...and Thank you's
Danny Burnley gives valuable insight into church revitalization from the heart of an experienced pastor. God has gifted him with a unique ability to nurse troubled churches back to health.
–Dr. Wayne Dickard
Retired Pastor
Former President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention
–Dr. Wayne Dickard
Retired Pastor
Former President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention
Thank you both for your love while being here with us. You both have been a special blessing. May God continue to bless your ministry wherever you are. -Marlene
Thank you and Mrs. Laverne for being obedient to the Lord and not just being my pastor, but a friend. I have truly loved serving Jesus alongside you! -Randy and Vicki
Thank you both for being such Godly, dedicated servants while ministering at Calvary. Our prayers continue to be with you both. -Gerald and Jan
For everything you have done…for everything you have given…Thank you! -Richard and Leila
We love you both very much. You will be missed. Thank you both for all you have done for our church. God bless you as you follow Him. The best is yet to come. -Annie Mae and Norma
What sweet blessings you both have been for us here at Calvary and to me personally. You will always be in my heart and prayers. -Judy
Thank you so much for all you’ve done to help our church. God sent you at a time when you were needed. And I praise Him for that. May God bless you as you continue with your ministry. We love you and Laverne. -Barbara
Thank you both for all you have done to help build our church. We appreciate and love you both. You have been such a blessing to us! May God continue to bless you in His work. We will be praying for you that God will keep you in His will. Everyone here at Calvary loves you both and hate to see you leave. -Joe
We are so thankful for the time we have had to worship and serve with you two. God truly blessed CFBC and Keith and I when He brought y’all to us. Keith and I hope the days ahead are as amazing as the days you have given to help us. One thing for sure is that we can see Jesus in your lives and we praise Him for allowing us that gift. -Keith and Felicia
Your heart for God and passion for helping others experience His life-changing love is so evident and so appreciated. He’s making a wonderful difference through you! May He continue to richly bless you and your ministry. -Calvary First Baptist
God truly sent you to us. He always knows what we need. The two of you have been such a blessing to us. You are dedicated, faithful, loving and an inspiration to all. Wherever He leads you I know that you will serve Him with all of your being. We love you and we will pray for you. -Clinton and Carol
Thank you so much for your time here. God has blessed us through your work. Praying His blessings continue on both as you continue working in the fields He will open. -Jerry and Mrs. Johnnie
There are not enough words to express our appreciation and gratitude for both of you! We only know for sure that God’s hands were in all that you have done for our church and church family! Although I have been unable to attend the services in person, I have been touched tremendously by your sermons, devotions, etc. So thankful for modern technology, but there is nothing like being in the house of God!!! -Tommy and Becky
Thank you both so much for all you have done for us at Calvary. God knew what we needed and that was you two to help get us to where we are today. -Pam
Thank you so much for all you have done for Calvary First Baptist Church. We appreciate you both so very much! -Kay
We appreciate you both so very much and thank God for all you’ve done for us at Calvary. We pray God’s richest blessings on you always. There’s always a home here for you! --Richard, Kelly, Ethan, and Addie
Thank you for all you have done for our church. You are doing exactly what the Lord wants you to do and I pray you’ll have many more years to do His work. We will miss you but will never forget you and your beautiful wife. -Linda
Thank you for being willing as the Lord leads to help people along the way to Heaven. I know for myself that you have helped me as well as Steve to grow in relationship to Jesus. Always in my prayers! -Joanne and Steve
Twenty months! I want to say thank you for helping us out of a pit we had dug for ourselves. The two of you have certainly been a blessing to me. I’ve heard you may feel as if you haven’t accomplished anything. Knowing there are lots of things, if you only helped us pay off the loan, that is huge. Now I pray that the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you. I ask that God bless the ministry the two of you share. -Dot
When our previous pastor left, our church was discouraged and depressed. Our numbers dwindled each week. Our financial condition was in shambles. Soon we were dependent on short-term pastors for worship services.
We were forced to our knees. We prayed fervently. Enter Delano McMinn and his wife, Willene, whose enthusiasm and can-do attitude lifted our spirits and strengthened our resolve to continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. The remnant of our members caught fire, and the Lord started opening doors and pouring out blessings.
The small congregation pledged enough money to hire a full-time pastor and give him at least three years to accomplish his vision from the Lord. Delano introduced us to Pastor Danny Burnley, and the Lord turned a man who “wasn’t interested” into a man who has been our pastor for the past four years. We can testify that the Lord can and will bless you if you surrender your will, seek His guidance, and follow His plan.
