Innovation in Ministry to Ministers
Rev. Michael & Dee Ann Page
Shelter for Those Who Serve BY AN N A DER BY SHI R E (‘90)
“The original idea was to build a barn home to bribe my grandkids to come and see us more!” Pastor Michael Page laughs as he explains. However, “three years ago the Holy Spirit began working on my plans and changing my heart.” Michael (‘77) & Dee Ann (Douglas) Page (’77) are nearing the end of four decades of ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. They have pastored Lubbock First for almost a quarter of their ministry and purchased ten acres and a barn for retirement. When the Holy Spirit began speaking, he struggled with it. “I wanted to retire. I wanted to play with the grandkids.” He wrestled with the Lord through many nights, reasoning, “I’ve done my part, Lord.” “I don’t have resources.” “I don’t see why you need me to do more.” But it became apparent that he was receiving a “second call” from a role of “shepherd to sheep”
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to that of “shepherd to shepherds.” Finally, he told the Lord, “If there is any stuff left in my tank it belongs to You.” When Michael asked Dee Ann, “Are you willing to sacrifice more?” she responded, “We have to follow what God wants us to do,” thus, the struggle turned to submission and The Barn Ministry emerged. Michael shared the idea with close friends. A trusted friend, Dave McClung, advised him to be officially recognized as a non-profit ministry, attorney Walt Fair donated his time for legal work, and Roger Huff is upgrading the website. Michael contacted longtime friend, Dr. Dave Ralph, who had recently retired as District Superintendent from Colorado, and they began communicating and ‘melding their minds.’ Out of their prayers, conversations, research and reaching out to other pastors and leaders, The Barn Ministry took shape.
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