Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Dr. Guy Burke, the pastor of First Baptist Church, Indianola, has a heart for missions, a love for God's people and a vision to move God's work forward expediently.
The scripture above is a favorite of his. He said that he allows it to guide his steps and path. "This passage reminds me not to do things with my strength but to lean into the strength the Lord provides," Burke told The Enterprise-Tocsin. "The work of God is not mine; it's the Lord's. I am encouraged to commit to serving the Lord, see him move, and see what he does in the hearts and lives of people."
Family
Dr. Burke has been married to his wife, Lindsay, for 20 years. They have three children: one son, Evan, who is 17, and two daughters, Addison and Bess, who are 15 and 5, respectively.
He is originally from south Mississippi, but his family lineage has Delta ties.
The Influence
Two experiences influenced his call to ministry.
"First, we would attend summer camps.
When we returned from camp, as a youth group, we shared what we learned at the Sunday evening worship service. Those were the first times I shared what I learned with the congregation. It seemed like God had gifted me to share his Word," said Burke.
"Secondly, Dr. Nichols (Burke’s home church pastor) scheduled a youth Sunday for the church and told me that I would preach on that Sunday. From this experience, I received affirmation from our congregation that the Lord had gifted me to teach and preach His Word," assured Burke.
Ministry
Dr. Burke started ministry early in life at the age of 18. He began preaching at his home church, filling in for his pastor, and also supplying preaching on Sundays at churches in Lincoln County. He has served in various places with various-sized churches throughout his 25 years of ministry.
"Before coming to Indianola, I served as a staff member at First Baptist Church in Greenville," said Burke.
A decade ago, the Lord called Burke to serve at FBC here.
"I moved to Indianola from Greenville with my family in 2014 and have been pastoring First Baptist Church, Indianola, for almost ten years," shared Burke.
Education/Training
Burke's education is extensive.
He is a graduate of Mississippi College. In 2002, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Christian Studies. He received a Master of Divinity from
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2005. He obtained his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2014 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a specialization in leadership and administration.
While in seminary in New Orleans, he served in various mission opportunities: homeless ministry, outreach ministries and ministries of the local church he attended.
Missions
Following his first mission trip to Mexico in college, Burke has traveled to many places serving on mission. He has served in places near and far, including El Salvador, Las Vegas, Canada, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
These experiences of service have taught him a great deal. "I've learned that God has a global mission and purpose for all disciples; fulfilling the Great Commission can be local and international. Every disciple is called to serve," stated Dr. Burke.
In addition to going to serve, there is an important step before going. "The believer must know that preparation is needed before serving in these mission opportunities," he shared.
Burke continued, "After graduating from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, I moved to Atlanta, where I interned at First Baptist Church. It was here I led Impact Atlanta."
This weekend mission opportunity served low-income families at 20 apartment complexes in the Atlanta area. Burke noted, "Through this one day, sixty-five decisions were made for Christ." This ministry experience prepared him for what lay ahead: coming back to Mississippi.
Coming back to Mississippi
Returning to Mississippi came through a familiar connection. Burke reached out to pastor James Nichols at First Baptist Church, Greenville. "The internship in Atlanta was coming to a close. I contacted Dr. Nichols regarding a full-time ministry position. At the same time, a staff position opened at Nichols' church in Greenville. I accepted the position to serve under Nichols on his staff as associate pastor," detailed Burke.
This connection went back to Burke's home church, where Nichols served as pastor. It was under Nichols’ leadership that Burke was called to preach and serve in ministry.
Burke has been in the Delta for 18 years with his family, serving God and proclaiming His Word.
Connections run deep
Burke's Delta connection runs deep – all the way back to his great-grandfather. David Burke worked on the railroad and made his home in Merigold with his wife, Ella, and three boys. Burke's grandfather, Gerald Burke Sr. was the youngest of the three boys.
Burke explained, "My great-grandfather passed away suddenly, and my great-grandmother moved with her sons back to Lincoln County in south Mississippi. I had this Delta connection and for a long time did not realize it. I told my grandfather that it was unique that he grew up in the Delta, and now his oldest grandchild has been in ministry there for so long. It was a full-circle moment."
Vision
First Baptist Church of Indianola's vision has been to cultivate authentic followers of Christ over the last ten years.
The members have sought to do this through teaching, preaching, regular worship and fellowship.
"There is one question we want to answer as church leaders. This fundamental question is, if our church was removed from our community, would anyone notice? This question has led us to connect and serve our community differently," declared Burke.
That has question has led the church to action.
"One specific way is partnering with Lockard Elementary School. From this partnership, we were able to purchase and install playground equipment designed for the special needs students and supply other school campus needs," Burke noted.
He continued, "Additionally, we have served the MDCC campus baseball team through a strong connection with Head Coach Luke Stanley." This ministry partnership has helped influence college students on the local campus.
New Horizons
Burke looks forward to serving through the ministry at Parchman with Rev. Robert Hyde, the program director, through the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
There is hope in the state prison thanks to ministry partnerships. "We will be able to provide resources and other needs for inmates through this ministry program in 2024," said Burke.
Advancing the Kingdom
"As a pastor, I often say God is not done. So moving forward in 2024, we believe God is at work and we want to join Him in that work in the Delta," said Dr. Burke. "We hope and pray for new opportunities to build God's Kingdom in Indianola, and we are excited to see how God wants to use our church's ministry in 2024 and beyond."
Motivation and Inspiration
"I believe God called me to preach his Word and to lead his people. I am inspired when I see people respond to what God is doing in their lives and the church coming together to serve God where he has placed them," Burke said.
