Pastor Oscar Epps Sr. is the founder and senior pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto, where he has served 28 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?
Allen Chapel Missionary Baptist Church as director of youth ministries
Where did you grow up?
Oak Cliff in South Dallas
How did you come to faith in Christ?
My mother and Sunday school teacher
Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?
After high school, I studied at Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas, and Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.
I have a diploma in biblical studies from Southern Bible Institute in Dallas, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian counseling from The School of Scriptures in Dallas, and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Christian ministry from Dallas Baptist University.
About ministry life
Why do you feel called into ministry?
I have a true love for God, his word and his people.
What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?
In keeping with Matthew 22:39—“Love your neighbor as yourself.”—I love and enjoy helping and supporting people. I often share I thoroughly am convinced no one can beat me at loving people.
What one aspect of ministry gives you the greatest joy?
Preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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What one aspect of ministry would you like to change?
The need for more resources to enable me to do even more for all people who are hurting.
How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?
The global pandemic truly has impacted my perspective on ministry as it has motivated me to implement proactive plans for the unknown and unexpected brokenness of people.
How do you expect ministry to change in the next 10 to 20 years?
The positive side of the global pandemic is it has forced virtual and intentional ministry abroad. As a result, we are gaining disciples for Christ both nationally and internationally. We currently are ministering to five continents.
Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your ministry.
Enhancing virtual ministry, crossing ethnicities and continuing to help the broken despite the challenges of food and financial resources.
What did you learn on the job you wish you learned in seminary?
This is a difficult question to answer, as I’m convinced being educated in Scripture and theology is one aspect of ministry, but the actual labor in the vineyard—there are some things you can learn only by experience.
What is the impact of ministry on your family?
My family totally and wholeheartedly understands and supports my call to ministry. However, I have faced many difficult challenges when deciding between the role of pastor and my family.
What do you wish more laypeople knew about ministry or, specifically, your ministry?
The importance of everyone’s participation in ministry and outreach.
If you could get one “do over” in ministry, what would it be, and why?
To be more strategic in forecasting members and ministries. By doing so, we would be prepared in advance better, which would lessen the struggle to implement and accommodate when it is an actual reality.
When in your opinion, is it time to retire from the work of ministry?
The time is when God calls one from labor to reward. Ministry should go forward unto one’s death, and it’s not time to retire until then.
About Baptists
Why are you Baptist?
I believe in the finished work at Calvary, the Great Commission, and partnership with mission and outreach.
What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?
The viewpoints of our Millennials.
What would you change about the Baptist denomination—state, nation or local?
The stiffness and thought process regarding the approach to worship. While we understand the message never will change, our method must adapt.
About Pastor Epps
Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?
The following individuals have had a positive impact on various aspects of my ministry. They have been very influential in my personal life and support team as I deal with the various illnesses of my children: Pastor Howard Anderson, Pastor Michael Bell, Pastor Jerry Dailey, Pastor Delvin Atchison, Pastor Michael Evans, Pastor John Olgetree and Pastor Joseph Parker.
Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.
I like John Maxwell, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Dr. Tony Evans.
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?
Romans 5:8—“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This passage demonstrates how underserving we are of his love, and yet he decided to die just for me.
Who is your favorite person in the Bible, other than Jesus? Why?
Job, because he is the true epitome of how to handle loss, still trusting in God and remaining steadfast to God’s promises.
Name something about you that would surprise people who know you.
I love attending wedding receptions just so I can dance. Dancing is one of my greatest joys.
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