Shelter for Those Who Serve

Rev. Michael & Dee Ann Page

BY ANNA DERBYSHIRE (‘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” 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 & Dee Ann Page with family

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.

The Barn Ministry is endeavoring to solve a two-part problem in the Church. First, the premature exit of pastors from the ministry, and second, the lack of funds available to pastors of retirement age.

There are three main objectives to address these issues:

1. The Barn Ministry Retreat Home and RV pads are open for pastors and missionaries who need to step away, rest and rejuvenate.

2. Shepherd to Shepherd (STS), a boots-on-the-ground pastor support system where retired pastors come alongside those currently in ministry, is being developed. 3. Retired Minister’s Fund (RMF) is a matching funds program to help subsidize retired pastors’ incomes.

3. Retired Minister’s Fund (RMF) is a matching funds program to help subsidize retired pastors’ incomes. Family and friends of retired pastors can participate by giving $100 per month, which RMF matches. The RMF has received startup funding and is prepared to receive tax-deductible gifts. The RMF has received startup funding and is prepared to receive tax-deductible gifts.

“I have watched my peers battle and struggle in the ministry, and now I see them struggling financially in retirement,” said Page. Pastor Page knows it was the Holy Spirit who turned that burden into compassion, and compassion into vision. “My hope is to inspire more sensitivity, support and encouragement for our pastors and retired pastors,” he said.

Daniel 2:19, “The vision came to Daniel” is The Barn Ministry promise passage. Pastor Page and his team are confident many others see the need and have the desire to help support their pastors, shepherds, brothers, sisters and friends, who dedicated their lives to the all-consuming service to the Church.

If you would like to learn more, or send a tax-deductible gift, visit BarnMinistry.org or find them on Facebook at The Barn Ministry. Pastor Page is also available if you would like to contact him personally at mpagefcn@aol.com.