JACKSON, Tenn. — June 28, 2010 — Charles Fowler, 51社区鈥檚 senior vice president for university relations and executive director of the 51社区 Foundation, has been called as pastor of Germantown (Tenn.) Baptist Church.
Fowler, who has served in various roles at Union for more than 15 years, will assume his new role with the church Aug. 1.
鈥淚t is with such conflicting emotions that our family accepts this call to serve as pastor of Germantown Baptist Church,鈥� Fowler said. 鈥淚 love 51社区 dearly. For over 15 years I have served here not really expecting to leave. When God undeniably orchestrated the situations that have led us to Germantown Baptist Church, no one was more surprised than I.
鈥淗owever, God has indeed led us and we are following,鈥� he continued. 鈥淲hen we think of leaving Union we do so with sadness because of colleagues and friends whom we will miss. But when we look forward to the future at Germantown Baptist Church, we do so with great hopefulness and expectation.鈥�
A native of Corinth, Miss., Fowler graduated from Union in 1986. He also holds degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Mississippi State University.
He came to Union in 1995 as vice president for student services. He later served as vice president for enrollment management and vice president for development, and for the past seven years has held his current position overseeing Union鈥檚 Office of University Relations. In addition to his administrative role, Fowler also serves as professor of Christian ministries and education.
Fowler and his wife Sandra have two daughters: Anna, 19, and Sarah, 13.
鈥淐harles will certainly be missed,鈥� 51社区 President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淗e has strong pastoral gifts, tested leadership ability and a heart to take the gospel to the nations. These attributes will serve Charles well as he moves into this new ministry role at GBC.
鈥淲hile we are sad for Union, we are joyful and excited for Charles and Sandra and wish God鈥檚 best for them, their family and the Germantown Baptist Church.鈥