John Durham: ‘Seeing people grow in Christ-likeness’

John Durham has been the lead pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Waco for a little more than three and a half years. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-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?

I served for 10 years as the student pastor at Houston’s First Baptist Church, then served as the lead pastor at First Baptist Church in Irving for 11½ years before coming to Waco in 2013.

• Where did you grow up?

Waco is my hometown, so I have boomeranged back home!

• How did you come to faith in Christ?

I believed upon Jesus for my rescue when I was 7 years old. My father explained the gospel to me, I received it and Christ made me a new creation. I have never doubted that transformation.

• Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I received my bachelor of arts degree at Baylor University and my masters degree in biblical studies at Luther Rice Seminary.

Ministry/church

• Why do you feel called into ministry?

I sensed a call to ministry even as a young high school student at a camp in Glorieta, N.M. It was confirmed many times in high school and college. It seemed the only other option was disobedience.

• What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?

I love seeing people grow in Christ-likeness, and I enjoy watching transformation. It reminds me that the kingdom is not about me, but the King’s power to change a heart. And I love teaching God’s word. Much like Eric Liddell said, I feel God’s pleasure when I proclaim God’s word.

• What one aspect of congregational life gives you the greatest joy?

I love watching inter-generational friendships develop. I love seeing a growing diversity in the congregation. But organic discipleship probably lights my fire the most.

• What one aspect of congregational life would you like to change?

I wish we had the looseness of schedule to spend more time together outside of the church campus. People are busy, lives are cluttered, schedules are tight and deadlines are real, so I understand. But I still long for more meals, more sit-downs and more life together outside of church gatherings.

• If you could launch any new ministry—individually, through your congregation or through another organization—what would it be? Why?

An intern program to give young ministers-to-be a place to sharpen skills, ask questions and learn. I think Watermark in Dallas has the best one out there. I’d just copy theirs!

• What qualities do you look for in a congregation?

Mainly ones that can put up with me.

• Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your congregation.

Watching the church get younger and younger without losing the needed presence of our senior adults. Watching the church get younger and younger but keeping up with the budget. We are in a great time of growth right now—so adding a fourth service or a new campus, needing more parking and running out of space have been challenges the past six months.

About Baptists

• What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?

Personally, I don’t think we are facing anything new. We are still learning how to love our neighbors, being counter-cultural yet kind, holding on to the authority of Scriptures in a changing national landscape, and producing disciples rather than just more church members.

About John

• Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

Three main mentors for me:

My father, Ron Durham, who was a longtime pastor at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. I learned authenticity and care for people from him.

Louie Giglio, who taught Choice Bible Study when I was at Baylor. I learned about a relationship with God through Jesus from him.

Byron Weathersbee, who has been a mentor and friend. I learned that if I could grow up to be like him one day, I was on the right track.

• What did you learn on the job you wish you learned in seminary?

Pretty much everything. I just told a young ministry student yesterday, I only use my seminary degree about three hours a week. The other 50 hours in ministry I learned from others, from failures and from elementary school

• Name some of your favorite books (other than the Bible) or authors, and explain why.

My favorite books are Knowing God by J.I. Packer, The Cross of Christ by John Stott, The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer and Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper

• What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

Colossians 2:6-7: “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.” For me, it wraps up a disciple’s life in 40 words or less.

• Who is your favorite Bible character (other than Jesus)? Why?

Gideon, for sure. Poor shaky guy. Didn’t think he was up for God’s calling. Then he discovered it was God who would do what Gideon could not. It’s like my biography.