The search for a new pastor for Plant City’s First Baptist has come to an end.
The congregation of Plant City’s largest church approved Dr. Brian Stowe Oct. 13, as its new leader. His first day will be Dec. 8.
“He is extremely genuine,” said Coleman Davis, chairman of the pastor search committee. “He is the real deal, as far as I’m concerned. He’s full of energy and full of love for the people.”
A native of Georgia, Stowe most recently served as pastor of Maysville Baptist Church, in Maysville, Ga.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity and privilege that not only the Lord has given, but the congregation, as well,” Stowe said of First Baptist.
Although Stowe did not submit a résumé for the position, First Baptist’s search committee discovered him through networking. The committee sent two groups of four to visit Maysville Baptist to see him preach. The committee agreed was the perfect fit.
Stowe agreed.
“It was a God thing,” Stowe said. “If the Lord wanted us to move, He would move us. We’re willing to say, ‘God, You are in control, and we’re willing to obey You.’”
Stowe earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1991, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by his master’s degree of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas. He received his doctoral degree of ministry in 2005, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.
Stowe served as a youth ministry intern at First Baptist Dallas while attending Southwestern. He also has served from 1995 to 1997, as senior pastor of Fremont Hills Baptist Church, in Nixa, Mo., before he took his position at Maysville.
Stowe led the congregation of Maysville for 16 years. In that time, the congregation grew from 150 members to more than 800. He grew Sunday school attendance by 600% and averaged 100 baptisms annually. He also led Maysville to purchase 50 acres in 2007, which became the church’s new home.
Stowe and his wife, Bonnie, have four children: Sarah, 16, Hannah, 14, Andrew, 9, and Elizabeth, 2. The Stowes will be moving to Florida before he starts his position.
“For the kids, it’s bittersweet,” Stowe said of the move. “The bitter part is their grandparents and uncle live close to us now. They’ve always gone to (Maysville). The sweet part is we know we’re obeying the Lord.”
The Plant City congregation had the opportunity to meet Stowe Oct. 9, during a question-and-answer period. Deacons and their families had dinner with the Stowes Oct. 11, and the rest of the congregation met Stowe during a meet-and-greet Oct. 12.
“The folks were just absolutely wonderful,” Stowe said. “From the beginning with the search team, they were great. Encouraging.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.