Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty is special to me, not because of what he has done, but because of who he was.
He is likely one of the most loved and respected Christian leaders in the world today.
For me, personally, there is no individual that I have known that has influenced my life, my family and my ministry more than Pastor Billy Joe. From the time that we met him in 1983 until today, as I have traveled the world over, I can confidently say that he is the finest and most extraordinary man that I’ve ever known.
His life has literally influenced every aspect of my life as he was a near-perfect example to me. He truly exemplified Christ as a Christian, a husband, a father and a minister. Without hesitation and with great confidence I make Pastor Billy Joe my 21st century role-model for life and ministry.
I trusted Pastor Billy Joe, not because he was perfect, as no one is perfect, but because he was genuine, sincere and real. He is a man who genuinely loved people regardless of their status, shortcomings or past failures. He was never interested in someone because they might benefit him in some way. He was interested in people for how he might benefit them. He loved people, not crowds. He truly loved people like Jesus loved people.
Whenever I was around him, he made me feel significant, important and that he really cared. I remember times when in the presence of many “big name” ministers, when his eyes caught my eyes, he would single me out and immediately engage in meaningful conversation with me. He always made people feel valuable.
Many things about Pastor Billy Joe’s life stand out to me, such as His character, integrity, honesty, fairness, kindness, faith, compassion, strength, leadership, wisdom, and his passion for God.
However, something that has always astounded me about him was his tenacity, determination and over-achieving attitude. These characteristics about him have revolutionized my way of thinking, my attitudes and the way I approach life and ministry. I am convinced that anything that Pastor Billy Joe would set his heart to accomplish would surely come to pass because of his stubborn determination and faith in God.
This same spirit of a champion and heart of a warrior now live in me through Christ and through the example given to me by Pastor Billy Joe.
His passion to win souls and impact the nations is contagious! Much because of Pastor Billy Joe’s influence, today, my wife and I serve God in the heart of the unreached nations of the 10/40 Window as missionaries. He fully embraced Jesus’ heart for the lost and effectively passed that passion on to many others like me. Now, as we lay our lives down for the sake of the Gospel, we continue to ignite Jesus’ passion for souls in Christians all over the world.
The scripture that best sums up what Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty means to me is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT.
Billy Joe is patient and kind. He is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Billy Joe does not demand his own way. He is not irritable, and he keeps no record of being wronged. Billy Joe does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Billy Joe never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Billy Joe will last forever!
I, as one of thousands, commit to carry the torch, take the baton and perpetuate the “Spirit of Victory” that was indelibly imparted into me through the life and ministry of Pastor Billy Joe.
5 Users Responded In This Article
Todd,
What a wonder tribute to Billy Joe. We are so happy that you had the time you spent under his leadership. The impact it had and still does on you and your ministry is evident.
We know that you will continue to do the very thing that he loved so much, helping people. As you know he impacted our lives also and we loved him very much as we do you.
Love Dad & Mom
your words were powerful passionate and spoken with love your tribute challenged me in ways i cannot say.
Thank you Todd for a great tribute. I am very happy to see that you are keeping the faith in the face of Pastor Billy Joe’s passing. I am inspired by what you said about his tenacity, determination and great faith.
Michael Cupples
Todd – what a wonderful tribute. This truly sums up Pastor Billy Joe.
Todd , what wonderful tribute to Billy Joe. I know what an impact he had on your life and ministry. you wll always be a better person for being under his leadership. As you know he had a good impact on your mom and me. We loved him very much as we do you. Carry on the good work you have begun!
Love you Dad & Mom