By: Melanie Predolich 

For Dr. Doug Nuenke, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) graduate of Denver Seminary, his work has never been about the recognition or the position but about the gospel and God’s people.  

Doug’s walk with Christ began in the early 1980s during his undergraduate studies at Texas Christian University when a group of students introduced him to Jesus, discipled him, mentored him, and taught him how to study the Scriptures. From the moment Doug accepted Jesus, he had a heart for ministry and began sharing the gospel with others. 

After graduating and marrying his wife, Pam, Doug’s heart for ministry and hunger for learning led him on his postgraduate journey at Denver Seminary, drawn to the institution’s focus on the practical application of theology. He also appreciated that the Denver Seminary community embraced the diversity of more than fifty denominations and dove into the Scriptures with a heart for learning from one another.  

At Denver Seminary, Doug witnessed godly men and women who not only taught with excellence but were also willing to share their lives and bring a devotional nature to the content of study. This method of teaching helped create a rhythm of life and ministry that Doug still strives for to this day. He continues to see the Scriptures and his walk with God as things that transform his mind, his heart, and his life. 

In addition, during his time at the Seminary, Doug was affirmed in his gifts for mentoring and discipling others, as well as in his knowledge of Scriptures and their applicability to everyday life. He was also given the tools to practice mentoring and discipling more effectively, helping to build a solid foundation for his life and ministry. 

New and Familiar Pathways 

Doug graduated from Denver Seminary with his MDiv in Christian Education in 1987, and in 1992, he and Pam began serving with The Navigators at the University of Kansas as “unofficial” chaplains with the swim program. In the mid-1990s, Doug was part of launching EDGE Corps, a branch of The Navigators that recruits recent college graduates for ministry training, which still exists today and has recruited thousands of young adults. Doug and Pam made their way to Colorado in 2004 where Doug would serve as the lead of The Navigators City Ministries in Colorado Springs. 

Nearly two decades after graduating from Denver Seminary, a friend who was taking classes at Denver Seminary reached out to Doug and shared about an opportunity for Doug to return to Denver Seminary for his Doctor of Ministry degree. Doug is not one to add a list of credentialed letters after his name just for the sake of it, but his love for learning led him to return to Denver Seminary. 

Fast forward to 2007 and Doug graduated from Denver Seminary once again, this time with a DMin in Executive Leadership. 

Having earned two degrees from Denver Seminary, Doug is grateful for the opportunities he had to receive mentorship from a variety of professors. Dr. Vernon Grounds was one of his Counseling professors and one of the most influential professors he had during his time at the Seminary. Through their mentoring relationship, Doug was able to closely observe the life of a man who was compassionate, “people and grace-oriented,” and fervent in his commitment to living the truth of Scripture. 

Following graduation, Doug recalled a brief conversation with Dr. Grounds that illustrates his mentorship and support. Doug explained that he was wondering if he should keep his name in the running for the role of U.S. President of The Navigators. Dr. Grounds simply asked, “If they asked you to be their leader, would you consider saying no?” 

This simple question from one of his beloved professors gave Doug a moment of clarity that cut through his confusion, affirming his decision to say yes to The Navigators when they would select him as their U.S. President in 2008. 

It could have been easy for Doug to be overwhelmed with the administrative work and difficult decision-making that comes with leading an organization, but the foundation that was laid at Denver Seminary of being people-centered and sharing the gospel and life in Christ is what kept him pressing forward and thriving during his years guiding The Navigators. 

The Next Stewardship 

After his presidency with The Navigators concluded in 2021, Doug found himself asking the question: “What is my stewardship now, having had this experience?” God spoke 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 into his life, leading him to continue mentoring, coaching, and coming alongside leaders in the body of Christ. 

Doug benefited greatly from the influence of godly mentors throughout his life, and the chance to be that person for others was thrilling to him. In fact, Doug believes it’s exactly what he was “made to do.” Thus, he founded 7872 Leaders, its name pulled straight from Psalm 78:72: 

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them.” 

For Doug, 7872 Leaders is an avenue to continue doing what he loves doing: mentoring and passing along lessons learned from mistakes and successes to a new generation of men and women who are leading the body of Christ. 

Doug’s career in ministry has been and continues to be a fruitful one, but even with his many accomplishments, his focus remains on those he’s served: “Any achievements I’ve made pale in comparison to the names and faces of the men and women I was, by God’s grace, given the opportunity to come alongside to help them make it through hard times, pivot, and grow as people.” 

These qualities Doug has built his life around directly parallel the characteristics he values about Denver Seminary. He believes two things set the Seminary apart: their commitment to equipping men and women for ministry regardless of their career path, and their strong focus on Scriptures, how they transform hearts, and set people on mission. “Denver Seminary continues to stay true to its roots of a love for Scripture, and practical theology and mission that meets people where people where they live, work, and play,” he said. “And they continue making that education more accessible to more and more people.”