Moving to the Flathead can be a long process; finding a place to live, packing everything, driving here, and then unpacking can literally take months. Particularly when moving from Georgia, like Lakeside Baptist Church’s new pastor Dan McNeese and his wife, Shelia, did this summer.

The McNeeses first arrived in Lakeside in May and bought a home in Rollins over the summer. But, it wasn’t until recently that the couple finished moving into their new home.

“We had 16 or 17 members here to help when we got here with the U-Haul, it really told me about the people of Lakeside Baptist,” Dan said. “We have been so impressed with the people of the community that welcomed us.”

Prior to his arrival, the church was without a pastor for about six months. This vacancy corresponded with when after two years of feeling drawn to Montana; the McNeeses packed into their RV and went to the Montana State Baptist Convention where they lived in the parking lot for three weeks last November. This was their first time in Montana.

“Being a pastor has its challenges, but I have to say that when I’m in the center of God’s will, I am the happiest I have ever been,” Dan said. “I’ve always loved the mountains and been drawn to the mountains, to think the lord placed us here is unbelievable. We feel fortunate and blessed to be here and part of this church.”

Dan’s ministry work began at the age of 18. He graduated from Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in 1983 and worked as a pastor in Tennessee then worked as pastor and youth pastor in Georgia after that. Most of his work was near Dalton, Ga.

Since coming to Lakeside, his ministry has extended beyond just the valley thanks to Youth With A Mission’s involvement with the area’s churches.

“YWAM kind of brings to us the world I guess,” Dan said. “We are glad to be part of ministering to those students and what they are doing worldwide. Personally, I would like to invite all of Lakeside and Somers and Rollins to be part of our church.”

On a typical Sunday, Lakeside Baptist has about 50-80 people attend services.

Although McNeese is new to the area, he has some new projects in the works with the help of his wife, who is in charge of their new childrens’ ministry, which begins on Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m. This time corresponds with the church’s adult Bible study program, which is held just prior to regular services at 11 a.m.

For the last two months, Hal Sundvahl has helped construct a children’s clubhouse in the church’s basement that is nearly complete. All that is left to do is finish the interior and the exterior’s artificial tree. After that, the congregation’s kids will have puppet shows and other programs centered around the clubhouse.

Another project that’s in the works is for a potluck on the first Sunday of each month with special music and a children’s choir performance.

As of Aug. 30, the McNeeses and the church are busy preparing over 400 bags of school supplies for every elementary student in Lakeside and Dalton.

“I am very fortunate to have a wife that supports my ministry here,” Dan said. “The Lakeside Baptist Church is one of the friendliest and most sincere churches I have been a part of. They have a genuine hunger for God.”

On Sept. 8 the church is having a barbeque celebration for the opening of the children’s clubhouse from 6-8 p.m. for the public to attend. For more information about the church, call 844-3006.