Meet Our Pastor 

Dr. Paul Cowles brings a heartfelt appreciation for Christian education, shaped by his own journey through Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Religion. His passion for ministry led him to graduate studies at Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, culminating in a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Pastor Paul’s leadership and compassion have touched many lives. He has twice served as Chair of the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries Board of Trustees, provided representation on behalf of Georgia Baptists on the Administration and Executive Committees of the Georgia Baptist Convention, and currently chairs the Credentials Committee of the Rehoboth Baptist Association. As a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, he continues to support and uplift those around him. Ann, his wife of almost 38 years, shares her musical gifts as a keyboardist in the church’s music ministry and is an active participant in the Friendship Women’s Ministry.

Paul’s story is one of grace and empathy. Adopted as an infant in Florida, he developed a deep compassion for adoptive families and birth mothers. He was saved and baptized at eight years old, growing up in the church where Dr. Adrian Rogers began his pastoral journey. After college, Paul moved to Georgia for work but soon felt the Lord’s call to ministry. He and Ann, a native of Dublin, Georgia, celebrated their 20th anniversary in March 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church in Warner Robins, where Paul serves as Senior Pastor. His ministry is marked by a passion for outreach, evangelism, discipleship, and building meaningful relationships within the community.

The Cowles family is richly blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, Ann’s father, a dog, and a cat. Paul and Ann cherish memories of their trip to Greece, retracing the Apostle Paul’s Second Missionary Journey and preaching at Mars Hill in Athens. Paul’s favorite pastimes include genealogy research, playing piano, traveling, and reading. His life is guided by the wisdom of Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 16:3.