10/11/2026
October 6, 1996 was a Sunday. The skies were clear, a light wind moved through the unseasonably warm autumn air, and beneath this very dogwood tree, Danny Dillard surrendered his life to the Lord.
Feeling desperate, hopeless, and with nowhere else to turn, he turned to Jesus—and his life would never be the same. He was delivered from drugs, alcohol, and the self-serving, self-destructive life he had known for the past 31 years.
Suddenly, the sky seemed bluer, the grass greener, and for the first time, he could see a future that was bright, promising, and most of all, redeemed.
He began seeking the Lord, and as he did, God began leading him, teaching him, and answering the questions that burned in his heart like a consuming fire. Before long, he accepted the call of pastor.
His story—the story of how Jesus met a broken man beneath a dogwood tree and gave him a new heart continues to minister to others as Pastor Danny offers that same hope in Jesus, who takes what is broken and makes something beautiful. He tells them that Jesus did not simply place a band-aid over the broken places in his life. He made him whole and if He can do that for him, He can do it for anyone.
At LifeWay Church, we are deeply grateful for Pastor Danny’s surrender, his passion, and his relentless pursuit of everything God has for him and for the people he serves. And as he has often said, he would not be the pastor, leader, or man of God he is today without the love and devotion of his wife, Bebee. She is an advocate for the elderly and a friend to all. Her faithfulness is an anchor that holds steady in every storm.
Together, they proclaim the Good News that no one is beyond the mercy of God.
Their lives remind us that God is not waiting for perfect people—He is still redeeming, restoring, calling, and using ordinary people for His glory.
This Pastor Appreciation season, take a moment to let Pastor Danny and Bebee know how grateful you are for the way they give their lives to serve—not only LifeWay Church, but anyone who needs to hear that God's not mad at them; He loves them and love never fails.
They do what they do, day after day, for the sake of the world and the glory of God.
And we are blessed beyond measure to call them our pastors.