-Gertie Mullis
Member of Laurel Baptist Church
Four years ago, our Pastor search team contacted Danny Burnley about coming to serve with us as Pastor. It was not his desire to come to Laurel Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. He shared with our search team that our church was about to have a fatal “spiritual stroke.” He advised us to change our constitution and bylaws and to adopt the ACTS Ministry Plan (“A Church That Serves”). I was serving as deacon chairman and was surprised that all of our members voted to make the necessary changes, to set previous things aside and allow God to the leading. After some eight months, Pastor Burnley accepted our call. Laurel took a big step in faith, believing that God would provide. Under pastor Burnley’s leadership, we now have sixty-two ministries, FAITH witnessing teams, and a spirit of praise toward God for what He has done for us. We look forward to where God will lead us next.
-Vic Brown
ACTS Ministry Assistant
Laurel Baptist Church
Deep in the tall pines of McCormick, South Carolina, in a prestigious community, sits a small white church on a cedar tree foundation. It has been there for over one hundred years. The members there are few, but they have such a great heart.
You will always feel welcome there, and for more than thirteen years, the Rev. Dr. Danny Burnley has felt more than welcomed and appreciated because of the outpouring of love from the members of this small, Southern, African-American Baptist church.
It all began when Dr. Burnley met Sister Alice S. Crawford, who shared her love for this dying church and how it had been a part of her all her life, but she wasn’t sure about the church’s future. Here, Dr. Danny Burnley’s journey to help this church in need became a vision, and immediately God’s grace and mercy stepped right in!
Since that initial meeting, Sister Alice and her husband, Brother James “Butch” Crawford, have gone home to be with the Lord. However, the work of God continues on through Dr. Danny Burnley driving more than 160 miles to assist this congregation. This is living proof that God lives, and He lives in Dr. Burnley and the Hosannah Church family.
Through the assistance of Dr. Burnley, a new sanctuary is in its final stage of completion; a fine new pastor (Rev. Clyde Cannon) is serving as interim pastor; members are coming back to church; and God is blessing continuously. Oh, what a mighty God we serve!
-Ruby C. Pratt
Church Clerk
Hosannah Baptist Church
Danny Burnley has a heart for churches, especially those that are struggling. Having served as chairman of the search committee that called him to serve as our pastor, we found this out very quickly.
-Welford Crowe
Member
West Gantt First Baptist Church
Pastors and church leaders, I want to encourage you not to give up. I have personally seen how God can take a little and do great and mighty things. Our family began visiting a small mission work in Anderson, South Carolina, in 2001. Dr. Danny Burnley had accepted the call as pastor with only fourteen members and drove forty-eight miles one way each day. Our family joined in the summer of 2001, and in October, Danny personally led me to faith in Christ. Over the next few months, I witnessed god’s blessings upon the church in many wonderful ways. God took a small group of people and made it a mighty work for God. So be encouraged, because God can do the same where you are serving today.
-Zach Shaw
Pastor of Jones Avenue Baptist Church (Easley, SC)
Thanks be to God for calling Danny Burnley to be pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. At the time of his calling, I served as Sunday School director. Our church was in a state of darkness, difficulty, and division. Our Sunday School was disorganized, our facilities needed much renovation, our business meetings were in disorder, and we were in need of more property. What seemed to be a daunting task became a blessing for our church. God blessed the ministry of pastor Burnley. I thank God for allowing this pastor to be a part of the legacy and history of our church. He is a great man of God and is being used of God in helping churches refocus.
-Warren Mahaffey
Member
Temple Baptist Church
In 1983, Union Baptist Church in Iva, South Carolina called Danny Burnley as Pastor. On the first week in May, he had scheduled a revival. As Sunday School director, I came under conviction and realized I was lost. On the night of the last service, May 8, 1983, I was saved. From Pastor Burnley’s preaching and teaching the Bible and through Christian Witness Training, Union Baptist Church grew both in spirit and in number. God has given Pastor Burnley the gift of bringing church members together and developing a vision that will challenge the church and honor God. It was truly a blessing to have him serve as our Pastor.
-Rhett Simpson
Member
Union Baptist Church
In 1980 when I was thirteen years old, Danny Burnley came to our small church in rural Georgia. With God’s guidance and Pastor Burnley’s teaching and preaching the principles and instruction found in God’s Word, our church began to grow spiritually and in number. Today, our church is still a thriving church where God’s love and forgiveness are found. I now serve as a deacon and Sunday School teacher of the same church. God has continued to bless our church through the hard times as well as the good times. May God bless you!
