Leadership comes in all forms and sizes, but the results are the same. Leaders influence behavior and make a difference in people’s lives. Profiling leaders reveals a diverse combination of traits, but changing lives is a common theme.

Leader Profile

Daniel Edwards

Daniel had parents who cared deeply about him and his relationship with God. His dad worked for Delta Airlines, but even with a busy schedule, he made family and church the priorities of his life. His mom provided the constant in the lives of Daniel and his siblings, taking the family to church every Sunday regardless of dad’s schedule.

According to Daniel, he got his passionate side from his mother, who taught him how to debate. Now a father himself, he recognizes the Sunday morning challenge his mom faced getting three young kids to church by herself. Like Daniel, leaders often have parents who significantly shape their development, and their children recognize it.

Ever heard of a “Tough Mudder?” Well, Daniel is training for his third one and plans to run a half marathon this year. He understands the need for solid preparation and desires to mentor younger pastors. He quickly admitted that God was working on him before a life of ministry was even on his own radar. He is thankful that God is using his abilities in leadership, connecting, and speaking.

Daniel, you are a great leader!

Get to Know Daniel...

Do you have kids? (one-word descriptions)

• Haven (age 4) – Passionate
  

• Lincoln (age 1) – Happy
  

What does your ideal date look like? The ideal date is finding a babysitter without any difficulty so Nicole and I can enjoy dinner and a movie.

What do people misunderstand about you? People often miss when I am kidding.

Who is your favorite author? Tim Keller

What books have you read in the last six months?

• Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God by Tim Keller
  

• Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church by Harry Reeder III and David Swavely
  

• Exponential: How You and Your Friends Can Start a Missional Church Movement by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson
  

• Bridges of Grace: Innovative Approaches to Recovery Ministry by Elizabeth A. Swanson and Teresa J. McBean
  

• How People Change by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp
  

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  

• Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones
  

What is your biggest failure? Getting expelled from college.

What is your biggest success? Marrying Nicole!

What is your one indulgence? White mocha latté

What would you like to see Free Will Baptists do in five or ten years? Learn to balance diversity with unity for the sake of the gospel mission. I’m passionate about recovery ministry, and I would love to see us equip churches across the denomination to reach people in addiction.

Paper or Plastic

• Fiction or Non-fiction? Non-fiction
  

• Music or talk radio? Podcast
  

• Sushi or Burger? Burger
  

• Facebook, Email, Pinterest, Twitter, or texting (don’t pick Fax)? Twitter
  

• Tie or No Tie? No Tie
  

• Mac or PC? Mac