Ep. 18: From Pentecostal Roots to Baptist Pastor | Doug Richey’s Journey of Faith
Website: deformedtheologyshow.com
Welcome back to another episode of Deformed Theology, where we’re all about washing feet and flipping tables. In this episode, we sit down with Doug Richey—a man who has worn many hats: Baptist pastor for nearly 30 years, state representative in Missouri, law enforcement chaplain, Army National Guard combat engineer, and now serving with Alliance Defending Freedom. Doug’s story is one of faith, calling, public service, and perseverance in the face of cultural and spiritual challenges.
Doug shares his unique journey from Pentecostal roots to Baptist pastoral ministry, opening up about how questions of eternal security, perseverance of the saints, and the authority of Scripture shaped his theological convictions. We dig deep into the pivotal moments when he wrestled with doctrine, faced cultural opposition, and learned to trust God’s leading—even when it meant leaving behind a thriving pastoral ministry to step into a new role defending religious liberty on a national level.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
Doug’s reflections on the Rapture and eschatology, from pre-trib conferences of the 80s to a more humble “pan-millennial” outlook.
How his battle buddy in the Army National Guard challenged his Pentecostal assumptions and led him to dig deeper into Scripture.
The story of God radically redirecting his life when He removed Doug’s love for finance overnight and set him on the path to ministry.
What it was like to pastor faithfully for nearly two decades before being called into politics as a state representative.
How his time in the Missouri legislature gave him a front-row seat to cultural battles over life, sexuality, family, and religious freedom.
Why he believes Christians must not retreat from public life, but also why the pulpit must never be hijacked for partisan agendas.
His current role with Alliance Defending Freedom, clearing the way for pastors, churches, and everyday Christians to live out their faith in a hostile culture.
This episode isn’t just Doug’s story—it’s a challenge to every believer to consider how God might use their talents, time, and testimony for His kingdom. Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, the political arena, or everyday life, the call is the same: live faithfully, speak truth, and trust Christ with the outcome.
👉 If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like:
Can you lose your salvation?
How should Christians engage in politics without compromising the gospel?
What role does suffering and tribulation play in the Christian life?
How do we hold unity across theological differences while staying anchored to truth?
…then this episode is for you.
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📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Doug’s Background
6:15 – Early Ministry Call & Pentecostal Roots
15:42 – Wrestling with Eternal Security
30:05 – Seminary & Pastoral Ministry
42:20 – From Pulpit to Politics
1:05:10 – Faith in the Public Square
1:20:00 – Alliance Defending Freedom & the Fight for Religious Liberty
1:35:00 – Closing Reflections
🌐 Resources & Links:
Website: deformedtheologyshow.com
Support the Show: Buy us a coffee & keep the conversation going
Alliance Defending Freedom: adflegal.org
