About Dr. Michael Andrew Owens
By NHMBC | October 10, 2026
Rev. Dr. Michael Andrew Owens accepted God's call to preach the Gospel at the age of 15 and was licensed to the ministry by Bethany Baptist Church in his hometown of Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1972, he was examined by the New Hope Baptist Association and ordained at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. With more than five decades of faithful preaching, teaching, and pastoral leadership, Dr. Owens continues to dedicate his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!
Dr. Owens began his ministerial journey as Administrative Assistant to the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, where he helped oversee daily church operations while providing leadership in Christian Education and Spiritual Renewal. During this period, he also served as a substitute teacher in the Chester Upland School District and as a Tutor-Counselor and Administrative Assistant with the Swarthmore College Upward Bound Program.
Education and Spiritual Preparation
Guided by the Holy Spirit and committed to excellence in ministry, Dr. Owens pursued both academic and theological education. He was accepted for early admission to Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, a year before his scheduled graduation from Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware.
He later transferred to West Chester State College in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1981. Continuing his preparation for pastoral leadership, he attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, now known as Palmer Theological Seminary, where he earned both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
Pastoral Leadership and Ministry
Tabernacle Baptist Church — Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1984–1998)
In 1984, Dr. Owens was called to pastor Tabernacle Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he served faithfully for fourteen years. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth in ministry, community outreach, and spiritual development.
His accomplishments included expanding the church staff, establishing a Youth Ministry, strengthening food distribution and scholarship assistance programs, improving church facilities, and creating opportunities for spiritual enrichment through workshops, Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
Beyond the local congregation, Dr. Owens served the greater Harrisburg community by directing the Capital Area City-Wide Revival for ten years through the Interdenominational Ministers Conference of Greater Harrisburg. He also served on the Executive Board and Home Missions Board of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention.
Bethel Baptist Church, East — Detroit, Michigan (1998–2017)
In November 1998, Dr. Owens was called to serve as Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, East in Detroit, Michigan. He began his pastoral leadership with a Watch Night Service, ushering the congregation into a new season of spiritual growth and service.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Owens emphasized worshiping God in spirit and in truth. He enriched the church's worship traditions through Intercessory Prayer, Holy Week Services, Holy Spirit Renewal, and Black Heritage Commemorations. In March 2002, the church expanded its evangelistic reach through a radio broadcast, sharing the Gospel with the greater Detroit community.
Embracing the vision of "A Ministry Minded Church," Dr. Owens strengthened ministries designed to serve both the congregation and the community. Outreach initiatives expanded to include correspondence with incarcerated individuals and Angel Tree gifts for their families. Scholarship and tutoring programs grew from one-time assistance into sustained educational support for students pursuing their degrees.
He established a Men's Ministry in 2001 and strengthened the Women's and Youth Ministries in 2003. His commitment to responsible stewardship also resulted in significant facility improvements, including sanctuary renovations, administrative office upgrades, roof replacement, and other capital projects. Additionally, a computer lab was established to provide members with opportunities to develop computer skills and access digital resources.
Dr. Owens' leadership extended well beyond Bethel Baptist Church into the broader Detroit faith community. He served as President of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc., and as Moderator of the Calvary Missionary Baptist District Association.
In recognition of his commitment to social justice, community advocacy, and spiritual leadership, Ebony Magazine named Dr. Owens to its prestigious 2014 Power 100 List as a Community Crusader. This distinction recognized his leadership among Detroit clergy during the city's bankruptcy and emergency management crisis, as well as his efforts to address other civil and social challenges affecting the community.
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church — San Bernardino, California (2017–Present)
In May 2017, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church called Rev. Dr. Michael Andrew Owens to serve as its seventeenth Pastor in the church's distinguished history. He succeeded Dr. Robert L. Fairley, whom New Hope honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus.
Accepting the responsibility of building upon a rich legacy of spiritual leadership, community engagement, and Christian service, Dr. Owens embraced a new chapter of ministry in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.
His pastoral philosophy continues to reflect the Ministry Model of Jesus Christ, who came "preaching, teaching, and healing." Through biblical instruction, spiritual empowerment, compassionate outreach, and a commitment to community service, Dr. Owens seeks to inspire believers to deepen their faith, strengthen their families, and demonstrate the love of Christ through meaningful action.
Under his leadership, New Hope continues its mission of serving God, nurturing disciples, and positively impacting the surrounding community.
Personal Life, Family, and Interests
Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Owens enjoys bowling, traveling, attending theatrical performances and concerts, and engaging in a challenging game of Scrabble. He is also an avid movie enthusiast, golf enthusiast, and songwriter.
Dr. Owens shared many years of marriage, family, faith, and ministry with his beloved wife, Sister Lisa Blacksher Owens, who passed away in 2021. Her memory remains a cherished part of his personal journey and legacy of love and service.
On February 15, 2026, Dr. Owens entered a new chapter of life when he was united in marriage to Rev. Renna Young. Their marriage represents a beautiful continuation of faith, companionship, and shared devotion to God. Together, they look forward to embracing the blessings of marriage and the opportunities to serve the Lord through their respective gifts and callings.
A cherished passage of Scripture that reflects the enduring importance of faith, hope, and love is:
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)
With more than fifty years of Gospel ministry, Rev. Dr. Michael Andrew Owens remains committed to preaching God's Word, equipping believers, uplifting communities, and exemplifying the transformative power of God's love.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done and continues to do!
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