CIVIC LEADER

Dr. Clayton Oliphint

Pastor, Leader, Family Man, Bridge Builder

By Patti Otte

 

Tell us about yourself. What path led you to the position you hold today at FUMCR?

I was born a Methodist preacher’s son in Louisiana and my family moved to Texas when I was 12 years old. After high school, I attended Austin College in Sherman, graduating with a degree in religion and history. Although I spent my childhood adamant that I’d never be a preacher, I felt the call to ministry in my teen years.

After graduating college, I accepted a position serving three small rural churches as their pastor. After seminary at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, I served as an associate pastor at Lovers Lane UMC in Dallas. I would go on to serve as Senior Pastor of First UMC The Colony and First UMC Duncanville before being appointed to serve at First United Methodist Church Richardson in 2001. I still can’t believe it’s been more than 23 years serving in our wonderful Richardson community.

What are your primary responsibilities as senior pastor of such a large church?

As Senior Pastor, my primary role is to help the church live into our mission to welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ. I feel humbled every week by the honor of being the primary preaching pastor for our traditional and online worship services. It’s a gift to be able to lead a community of faith so passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others, both near and far

Besides being a senior pastor at FUMCR, in what other capacities are you involved as a civic leader?

I serve on the Advisory Board of Methodist Richardson Medical Center, where I recently completed a term as Chair. I also sit on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Healthcare System. I’m continuously inspired by the way these organizations play a vital missional role in delivering quality health care for our area.

Previously, I’ve served as Chair of the Board of Directors at Network of Community Ministries from 2006 to 2008 and it’s a blessing to continue to support this amazing organization in empowering our neighbors in need. And for the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as Chaplain for Circle 10 of Scouting America and be on their Board of Directors. It’s amazing the way Scouting shapes the lives and character of so many people.

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to sit in many different seats with folks striving to make a big difference in our community, but one of the things that has given me the greatest joy is connecting with civic leaders behind the scenes, not in the spotlight. Whether a word of encouragement or simply letting them know I’m praying for them, we watch how challenging it is to be a leader in the world today. If I can be even a small source of strength to another, that is a call or text I’m happy to make.

Does FUMCR collaborate with other churches or organizations in terms of serving the community? If so, what does that effort look like on a broad scale?

I strongly believe we are better together. Our church is passionate about serving in the local community, but we’re just as passionate about partnering with others in this good and faithful work. For example, FUMCR was proud to be one of the founding organizations of the Richardson Interfaith Alliance, whose primary focus is to increase respect of all faiths through education and increased awareness and to coordinate and enhance faith-based services for the betterment of the Richardson community. We’ve seen this focus live out through meaningful conversations, packing meals, or responding to local emergency needs.

Network of Community Ministries, Mark Twain and Dover Elementary Schools, Richardson Adult Literacy Center, and so many others… FUMCR has been in the Richardson community for more than 138 years and we’ve never existed just for our members. In fact, you will often hear me say “we are blessed to be a blessing.” And my hope is that this intention is felt in very real and tangible ways throughout our community.

How would you describe your leadership style and what positive impact do you feel that you make as a volunteer or a leader?

I strive to be a collaborative and encouraging leader. For many years, I’ve surrounded myself with talented, faithful people whom I empower and encourage to do what they do best. I just try and get out of the way!

How do you choose with organizations you serve outside of the church? 

The needs and opportunities within the Richardson community can almost feel overwhelming at times. In response, many people are doing good work to make a difference. My personal philosophy and that of FUMCR starts with best understanding the need. We never want to assume we have all the information or know how to just fix it. Instead, we listen and learn about those who align with our organization’s mission and vision. How do we strategically make a sustaining impact and be practical about what we can do to help?

What do you love best about being a civic leader? Is there a particular moment that stands out in your mind during which you truly felt you were making a positive difference?

I’m not surprised often, but I was in 2013 when I had the honor of being named Citizen of the Year by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. While I was grateful to receive the award, in listening to them share about me and my role in the Richardson community, it truly was one of the first times I realized my impact had the potential to reach far beyond my role as a pastor at FUMCR.

For me, being a civic leader means continuously learning and growing, pulling up a chair beside someone who may not have the same background or look like me, and celebrating the stories that have made up our history and those that shape our future. I love to say, ‘My job is to love God and love my neighbor. Everything else is above my pay grade.’ The scripture that guides my life is, ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

When you aren’t working or serving, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? How do you spend your free time?

My family is my greatest joy and blessing! My wife, Lori, and I met on a blind date and have been married for 34 years. Like me, she is a United Methodist preacher’s kid and together we have three adult preacher’s kids. Family time is my happy place. Whether it’s at home, out to eat, or up in Colorado at our family cabin, spending time with our kids or even extended family always refuels me. As our FUMCR staff will tell you, I never mind ending the day turning up the music and shooting a few baskets in the gym. I humbly share that I’ve perfected a solid half court hook shot! I also enjoy playing golf, reading good books, and watching movies.