MEET OUR CHURCH TEAM
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Senior Pastor Dr. Raymond L. OwensRev. Dr. Raymond L. Owens, Sr. was born in Vernon, Texas and moved to Austin, TX at an early age. He graduated from L. C. Anderson High School and from there joined the United States Air Force was later honorably discharged from the military.
Raymond accepted his call in the ministry in 1993 under the leadership of Pastor Thomas L. Sneed of the Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Austin. He served on numerous committees of the church and led several auxiliaries, namely, Superintendent of Sunday School, Brotherhood President and Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teachers, to name a few. He has served faithfully at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church of Austin under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B. W. McClendon, Sr. He and his wife Rhonda served as the Directors of Marriage and Family Ministry. He was later called to the Rising Star Baptist Church of Rockdale, TX and served as Senior Pastor. During this time, he was featured in The Gospel Today magazine as one of the “Most Loved Pastors.” Later, God called him to organize the ‘Trinity Community Baptist Church of Round Rock, TX. Raymond has a thirst for knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. Immediately after his call into the ministry, he received a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry from the Austin Baptist Association Seminary. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Christian Bible College of Rocky Mount, NC; a Master of Arts degree in Practical Ministry from the Master Divinity School of Evansville, IN and a Doctor of Ministry from the Colorado Theology Seminary of Lake Helen, FL. Raymond has been married to Rhonda Dilworth Owens for 36 years and they have 4 adult children and 3 grandsons. He has worked in the Round Rock Independent School district for over 15 years. He is currently employed at the Meridian World School. He enjoys sports, reading and traveling. He also enjoys seeing people healed and transformed by the power of God’s Word.
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Rev. Edwin BlackmanAssociate Minister Staff
Before becoming the Associate Minister Staff at New Birth Community Baptist Church, Rev. Blackman had been preaching for 17 years starting on his 21st birthday. Rev. Blackman has an Associate Degree in Bible Studies and is currently working to achieve his Bachelors Degree in Christian Education. He is the pastor's first son in ministry. Rev. Blackman has been married to his wife Monika for 16 years and has two beautiful children. |
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First Lady - Rhonda Dilworth OwensRhonda Dilworth Owens is a native of Austin and the loving wife of Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Owens, Sr. The two have been joined in holy matrimony for more than 36 years. She is also the mother of four adult children (Raymond, Jr., Ramzi, Ryan and Rachel) and the grandmother of three grandsons (Isaac Jacob, Kason James and Solomon Elijah).
The Owens’ share a 25 year Marriage Ministry and provide pre and post marital counseling to couples. She enjoys conducting marriage conferences, seminars and workshops throughout the city and surrounding areas. Rhonda and Raymond served as the Director of the Marriage and Family Ministry at St. James Missionary Baptist Church of Austin. She has served in several ministries of church service: youth Sunday School Teacher, Junior Mission member and teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, President and Vice President of the Agape Interdenominational Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows of Austin (AIAMWMW) and Vice President of the Texas Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows (TAMWMW). Rhonda diligently supports her husband in ministry and also has a passion for teaching and leading women of all ages in their walk with the Lord. She has been the Coordinator and Counselor of the GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) Girls Club of Round Rock, Texas; the aim of this club is for girls ages 12-18 to gain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They develop a strong knowledge of who they are and their purpose in God’s plan for their lives. In their quest of building their relationship with Jesus Christ, they are also building their relationship with their families, friends and their community. Rhonda loves sharing her favorite scripture, John 3:16, with the young ladies. Rhonda is a graduate of St. Edward’s University of Austin where she earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Physical Education, and received a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Park University. When Rhonda is not busy with her family and Kingdom building, she is a Training Supervisor at Progressive Insurance. She is a lifelong learner and enjoys reading spiritual and self-improvement literature, watching movies, and listening to Gospel and jazz music. |
Support Staff
Tangy Brantley, Administrative and Finance Services
Yvonne Lane, Communications and Community Activities
LaShawn Powell, Media Ministry
Carol DePina, Usher Ministry
Monica Irvin, Membership Coordinator
