Meet Pastor Danny

Pastor Daniel “Danny” Ayala

Pastor Danny Ayala is a lifelong Texan, born and raised in Houston. A graduate of Sam Houston High School, he went on to study at North Harris County College in Spring, Texas, where he began shaping the foundation for a life devoted to faith, family, and service.

In 1996, Pastor Danny joined the Church at Friendship—now known as Friendship Baptist Church—in Hockley, Texas. From his first days as Music Minister and benevolence committee leader, his heart for ministry has always been evident. Over the years, he has faithfully provided marriage and financial counseling to those in need and dedicated over a decade of service to prison ministry at the Wallace Pack Unit in Navasota, Texas, under the leadership of Chaplain David Nichols (1998–2012).

His calling into ministry was recognized early: he was licensed on April 14, 1998, and ordained on November 6, 2005, by the Ordination Council of Friendship Baptist Church under the mentorship of Rev. Michael Sturgeon. Today, he humbly serves as the lead pastor, continuing to build on the church’s rich legacy of faith and community.

Pastor Danny is the proud son of Mr. Augustin Ayala and the late Mrs. Petra C. Ayala. He’s been happily married to his beloved wife, Carla Kay Ayala, since 1995. Though they have no children of their own, they are deeply devoted to their many nieces and nephews, who bring joy to their lives.

A man of deep conviction and compassion, Pastor Danny believes the greatest way to serve God is through love in action. His life’s message is simple but powerful: live the gospel daily by loving others well. Whether through a handshake, a listening ear, or a heartfelt prayer, he strives to walk out his faith with humility and grace.

Pastor Danny and Kay have called Hockley home for nearly three decades. Together, they continue to serve the church and community with open hands and open hearts.