Doug Lain
PASTOR
When did you decide to be a pastor?
I first felt a call from God to become a pastor when I was in high school; but I wasn’t ready to answer the call at that time. So I went to college with the thought of becoming a lawyer; only when I got to law school I saw pretty quickly that wasn’t the right path for me. Looking back on it I recognize that God had other plans all along. I took a year off from law school to work at a United Methodist camp as their Camp Director and while I was there I realized what God had intended all along, that I was supposed to be a pastor. I went to Duke Divinity School in the fall of 1996 and started pastoring my first church that same year.
When did you join the staff?
I was appointed by the Bishop to Wrightsville United Methodist in the summer of 2015. I feel so fortunate to be able to serve here. My wife grew up in Wilmington and her parents and many extended family members still live here. So, I’ve been coming to the area quite often for years. In fact, I had even worshipped at Wrightsville several times never thinking that one day I might be the church’s pastor.
What is your favorite part of being a pastor at WUMC?
One of the great things about being a pastor at Wrightsville UMC is being among people who are genuinely eager to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. The people of this church are eager to worship, they are eager to learn, and they are very eager to serve. I don’t get the sense that the people here feel like they have arrived; but instead they realize that God isn’t finished with them yet. Here at Wrightsville UMC there’s a spirit that we are all growing in faith, hope, and love together.
Where do you think WUMC is headed?
I think Wrightsville’s best days are ahead of us. God has blessed our church with incredible growth over the past 30 years and we are now uniquely situated to make a huge impact on our community and our world. As I said above, this church has a lot of Christian servants who are eager to use their gifts for God. While I can’t foresee the future, I do trust in a God who holds the future in His hands. I’m very excited to see what God has in store for us at Wrightsville UMC.
How do you spend your free time?
I like to spend as much time as possible with my kids. When I’m not at work or at home you can often find me at the gym or out on the Loop. I am a slow, but dedicated runner. I also like watching sports on TV, especially ACC basketball and football.
Do you have family?
My wife Tara is also a pastor currently serving at Trinity United Methodist Church just a few miles from Wrightsville. We have three children: one in middle school and two in high school.
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