Main Character Monday: Pastor Daniel Whitefield
Welcome back to Main Character Monday where today we’re interviewing Pastor Daniel Whitefield from New Wine Transportation Company by Heather Norman Smith.
Pastor Daniel, why don’t you start us off by telling us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been pastor of Springville Community Christian Church in Springville, North Carolina for over twenty years. Just recently, I retired from my public job as an accountant, so now I can focus on full-time ministry. I’m married to my college sweetheart, Marsha, and we have one daughter, Claire, who is in college now. I don’t have many hobbies—no time, really—unless you count enjoying biscuits and gravy at Speedy’s Diner.
As a pastor’s wife, I know it has to be a blessing to move from bi-vocational ministry to focusing on pastoring full-time. You’ve given us some basics. Why don’t you share something readers may find surprising about you.
People are naturally surprised to learn about my recent run-in with the law, and at first, I was so ashamed that I didn’t like to talk about it. But now, it’s part of my testimony. God forgives. And we must forgive, too. That’s what I should have done instead of punching the man that disrespected my daughter.
I have to admit, you surprised me. Not that pastor’s can’t make mistakes like everyone else. They do. We all do. But I’m happy to hear your experience has become part of your testimony. God will use your story in the lives of others. Speaking of growing from the lives of others, what is your favorite book in the New Testament and why?
I love them all, but I’ll say Romans. It explains how to become a child of God so clearly, which is the most important thing anyone can do, and the book teaches us that all things work together for our good and that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Very true. Romans is stuffed full of what we need to hear. God called Gideon to lead his army. Gideon didn’t believe he could, but he trusted and did as God asked. Have you ever felt like you weren’t equipped to do what God asked you to do? What did you do?
Most definitely! When Main Street Bar opened downtown, I put together a team of men to volunteer to give people a ride home from the bar if they needed it, so that we could witness to them and invite them to church. It didn’t always go as planned, and there were times that my men and I felt like we were in over our heads. But we had to remember that God was in control, and we had to just keep trusting.
What a wonderful ministry. It brings me to our next question. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Is there one of these you find easier to accomplish? Is one harder?
Kindness is definitely the easiest of the three, because it has a clearer definition. Justice and humility are a little more subjective. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to discern what is just in each situation, and to help us separate healthy pride from the sinful kind.
Well said. If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?
God loves you.
Oh, and if you’re ever in Springville, we’d love to have you join us at Springville Community Christian Church.
And now, we’re going to move on to some light-hearted, fun questions. If you could have one exotic pet, what would it be?
I’d pass on an exotic pet. My cat, Chewy, likes all the attention for himself.
If you could travel through time, would you?
Maybe just once. Back to my high school football days, for a big game. That would be nice.
And we’ll finish up with some rapid-fire, either or questions.
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise- because His mercies are new every morning.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate- especially in the milkshakes from the Soda Shop downtown
No electricity or no plumbing?
That’s a tough one. We’re so blessed to have both. I’ll go with no electricity.
And one final question. How would you describe Heather Norman Smith in three words?
Child of God
Pastor Daniel, thank you for taking time with us today on Main Character Monday. It sounds like you’ve got a wonderful ministry that has given you a story or two to tell. In fact, I encourage all our readers to keep reading to find out about Heather Norman Smith before going to find out more about your story.
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