-Tim Mize
Member
Unity Baptist Church (Royston, GA)
Thank you and Mrs. Laverne for being obedient to the Lord and not just being my pastor, but a friend. I have truly loved serving Jesus alongside you! -Randy and Vicki
Thank you both for being such Godly, dedicated servants while ministering at Calvary. Our prayers continue to be with you both. -Gerald and Jan
For everything you have done…for everything you have given…Thank you! -Richard and Leila
We love you both very much. You will be missed. Thank you both for all you have done for our church. God bless you as you follow Him. The best is yet to come. -Annie Mae and Norma
What sweet blessings you both have been for us here at Calvary and to me personally. You will always be in my heart and prayers. -Judy
Thank you so much for all you’ve done to help our church. God sent you at a time when you were needed. And I praise Him for that. May God bless you as you continue with your ministry. We love you and Laverne. -Barbara
Thank you both for all you have done to help build our church. We appreciate and love you both. You have been such a blessing to us! May God continue to bless you in His work. We will be praying for you that God will keep you in His will. Everyone here at Calvary loves you both and hate to see you leave. -Joe
We are so thankful for the time we have had to worship and serve with you two. God truly blessed CFBC and Keith and I when He brought y’all to us. Keith and I hope the days ahead are as amazing as the days you have given to help us. One thing for sure is that we can see Jesus in your lives and we praise Him for allowing us that gift. -Keith and Felicia
Your heart for God and passion for helping others experience His life-changing love is so evident and so appreciated. He’s making a wonderful difference through you! May He continue to richly bless you and your ministry. -Calvary First Baptist
God truly sent you to us. He always knows what we need. The two of you have been such a blessing to us. You are dedicated, faithful, loving and an inspiration to all. Wherever He leads you I know that you will serve Him with all of your being. We love you and we will pray for you. -Clinton and Carol
Thank you so much for your time here. God has blessed us through your work. Praying His blessings continue on both as you continue working in the fields He will open. -Jerry and Mrs. Johnnie
There are not enough words to express our appreciation and gratitude for both of you! We only know for sure that God’s hands were in all that you have done for our church and church family! Although I have been unable to attend the services in person, I have been touched tremendously by your sermons, devotions, etc. So thankful for modern technology, but there is nothing like being in the house of God!!! -Tommy and Becky
Thank you both so much for all you have done for us at Calvary. God knew what we needed and that was you two to help get us to where we are today. -Pam
Thank you so much for all you have done for Calvary First Baptist Church. We appreciate you both so very much! -Kay
We appreciate you both so very much and thank God for all you’ve done for us at Calvary. We pray God’s richest blessings on you always. There’s always a home here for you! --Richard, Kelly, Ethan, and Addie
Thank you for all you have done for our church. You are doing exactly what the Lord wants you to do and I pray you’ll have many more years to do His work. We will miss you but will never forget you and your beautiful wife. -Linda
Thank you for being willing as the Lord leads to help people along the way to Heaven. I know for myself that you have helped me as well as Steve to grow in relationship to Jesus. Always in my prayers! -Joanne and Steve
Twenty months! I want to say thank you for helping us out of a pit we had dug for ourselves. The two of you have certainly been a blessing to me. I’ve heard you may feel as if you haven’t accomplished anything. Knowing there are lots of things, if you only helped us pay off the loan, that is huge. Now I pray that the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you. I ask that God bless the ministry the two of you share. -Dot
When our previous pastor left, our church was discouraged and depressed. Our numbers dwindled each week. Our financial condition was in shambles. Soon we were dependent on short-term pastors for worship services.
We were forced to our knees. We prayed fervently. Enter Delano McMinn and his wife, Willene, whose enthusiasm and can-do attitude lifted our spirits and strengthened our resolve to continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. The remnant of our members caught fire, and the Lord started opening doors and pouring out blessings.
The small congregation pledged enough money to hire a full-time pastor and give him at least three years to accomplish his vision from the Lord. Delano introduced us to Pastor Danny Burnley, and the Lord turned a man who “wasn’t interested” into a man who has been our pastor for the past four years. We can testify that the Lord can and will bless you if you surrender your will, seek His guidance, and follow His plan.
