Doug Page has been the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Grapevine since 2013. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on the church and ministry. To suggest a BGCT-affiliated minister to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.
Background
Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?
• Second Baptist Church in Houston, associate pastor.
• Grandview Fellowship in Sugar Land, lead pastor.
• West University Baptist Church in Houston, campus pastor.
• First Baptist Church in North Augusta, S.C., senior pastor.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Dallas and raised in Houston.
How did you come to faith in Christ?
On June 1, 1980, just after completing my junior year in high school, my pastor Doice Whitten preached a sermon about salvation being more than simply knowing about Jesus. Salvation is a moment of surrender to follow Jesus. That day, I surrendered my life to him.
I had “prayed the prayer” many times over the years, but this moment was monumental. I knew all the church answers. I could quote many Bible verses. But this day, I was overcome by the grace and mercy of Jesus. I simply needed to let go and place my life into the hands of the One who died for me.
Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?
• Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston.
• Master of Divinity with biblical languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.
About ministry life
Why do you feel called into ministry?
I was praying in a back room of my home church when I sensed the voice of the Lord calling me into vocational ministry. The impression of the Holy Spirit on my heart was unquestionable. God affirmed his calling on my life through family, ministers and many other indisputable circumstances.
What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?
God has called me to shepherd his flock. I love every aspect of shepherding: feeding, leading, correcting and comforting.
What one aspect of ministry gives you the greatest joy?
When someone comes to faith in Jesus and begins to grow in their relationship with him.
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What did you learn on the job you wish you learned in seminary?
That church people can sometimes act so mean to each other. I was not prepared for the vicious attacks from so-called Christian people. I would have loved more gut-level discussion about the perils of ministry and how to deal with real-life conflict.
What is the impact of ministry on your family?
I had the privilege of serving for 18 years under Ed Young at Second Baptist Church in Houston. He taught me to value family first and to protect them from the perils of ministry. There are many things I “left at the office,” so my family could worship freely without worrying about the politics of church. Because of that great insight from Dr. Young and others, my kids have enjoyed a somewhat “normal” life as a preacher’s kids.
How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?
In the early days, I put a lot of pressure on myself to build a big church. It almost killed me. I am more focused now on preaching the word of God and smaller group discipleship. I now trust God’s promise to bring the increase as I seek to know and follow him better.
My desire is to lead people to use the influence God has given them to impact their community for the glory of God. I am a much better shepherd than I was in the early days of ministry. I have learned to slow down and look into the faces of those God has called me to serve. By doing this, God alone gets the credit for the increase.
How do you expect ministry to change in the next 10 to 20 years?
2020 brought a sifting to the church in America. COVID-19 shutdowns, race relations, rioting, a contentious election season, and the rise of progressive Christianity has led to a great shaking in the United States. As the church, we must pivot. While standing firmly on the word of God, we must live out the gospel in every area of our lives.
While gathering for worship is obviously important, we must concern ourselves with making relationships with those outside our church walls. We must get out of our “holy huddle” and seek to reach the lost with the good news of Jesus. Like Jesus, we must not be afraid to make relationships with those unlike us.
I hope ministry in the next 10 to 20 years will be the people of God demonstrating the gospel of Jesus in every area of life. I also believe true followers of Jesus will rally more around Jesus than any specific denomination.
Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your ministry.
• Equipping God’s people for life in an increasingly non-Christian America.
• Courageously dealing with the social issues facing our culture.
• Challenging the people of God to live out the gospel in every area of life. May we use our God-given spere of influence to impact this generation for the glory of God.
What do you wish more laypeople knew about ministry or, specifically, your ministry?
Everyone is welcome at First Baptist Church in Grapevine. Church should be messy. All sinners are welcome here. Once here, they will hear the truth of the word of God. We will not avoid the tough topics, but we will address them with compassion and grace.
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self about ministry?
Settle in your heart that God called you into his ministry, and no one will be able to talk you into quitting. Don’t make walking with God so difficult. Nothing replaces time alone in his word and with his Holy Spirit.
Learn early that some of the most difficult people in your church are hurting and need a touch from God. Love them sacrificially. Always have a trusted friend in whom you can confide.
About Baptists
Why are you Baptist?
I was raised Baptist. I remain Baptist because of our commitment to the inerrant, infallible, powerful, and life-changing word of God.
We are not as narrow-minded and legalistic as some may think. Baptists are known for our love of the word of God. Sometimes, taking a strong stand on biblical truth causes some to think we are haters. Not true! We love the Bible, and we love those who Jesus loves.
What would you change about the Baptist denomination—state, nation or local?
We have gotten way too political. Let’s get back to the basics: preaching the gospel of Jesus, making disciples, helping the less fortunate, influencing our world for the glory of God.
About Doug
Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?
Ed Young and Jim DeLoach were my pastors in Houston for many years. They taught me to love the word of God and never back away from teaching God’s truth.
My brother Donnie Page has walked with me on this ministry journey since the very beginning. He always has been only a phone call or cup of coffee away.
As a new Christian, Charles Stanley had a huge influence on my spiritual growth through his television and radio broadcasts.
Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.
I am tempted to give you this long list of great Christian classics. I love Francis Schaeffer and A.W. Tozer. I have read and loved many of their books. However, two heart-changing books for me are:
• Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning reminds me I am loved by my heavenly Father. Period. When I was given this book, I was at the bottom and ready to quit ministry. I have since read it and recommended it numerous times.
• Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. I met Pastor Cymbala a few years back, and he is the real deal. This book inspires me to expect God to do great and mighty things as we yield to his leadership above our own.
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?
Ephesians 3:20-21. We serve a big God who can do big things. God assembled his church to make a huge impact in our generation for the kingdom of God. I long to see God move in such a way that it is undeniably God. When this happens, we will influence our generation with the gospel, and it will be to the glory of God. When we get out of the way, God can and will do immeasurably more than we can ever ask or imagine.
Who is your favorite person in the Bible, other than Jesus? Why?
David. I love his passion for worship. I love his passion for God and for others. I love that he was not perfect. I love that he became a great leader through humility not celebrity.
Name something about you that would surprise people who know you.
I once sang a solo in front of more than 13,000 people in a concert featuring Clay Walker, Cee Cee Winans and Yolanda Adams.
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