas,” Danley said. “And I am looking forward getting to know East Texas and the folks here.”
Danley was born in Fort Worth while his father was in seminary.
He grew up Southwest of San Antonio and left the state initially for college.
After four years at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, he moved back to Texas in 1994.
He worked a few jobs for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before feeling the call to ministry.
This led him to seminary at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
He later earned his doctorate from Dallas Baptist University.
“I think folks would describe me as intense about the Lord and work but kind of laid back about life,” Danley said in an introductory letter to church leaders in Jefferson. “I enjoy working hard but also enjoy relaxing on the porch, in front of the fire, or over a good meal and in a nice visit.”
Danley says his core values include genuineness, honoring the Lord, living by His Word, and valuing people.
Valuing people motivates me to truly listen to them and know who they are, what they need, and what they bring “to the table” in various situations,” he said.
It is the desire to get to know people that excites Danley about Jefferson.
“I love the idea of being in a community where you can get to know people,” he said. “You can go downtown and have a cup of coffee and get to know folks on a personal level”
He would like to see FBC Jefferson eventually become an educational resource for students at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall.
Away from the congregation, Danley enjoys outside ministry including professional coaching, writing, and mentoring.
He also enjoys outdoor recreation.
When asked about his personal mission, Danley said, “I facilitate transformation in Christ. I am an equipper and see myself coming alongside others to help them discern God’s best for their life and walk with, grow in, and serve Christ. When I die, I want many people to say, ‘Ron helped me know and grow in Christ to fulfill my God-given purpose and potential.’”
Danley has moved to Jefferson and first met community members at the FBC Halloween event last month.
His first Sunday in the pulpit was November 6.