Something For Sunday Exclusive
By Michael Reel
With six decades of preaching experience, Rev. Dr. Donald R. Robinson was recently installed as president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California.
“I have been a part of this conference since 1980 under Rev. Dr. Frank J. Higgins, who was president. After Dr. Higgins, Dr. P. J. Jones became president, and I was appointed one of the youngest vice presidents under the late P.J. Jones.”
Clergy representing multiple denominations from across Southern California—and as far east as Detroit, Michigan—filled the contemporary sanctuary of Southern Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles to witness Robinson’s installation service.
Robinson’s campaign centered on his commitment to providing stable and accountable leadership for the esteemed body, which is primarily composed of ministers. “I am going to lead you and not force-feed you,” stated Robinson. “You can’t pastor preachers, so don’t even try. But you can lead them with precepts and examples.”
Raised in both Louisiana and Texas, Dr. Robinson has been preaching for 61 years and pastoring for 50. Licensed to preach by his childhood pastor, he shared words of wisdom for young men and women considering ministry.
“You need to seek wisdom and guidance from older preachers,” said Dr. Robinson. Drawing from his vast wealth of knowledge, he used what some might consider a homespun analogy.
“I say to the young preacher—if you want to be successful in life, you need to know what it means to wait your turn. Sometimes riding in the back seat doesn’t mean you’re in the back; it just means you’re getting ready to come to the front.”
Dr. Robinson’s installation service featured some of the nation’s leading ecumenical voices. Rev. Dr. Tellis Chapman of Detroit, Michigan, delivered a resounding message, closing with a biblical passage from Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The words electrified the capacity crowd, drawing some to their feet and others to the base of the pulpit.
Senior statesmen Rev. Dr. F.D. Sampson of Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles-based national revivalist Rev. Dr. Manual Scott Jr. played significant roles in the ceremony. Dr. Scott spoke passionately, delivering the statement of occasion, while Dr. Sampson gave the charge to the President’s Cabinet and led the prayer of installation. Members of the Ministers Conference ascended to the pulpit, laying hands on Dr. Robinson as Dr. Sampson lifted a moving prayer.
Beyond the powerful preaching, the music selections elevated the installation service, transforming many moments into worship. The combined voices of the Southern Missionary Baptist Church Praise and Worship Ministry resonated far beyond the confines of the sanctuary.
Recording artist Jacob Lusk delivered a soul-stirring rendition of the church traditional “Just Another Day That the Lord Has Kept Me,” bringing the house down with his remarkable vocal range and riveting delivery.
Rev. Dr. Prentiss Lewis, pastor of Greater Starlight Missionary Baptist Church and conference member, took the worship experience even higher with his rendition of the gospel classic “Walk On.” With a voice and persona that allow him to sing just about anything, Lewis began his performance at center stage. As the crowd joined in, he concluded the song standing next to his longtime friend, Dr. Robinson.
A beloved Southern California favorite, Ms. Rose Neale, delivered a masterful performance of “Praise Is What I Do.” Dressed in all black with silver jewelry, rhinestones on her boots, and her striking sterling silver hair, Neale’s voice permeated the sanctuary as she squalled and scatted her way to a drop-the-mic moment.
The outgoing president of the Ministers Conference, Rev. Dr. K.W. Tulloss, spoke eloquently as he passed the baton to Robinson. “Run on. Be you. Love, preach, teach, and lead as God has called you to lead.”
In the closing moments of the interview, Rev. Dr. Donald R. Robinson spoke exclusively with Michael Reel of Reel Urban News, reflecting on his own humility.
“There is an old Chinese proverb: ‘Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. But yard by yard, life is very hard.’ For me to remain humble, this is what one has to do — ‘Private consecration determines your public power.’”