-Gertie Mullis
Member of Laurel Baptist Church
Four years ago, our Pastor search team contacted Danny Burnley about coming to serve with us as Pastor. It was not his desire to come to Laurel Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. He shared with our search team that our church was about to have a fatal “spiritual stroke.” He advised us to change our constitution and bylaws and to adopt the ACTS Ministry Plan (“A Church That Serves”). I was serving as deacon chairman and was surprised that all of our members voted to make the necessary changes, to set previous things aside and allow God to the leading. After some eight months, Pastor Burnley accepted our call. Laurel took a big step in faith, believing that God would provide. Under pastor Burnley’s leadership, we now have sixty-two ministries, FAITH witnessing teams, and a spirit of praise toward God for what He has done for us. We look forward to where God will lead us next.
-Vic Brown
ACTS Ministry Assistant
Laurel Baptist Church
Deep in the tall pines of McCormick, South Carolina, in a prestigious community, sits a small white church on a cedar tree foundation. It has been there for over one hundred years. The members there are few, but they have such a great heart.
You will always feel welcome there, and for more than thirteen years, the Rev. Dr. Danny Burnley has felt more than welcomed and appreciated because of the outpouring of love from the members of this small, Southern, African-American Baptist church.
It all began when Dr. Burnley met Sister Alice S. Crawford, who shared her love for this dying church and how it had been a part of her all her life, but she wasn’t sure about the church’s future. Here, Dr. Danny Burnley’s journey to help this church in need became a vision, and immediately God’s grace and mercy stepped right in!
Since that initial meeting, Sister Alice and her husband, Brother James “Butch” Crawford, have gone home to be with the Lord. However, the work of God continues on through Dr. Danny Burnley driving more than 160 miles to assist this congregation. This is living proof that God lives, and He lives in Dr. Burnley and the Hosannah Church family.
Through the assistance of Dr. Burnley, a new sanctuary is in its final stage of completion; a fine new pastor (Rev. Clyde Cannon) is serving as interim pastor; members are coming back to church; and God is blessing continuously. Oh, what a mighty God we serve!
-Ruby C. Pratt
Church Clerk
Hosannah Baptist Church
Danny Burnley has a heart for churches, especially those that are struggling. Having served as chairman of the search committee that called him to serve as our pastor, we found this out very quickly.
-Welford Crowe
Member
West Gantt First Baptist Church
Pastors and church leaders, I want to encourage you not to give up. I have personally seen how God can take a little and do great and mighty things. Our family began visiting a small mission work in Anderson, South Carolina, in 2001. Dr. Danny Burnley had accepted the call as pastor with only fourteen members and drove forty-eight miles one way each day. Our family joined in the summer of 2001, and in October, Danny personally led me to faith in Christ. Over the next few months, I witnessed god’s blessings upon the church in many wonderful ways. God took a small group of people and made it a mighty work for God. So be encouraged, because God can do the same where you are serving today.
-Zach Shaw
Pastor of Jones Avenue Baptist Church (Easley, SC)
Thanks be to God for calling Danny Burnley to be pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. At the time of his calling, I served as Sunday School director. Our church was in a state of darkness, difficulty, and division. Our Sunday School was disorganized, our facilities needed much renovation, our business meetings were in disorder, and we were in need of more property. What seemed to be a daunting task became a blessing for our church. God blessed the ministry of pastor Burnley. I thank God for allowing this pastor to be a part of the legacy and history of our church. He is a great man of God and is being used of God in helping churches refocus.
-Warren Mahaffey
Member
Temple Baptist Church
In 1983, Union Baptist Church in Iva, South Carolina called Danny Burnley as Pastor. On the first week in May, he had scheduled a revival. As Sunday School director, I came under conviction and realized I was lost. On the night of the last service, May 8, 1983, I was saved. From Pastor Burnley’s preaching and teaching the Bible and through Christian Witness Training, Union Baptist Church grew both in spirit and in number. God has given Pastor Burnley the gift of bringing church members together and developing a vision that will challenge the church and honor God. It was truly a blessing to have him serve as our Pastor.
-Rhett Simpson
Member
Union Baptist Church
In 1980 when I was thirteen years old, Danny Burnley came to our small church in rural Georgia. With God’s guidance and Pastor Burnley’s teaching and preaching the principles and instruction found in God’s Word, our church began to grow spiritually and in number. Today, our church is still a thriving church where God’s love and forgiveness are found. I now serve as a deacon and Sunday School teacher of the same church. God has continued to bless our church through the hard times as well as the good times. May God bless you!
-Tim Mize
Member
Unity Baptist Church (Royston, GA)