Greetings From the Pastor…
It is with a great sense of joy, excitement and faith that I say hello to all of my Christian friends! I hope that this letter finds everyone exceedingly well and prosperous who should read it. The words are truly inexpressible as I attempt to convey to you the deep sense of thanksgiving for this providential promotion that God through Jesus has bestowed upon me for being selected the new pastor of Broad Street Missionary Baptist Church! I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet every member of the Broad Street Church family, as well as everyone who is externally affiliated with the church.
God has engendered within me what I believe are exciting and innovative ideas on how together, we can work collaboratively and harmoniously to advance a promising agenda for the church and the comprehensive community that we serve. These ideas include plans for church growth in all areas of ministry such as youth and young adults, peer mentoring, promotions and public relations, economic development, affordable housing, educational projects and most certainly neighborhood revitalization and personal empowerment! All of these components are inescapably and intrinsically connected to effective, progressive ministry if we are to remain relevant and viable to God and His ministry!
Consequently, we need believers who are desirous to serve God through serving his people. That is to simply say, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” We know that some plant, some water, and some cultivate, but truly it is God through Jesus who gives the increase! I am totally convinced that these are exciting times to be a part of God’s family and the Christian Movement. Although we have had some unfortunate setbacks in ministry due to worldwide circumstances beyond our control, I am always reminded that, “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.” So, no matter what betide, God will take care of you! He will take care of all of our needs according to His riches in glory.
I look forward to serving with cheerfulness and gladness of heart with you all!
Yours In Christ,
Pastor Rick (Rickey) Owens
Reverend Rick (Rickey) Owens is a Birmingham, Alabama native. He is the youngest of seven siblings of the union between his parents, the late Elmer and Ora Bell (Cottrell) Owens. He grew up in the Grasselli Heights Community of Wenonah. While there, he attended Birmingham Public Schools (Wenonah Elementary and Wenonah High Schools). His Christian journey began at the Christian Valley Baptist Church in North Birmingham, where he accepted Christ and was baptized in 1987. He later moved his membership to New Hope Baptist Church in West End, where he was a dedicated member for 22 years (15.5 years as an associate minister and seven years as a member before receiving his call to preach. He has been an associate minister for the past four years at Little Friendship Baptist Church of Ensley, under its pastor, the Reverend Thomas Anderson, Sr. Reverend Owens was promoted by God to be the new pastor of Broad Street Missionary Baptist Church in September 2024. Reverend Owens is happily married to Mrs. Ivorenetta Harris-Owens. They have two adult children, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Reverend Owens attended Lawson State Community College after graduating from high school. Subsequently, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a teenager, served overseas onboard the U.S.S. Puget Sound for three years and is an honorably discharged veteran. After serving his country, Reverend Owens enrolled at UAB where he pursued an undergraduate degree in mass communications with the hope of becoming a broadcast journalist.
Reverend Owens completed his undergraduate studies at Miles College, receiving his B.A. degree in mass communications. Reverend Owens was subsequently employed by his alma mater for six years as the public relations director. During that time, he enrolled at Alabama State University to pursue his master’s degree in general counseling. He completed his studies at ASU in December 2000 and was conferred the M.S. in general counseling in the spring of 2001. Reverend Owens continued his education at the Miles School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate (J.D. degree) in 2020.
Reverend Owens has held various positions in the broadcasting industry, working for Booker T. Washington Broadcasting System for stations WENN 107.7 FM and WAGG 1320 AM. He has worked in the field of Public Service for the City of Bessemer, mayor’s office as the mayor’s assistant and public relations liaison. After leaving the Bessemer mayor’s office, he obtained employment with the Bessemer Board of Education as a guidance counselor at Bessemer City High School, where he presently serves.
