In our Experience Speaks series, Outreach 100 pastors share what they’ve learned about themselves, the church and the definition of success.
Dan Betzer
First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Florida
ON THE CHURCH
Despite advances in communication systems and skills, the average churchgoer seems to know less and less about the Bible. They read books “about” the Bible, not so much the Word itself. A church cannot possibly be any stronger than its knowledge of the Word. Our church grows because of the emphasis on the Word.
ON MYSELF
I grow more tolerant as I get older (78 now)—not of sin, but of the differences in people. Things that once irritated me as a young pastor don’t seem to matter all that much anymore. The eternally important issues, however, are more urgent than ever.
ON SUCCESS
Success is … a loving wife (now 59 years married), children who love and serve God, and peace of mind. And—no debt.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
Struggling to enter the ministry 60 years ago, and about to give up on it, an older pastor advised, “Dan, give God the luxury of time.” I heeded his counsel and two months later I was in full-time ministry, which has not stopped since.
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Fort Myers, Florida
Senior Pastor: Dan Betzer
Website: FamFM.com
Founded: 1946
Affiliation: Assemblies of God
Locations: 2
A 2015 OUTREACH 100 CHURCH
Attendance: 7,676
Largest: 54