Word came across social media this morning that Dr. Page is retiring. No details have yet come down as to when it will be official.
I love this man. He has been a peacemaker and truly embodied the role he carved out for himself, “Chief Encouragement Officer.”
I first met him the day he was elected as President of the Executive Committee. I was having lunch with David Rogers and a couple of others and we saw him at the same restaurant. I knew the EC was voting and, being the blustery big-mouth I am, I went over and congratulated him on his election. He smiled weakly and thanked me. I didn’t know at the time that a positive vote was anything but a sure thing. I am glad they made the right decision that day, even if the vote was narrow.
He has become a friend – though I suspect that thousands feel that way about him. In this time where there are forces intent on sowing discord and pulling the SBC apart, he has been a unifier.
I would say more, but I want to get this posted. Perhaps I will edit this later.
God’s hand has been on this man!
Thank you for your service to and leadership of Southern Baptists, Dr. Page.
I had a nice chat with him at the New ORleans Convention … sitting in the hallway. I was reading his book about his daughter, at the time. Plus, Peg and I visited him in his office in Nashville, in 2014. In fact, he bought us lunch afterwards.
From what I can see, he’s done a marvelous job heading the EC, and he is a personal and nice as anybody I’ve ever met.
I have tremendous respect and appreciation for Dr. Page and agree that he was the man of God “for such a time as this.”
He has been a great unifier and one who sought to bring out and celebrate the best among southern Baptists.
I remember several years ago during a state convention annual meeting I was attending that he gave a resounding “cheerleader” speech and answered questions in the Q&A with grace and kindness. I was struck by his humility and willingness to engage with the “regular folk” of the convention.
Dr. Page will be missed. I wish him the very best in his new avenues of ministry as I doubt he will be willing to dare I say it: “waste his retirement“.
I’ve always appreciated him. He’s a prime example of how to positively promote the CP.
Yep, William. Indeed.
Also he demonstrated well the concept of unity in the midst of diversity. He worked hard in the trenches for that cause, too.
Great man who has done a great job.
News just broke that it was a moral personal failure. SBC This Week aks Baptist Press reporting this now. I am visibly shocked and nearly spit out my coffee when I read this.
*and not aks. Fingers move slower than my brain does apparently.
Even in light of the further details that have come forward, I do not retract anything I said.
Dr. Page has been an encouragement to me, a blessing to the SBC, a good leader, and a voice of peace and calm. That is what makes this tragedy all the more tragic.
Amen, Dave.
For once I’m essentially speechless.