Many of us are familiar with the bold image of a watchman according to scripture. In Ezekiel 33:7, the Lord speaks to the prophet, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me.”
Doug MizeEzekiel may not have realized how most watchmen are underappreciated. They operate from the position of “no news is good news.” When they must speak, the news solicits various responses and conjures up strong emotions. Yet they must speak when it involves the betterment of those around them. When you consider the tenure of Frank Page as both pastor of First Baptist Church, Taylors, and president of our Southern Baptist Convention, the picture of a faithful watchman stands as an accurate one.
As Dr. Page winds up his two terms as our denominational president, we reflect upon what God has allowed him to accomplish. The verdict is clear and decisive no matter what criteria you use to judge – “Well done.” Now the credit for this resounding victory lies with our Lord, as he is the One who brings the increase, and we are totally reliant upon him for every blessed gift. Yet, diligent work must be recognized and sincere appreciation in this case is in order.
Dr. Page was nominated by the late Forrest Pollock, former pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla., who recently died with his son in a tragic plane crash. Pollock noted his reasoning behind nominating our pastor as he asserted that the SBC needs leaders who model support for the Cooperative Program. “You know and I know our Cooperative Program is in trouble. Our convention is in trouble.” The messengers agreed, and Frank Page, although not having much national name recognition, received twice as many votes as any other candidate. The convention overwhelmingly recognized its need for a watchman, and Frank Page was asked to be the man for the job.
Certainly some of Dr. Page’s quotes will be long remembered in Baptist life. Shortly after his election, he reaffirmed his commitment to conservative principles, but with this important addendum: “I’m an inerrantist – I believe in the word of God; I am just not mad about it. For too long, Baptists have been known for what we are against. Please let us tell you what we are for.” Dr. Page has kept this promise, and all other promises, as he has traveled the world teaching of the glorious riches of Christ Jesus and how we must continue our mission of evangelism, no matter the cost. Dr. Page has visited almost every state in our union and many foreign countries these past two years. His voice, calling out for repentance and evangelism, has remained constant. When called upon for comment to the various news items of our world, he has represented us well while keeping his promise to “not back down, back up, or back away” from the will of our Lord.
And all the while, Dr. Page has continued to lead Taylors FBC to be a growing and vibrant church. Many churches decline when their pastor becomes president of the convention. His unwavering commitment to Taylors has been remarkable. Even if it meant catching a red-eye flight to be present for a funeral, a meeting, or to fill the pulpit on Sunday morning, he has kept Taylors First as his chief ministerial commitment. There is no doubt that Dr. Page’s constant strength in the face of an arduous schedule has been provided by the Lord and powered by the prayers of his people.
For the last two years, I have been privileged to work as closely with Dr. Page as anyone. I have seen him deal with both joy and heartache, including comforting his daughter as she was diagnosed, treated, and finally cured of cancer. I, like most people who have followed him, perceive Dr. Page as being honest, forthright, humble, and yet a man with amazing courage. I can testify that I know all of these things to be true. In regard to his humility, the words of Paul are most fitting for Dr. Page’s service: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3). When considering all that God has allowed Dr. Page to do and see, his response still remains, “Why me?”
Dr. Page, your church family, your state, and your convention agree, “Well done, our friend, well done indeed.”
Mize is minister of discipleship and evangelism at First Baptist Church, Taylors.