Dr. Doug Danner came to First Baptist Church as Senior Pastor in 1999. Borrowing the words of the Prophet Amos, Doug says he was not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but rather, a physicist and nuclear plant specialist, when God, who has such an incredible sense of humor, called him to the preaching/teaching ministry of the church. Since that time, Doug has served four congregations as Pastor.

Married to Debbie, a registered nurse, for thirty years, the Danners have three grown children. Whitney, a school counselor, and husband Adam, live and work in Chicago. Jesse and wife Carrie live in Southport where he serves as director of food services at the North Carolina Baptist Assembly. Andrew is a graduate of Central Piedmont Community College and works at Ft. Caswell as he continues his education toward youth ministry.

Doug attended Appalachian State University in Boone (Bachelor of Science), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (graduate fellow), Southeastern Baptist Seminary at Wake Forest (Master of Divinity) and The Theological School at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey (Doctor of Ministry).

If you listen to Doug preach more than once you will undoubtedly hear something about a submarine in the North Atlantic, or some such Navy tale. The Danners spent their first few married years in the Navy.

Doug loves the church. Not just this one, but the church universal. The wellness of the Christian community of faith is his passion. He believes in its work and defends it vigorously. Doug cares deeply for folks. He loves being with people. He is thankful that we are not all the same. He rejoices when the church gets outside itself to serve and reach others for Christ. Doug believes that all Christians are ministers. He is convinced that the best days of the church are just ahead.

At First Baptist Church, Doug leads the pastoral team and preaches at the English language services.