Ken Roach
Ken Roach, a Free Methodist elder who served at Frazer Church for almost 15 years, recently accepted a position with Wesley Biblical Seminary to help launch a new publishing ministry that will develop resources for pastors and churches among all the traditional Wesleyan/Methodist denominations. He wrote this article for the summer issue of Frazer’s Following Jesus Magazine, and it is republished here with the church’s permission. He joined Frazer in 2001 and came on staff in 2008, and he served as the director of communication and director of media ministries before being ordained as clergy in November 2020. He most recently helped launch Frazer Young Adults.
By Ken Roach
Dan Lewis is a tall man who exudes athleticism. That is not surprising since “Coach Dan” is an Alabama Hall of Fame, multisport high school coach who was the “face of Carver Wolverines basketball” for 22 years. However, he became the leader he is because of the investment of others who mentored him, starting when he was a young boy.
Dan remembers staying with his grandmother when he was 4-5 years old while his father was away in the service. She read stories to him from a large picture Bible and took him with her to Usher Board meetings at her church. His parents instilled discipline and values into him, but only attended church occasionally. Nevertheless, when he was 8 or 9 years old, he recalls moving to a neighborhood that had five churches within a block, and he decided on his own to check them out. Having attended St. John Catholic School during his early years, he decided he liked the Methodist tradition and became a regular at First Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. At age 12, he confessed Christ, joined the church, and was baptized.
Once he was a part of the church, Dan recalls a Mr. Harris who took him under his wing and guided him. He not only shared stories from the Bible with the young boy; Mr. Harris also prepared him to take on leadership roles. As he grew older, Dan found himself often serving in the same church roles as his mentor.
Dan Lewis’ coaching career has allowed him to mentor and inspire many. PHOTO BY JAKE CRANDALL | MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER
Dan graduated from Montgomery, Alabama, public schools and earned his Bachelor and Master of Education degrees at Alabama State University. He started a coaching career in Thomasville, where he would later be inducted into the city’s Sports Hall of Fame. Once again, he grew in his leadership and found his way back to Montgomery. He served for over 30 years at George Washington Carver High School and then as athletic director and head basketball coach at St. Jude Educational Institute.
Daily Disciplines
The busy life of a coach did not prevent Dan from practicing daily spiritual disciplines. Following the example of his mentors, Dan became an avid Bible reader and faithful prayer warrior.
“I read daily to listen to how God’s Word will speak to me,” he explains. “I’ve worn out four Bibles, and I’m working on two new ones.”
His practice is to pray at least three times a day on his knees.
“I’ve worn out a spot on the couch in one room, and there are knee prints on the floor in another,” Day says.
Dan doesn’t just read the Word for himself, though; he also teaches others. When his children were small, they asked him to take them to Sunday School, and that became a habit for him. As when he was younger, Dan began to step into the leadership roles of his mentors. He became a Sunday School teacher himself, and later Sunday School superintendent. In 2008, Dan and his wife, Patricia, transferred to Asbury Methodist Church, which at that time was a branch of Frazer Church.
“When I first walked in, an elderly white lady exclaimed, ‘Thank you, Lord, here comes my next Sunday School teacher,” he recalls. Sure enough, Dan taught classes there for four years, as well as serving on the Board.
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“Once again, Dan began to pass on his learning to others.”
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When Asbury and Frazer decided to go separate ways, Dan and Patricia moved to Frazer’s main campus. Having watched Frazer worship on TV for years, they knew they would feel comfortable. Once again, Dan began to pass on his learning to others. He serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher, participates in a men’s Bible study, and gives devotional talks to children at the Men’s Ministry Fishing Mission outreaches.
Influencing Others
Looking back on his coaching career, which included two state championships and launched many professional athletes, Dan says he is thankful to have had the opportunity to be a positive influence on so many. He recalls praying with his teams, and experiences where the whole team was able to attend worship services together and take communion. God has certainly multiplied the influence of those who poured into young Dan’s life as he in turn poured into others.
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“I am proud of who they have become, by God’s grace.” – Dan Lewis
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Dan Lewis with family members
His greatest joy is seeing his children and grandchildren grow in their faith. “I may not have done all that I could have for my children,” he admits, “but I am proud of who they have become, by God’s grace.” He enjoys visits with his three grandchildren. Not surprisingly, one of his favorite activities is bringing them to Vacation Bible School. Recently, one of his granddaughters professed faith in Christ and was baptized. Her example influenced one of her cousins to ask, “What do I have to do to be a Christian?” and soon, she too was baptized. Like their grandfather, Dan’s family members have demonstrated early what it looks like to step up into big shoes and influence others for Christ.
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Ken Roach
Ken Roach, a Free Methodist elder who served at Frazer Church for almost 15 years, recently accepted a position with Wesley Biblical Seminary to help launch a new publishing ministry that will develop resources for pastors and churches among all the traditional Wesleyan/Methodist denominations. He wrote this article for the summer issue of Frazer’s Following Jesus Magazine, and it is republished here with the church’s permission. He joined Frazer in 2001 and came on staff in 2008, and he served as the director of communication and director of media ministries before being ordained as clergy in November 2020. He most recently helped launch Frazer Young Adults.
