Regarding Our Future
Last June, I resigned my position as Senior Pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. When I resigned, I did not have another position lined up or even in mind. I needed some time to deal with the physical effects that stress and ministry have on an individual over an extended period of time. Thankfully, the members of Northside graciously provided a generous arrangement that gave me the time to address those issues and to seek what assignment God would have for me next.
In the months that have followed, I’ve been assisting Dr. Dino Pedrone as the Interim Headmaster at Dade Christian School in Miami on a part-time basis that has involved me flying back and forth between Charlotte and Miami each week. I’ve also been visiting various ministry and employment opportunities that have come my way.
I was very much convinced that I was more than likely going to end up on a college faculty somewhere or perhaps in administration. I interviewed for a couple of senior administrative position at some Christian colleges, entertained the challenge to start a Bible college for a Seminary and even considered just becoming a full-time on-line adjunct professor. But in recent weeks and in a variety of ways, the Lord made it known that this wasn’t the route He would have me take.
Instead, after much thought, prayer and dialogue, I have accepted an opportunity to work for my long-time friend and someone whom I trust and respect deeply, Dr. Dino Pedrone. This coming summer, I will be joining the staff of New Testament Baptist Church in Miami as the Vice-President of the entire Ministry serving as Dr. Pedrone’s Senior Associate Pastor. New Testament has three church locations and three school locations. In addition, I will be over-seeing the establishment of a teaching site for Davis College in South Florida where we will be offering courses so that students in our area will be able to earn a fully-accredited college degree without relocating. With over 350 employees, two large campuses and an annual budget of over $18 million, I have been assigned the over-all management of the ministry which will free Dr. Pedrone to continue the visionary pastoral leadership that God has called him to perform.
As a Senior Pastor for 17 years, one of my greatest frustrations was the responsibility that is placed on today’s large-ministry leader to be both a visionary leader and an administrative leader. This is like trying to be a Quarterback and the Head Coach in the same game. It’s possible, but in the end you will not be as effective in either role as you would be if you could focus on one. I enjoy being a visionary and I enjoy organizing. But for too many, ego and pride or simply pressure from those who don’t understand the role of Senior Pastor prevents larger churches from organizing properly by having someone come under the Senior Pastor and his visionary leadership and helping him implement what God has laid on his heart. Such a person needs to be loyal to the bone and understand what that role entails.
Dr. Pedrone is one of those rare individuals who has all the qualities of an aggressive leader without the ego, control-issues and domineering spirit that often comes with that personality. In public and private, as I’ve observed him for fifteen years now, I have constantly admired his passion, character and intellect. He is burdened for the gospel and has a heart that is bent toward redemption and letting others experience the blessings of God’s grace. I look forward to serving the Lord by serving with him.
So….the next few months are going to be busy for the Burrells. I will remain in my part-time role as Interim Headmaster of the 1250-student Dade Christian School throughout the school year. I have a house to sell in Charlotte and many things to conclude there in addition to finding housing in the Miami area. Of course, the kids have to finish school and Julie has another big move to organize for the second time in a year. I plan on going full-time sometime after the end of school and before the next school year starts. Megan will be transferring as a Senior to Dade Christian School and is already looking at Palm Beach Atlantic University in our old home town for continuing her education.
I won’t pretend that we are looking forward to leaving Charlotte. We have loved living there and we are not relishing the thought of leaving our many friends, the Queen City and the Carolinas. But more than anything else, we want to be where the Lord has led us and at this time, it is apparently back to South Florida. Too many times we waste personal energy and spiritual focus by looking at the past. As tempting as that has been for us, we are choosing instead to look to the future knowing that nothing ever catches Him by surprise even if it catches us by surprise.
Those who know me are probably snickering with memories of me pontificating about “never going back to South Florida” and so on. That’s OK….I deserve it. I can tell you this — while you are shoveling snow, enduring weeks of overcast skies and wondering if Spring will ever come, I’ll be enjoying an ocean breeze or walking along the beach.
More seriously, I am looking forward to ministering in a church that has over 70 different ethnic groups and nations worshipping on a typical Sunday. Miami is the gateway to South America, Central America and the Carribean. If you love missions, there’s no better place to live! The mission field is right here and it is ripe unto harvest. The people in our church are some of the warmest, most energized, most caring and genuine people you could ever want to meet.
The traffic isn’t as bad as I remembered it, the food is better than I remembered it and yes, I’m going to try and conquer Spanish yet again. We’re still a few months away from the actual transition, but I wanted to let the folks who have been praying for us these last nine months or so know what is happening. I’ll keep everyone posted via this blog, so stay tuned.
bhy said,
February 25, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
For our own selfishness, we are so SAD to see ya’ll go. But we wait with eager anticipation to see how God will work through you and your family. He has prepared you all along for this next journey. We love ya’ll and consider our lives so truly blessed that God crossed our paths. You have taught us and ministered to us more than you will ever know. We thank God for you and your sweet family. Todd & Brenda
Corey Adams said,
February 25, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
Mr. Burrell,
I am sure you will do great things for the Florida campus of Davis College. I know we here at the Main Campus in New York are excited to see what doors the Lord opens up down there. God bless you in your work as you do what God has called you to.
