ephraim graham sat down with him to talk about his vision for the largest protestant denomination in america. ♪ >> reporter: there is nothing brighter than a sunday sunrise in this struggling new orleans neighborhood. that's when people begin arriving for it's 7:30 service at franklin avenue baptist church. >> it hurts my heart when people drive for miles and miles and can't get in the sanctuary. that is tough for me. >> reporter: the pastor holds three sunday services to accommodate crowds of more than 5,000. only 65 members attended when the luter family arrived in 1976. the community began to change from predominantly white to predominantly black. the head of southern baptist missions doubted he could turn things around. >> he told me this, he said, quote,"son, you are not my choice for this church. but evidently these people wanted you. you either resurrect this church or we're going to bury it." i looked eigh at him and i said, "sir, i know new orleans is known for funerals, but i'm in no mood for a funeral. we're go to resurrect this church." >> reporter: that helped propel him