Charles Roesel
By Shannon Baker, BCM/D National Correspondent
For 30 years, Charles Roesel served as pastor at First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Fla.; which is now considered the model for the nation in Ministry Evangelism. The church was in the top one percent of the nation in evangelism and mission giving. In a town of 15,000 with over 90 churches, the church grew by transformation not transfer, baptizing over 7,000 people.
The church has over 70 separate ministries including a Men’s Rescue Mission, Women’s Care Center, Children’s Shelter, Benevolence Center, Furniture Barn, Food Pantry, Teen Shelter, Pregnancy Care Center, Medical Center, Counseling Center, First Academy (K-12th grade), School of Fine Arts, First Academy, Preschool, Rape Crisis Center, Aides Clinic, Mentoring Program, Children-at-Risk Program, Mentally Challenged, People Helpers (Counseling), Signing Ministry, a Home Ministry sharing with over 400 home-bound persons each week and more.
Recipient of the Southern Baptist Distinguished Service Ward for the Year 2000, Roesel served eight years on the Florida Baptist State Board of Missions; two years as the Chairman of Evangelism of Pasco Baptist Association; moderator of the Association; and one year on the Administrative Board.
Roesel had a television ministry potentially reaching over 4,000,000 homes each week and is co-author of the book, “Meeting Needs, Sharing Christ.” He currently leads the Charles L. Roesel Ministry Training Center, which is located on the FBC Leesburg campus.