Corey
tlange said,
February 25, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Congratulations on your new opportunity. I know that you will do well in this new role and I know that Dr. Pedrone will greatly appreciate the assistance!
I am facing a similar decision. I will receive my seminary degree in May (M.A) and I am not sure if I should stay and finish my MDiv (at least two more years minimum) or head out into full time vocational ministry again.
Tony Wing said,
February 26, 2008 @ 11:46 am
This is great Doc. I was looking forward to possibly a few more classes with you in my SES term, but seeing you go after God’s will is awesome. Good luck in Dade. Don’t get sunburnt. I was hoping that somehow we could pick you up at First Baptist Indian Trail, but I guess not.
PS. Just after the end of last semester’s class I started discipling a high school senior from my church and it is simply spectacular to see God using it in both his and my life. Thanks for your passion in class for discipleship. It definately rubbed off on me.
Joe Roof said,
February 26, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Good news Dan!
I will be praying for you as you make this move.
Gene said,
February 26, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Congratulations Dan,
I too understand having to move alot
we head for VA after our son gets married in June. God’s Blessings…
carterfab said,
February 26, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
So excited for you and your family and look forward to hearing of the wonderful things God brings your way. Their gain is definately our loss. We will miss you but will always keep you in our hearts and prayers. Cant wait to come see you all there and the door is always open for you here.
May the Lord richly bless you all.
Love to you all
Brian and beth
Russell Johnson said,
February 26, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
Dan, it’s been a great place to live, minister and EAT for at least the last 30 years. Welcome to the neighborhood. I look forward to being able to minister together in this great part of the world.
Russell Johnson
Tim Decker said,
February 26, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Dr. Burrell, you should come out to visit me in Beaufort. It is still in NC but you have all the same benefits of the South Florida weather. God has to send someone to the beaches to minister. I’m glad to know I am in good company. I am also glad to see the Lord lead you to remain in church ministry. We’ll be praying for you in this next step of your life.
Tim Decker
John Lentz said,
February 27, 2008 @ 7:57 am
Dan
Congrats and good luck in your move. We have been praying for you and your family in this time. I guess that I will have to come see you agian in South Flordia.
My family and I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thanks agian for your willingness to follow what God wants you to do.
Thanks
John Lentz
Sam & Melissa Carrara said,
February 27, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
Dan & Julie,
We are SO sad to see you guys go, but excited to have someone else to visit in South Florida. We love you guys dearly and know God has WONDERFUL ministries in store for both of you. Please keep in touch and we promise to visit next time we head south for the winter.
Love,
Sam & Melissa
Don Hazelett said,
February 28, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Hi Dan,
Good for you! I’m happy for you and your family! Take care!
don
Cindy Swanson said,
February 28, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
Wow, Dan…it sounds like this position is tailor-made for you…you’ll be able to make the most of your heart for education and for pastoring at the same time. As for doing what you said you’d never do…I guess that’s just a reminder that we should “never say never”! I personally won’t be feeling sorry for you living in South Florida while I’m suffering through Northern Illinois winters.
May God richly bless you and your family.
Orlando said,
February 28, 2008 @ 3:06 pm
That is awesome. I have been praying for you since our trip and as I told you NTBC will always have a special place in my heart. I know you are going to be a wonderful addition to the staff and a huge catalyst for the mission there! I will continue to pray for you and your family as you make this transition. God Bless You!
Jarret Hamilton said,
March 1, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
Hey Pastor Burrell,
I am not sure how best to contact you so I am going through here. I just wanted to say Hi to you and thank you for the influence you have had in my life. My wife Jennifer and I are currently pastoring Affinity Church just outside of Toronto and are doing very well. We were missionaries with you at Northside…
Just want to say hi, and wish you well.
Jarret
Voyle Glover said,
March 1, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
Dan’l:
You’ve no doubt made a wise and godly decision and I am confident that you will make an impact for the Lord there, as you did in Charlotte.
(I’m still amazed at how you can get more substance into a talk in 20 minutes than most of us can cram into a talk in an hour!)
Ben Smith said,
March 1, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
Pastor Dan,
I’m happy to hear your good news. God always puts you where He needs you when He needs you there. Obviously God needs you there! I’m sure you will be a great blessing in your new job!
Ben
Norm MacDonald said,
March 5, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Sounds like wonderful news Dr. B. Congratulations. May your ministry be fruitful and your life filled with love and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bud Weniger said,
March 8, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Dan:
Congratulations! Ever since I read that you were “stepping down” as Pastor at Northside, I have wondered where you were heading, or where you had gone. Glad to hear you are going back to South Florida. I made a trip to South Florida over 30 years ago, having a week long meeting with my good friend, and your’s as well, Dr. Al Janney. That was the beginning of many years of ministry with the American Association of Christian Schools.Those years were special and exciting as the AACS moved forward. Thanks for your friendship and fellowship together promoting the Christian School movement across America.
Bud Weniger
Updates said,
March 10, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
This week there are now new links and articles at:
http://www.cedarvillesituation.com
Jeremiah Halstead said,
March 12, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Ditto on all that jazz, pastor… someday I will have to come and visit FL… but not today. I’ve got tar on my heels and find it hard to even visit out of the state (aside from WV, but I’m not going down that road right now) Behave, no trouble