Dr. Paul Cowles completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Religion at Baptist College at Charleston (now CSU). He pursued graduate studies at Luther Rice Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary. He satisfied requirements for a Doctor of Ministry degree in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary. He is a native Floridian. Paul and his wife, Ann (a native of Dublin, Georgia), have called Friendship “home” since March 2005. The Cowles family is blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, a dog and a cat. He loves ice cream and chocolate! Learn more on our MEET OUR PASTOR Page.

Jim surrendered to the ministry in 2003 and has been on staff at Friendship since 2016. He grew up in Montezuma, Georgia and has been married to his best friend, Jennifer, since 1998. Their daughter, Savannah lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, Johnathan, while he pursues an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jim earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in special education and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jim loves coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, repurposing/refinishing furniture, spending time with his friends, family and students. Jim has a heart for building relationships with students, their parents, and equipping them to be life-long disciples who make disciples.

Keith recently transitioned into the role of Member Care and Senior Adult Director at Friendship after having served as our Children’s Ministry Director for approximately 10 years. He and his wife, Kathy, have been married since 1974. They have two children and seven grandchildren. Keith loves to play golf, basketball, travel to the Smokey Mountains with Kathy and sing with the Sons of Jubal as they travel across the state and abroad. Keith graduated with a Master of Church Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chad began serving on staff as the Worship and Music Associate in 2017 and transitioned to lead our worship ministry as the Music & Worship Ministry Director in January of 2024. A native of Tennessee, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from Florida State University, a Masters of Communication from the University of South Alabama, and a Masters of Military Art and Science from Air University. A Colonel, with more than 30 years in the Air Force, he is also an adjunct professor for Kennesaw State University. Chad has performed in more than 38 countries and 41 states as a vocalist and musician for the United States Air Force and continues to minister through music in concerts across the southeast U.S. Chad and his wife, high school sweetheart and best friend, Stephanie, have three children: Maddi 24, Presley 12, and Aaron 11.

Stephanie is a military spouse and mom to four children, two of whom are still at home, Stephanie graduated from Valdosta State University in May of 2023. She is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend, Chad, and enjoys theater, music, and spontaneous adventures.

Stephanie has been a part of church ministry since her early teenage years where she served in the puppet ministry in children’s church. She has also served in many areas of ministry in her local church including children’s ministry. Most recently she has directed a christian preschool program. She has a love for children and desires to meet their unique needs and interests, ensuring that they feel safe, seen, heard, and loved.