Texarkana, Texas — Highland Park Baptist Church has called Monte Rowse as its new Senior Pastor. Rowse has been serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Hackberry, Louisiana in the Lake Charles area. He is expected to begin his ministry at Highland Park in the next two weeks.
During his time at First Baptist Church Hackberry, Pastor Monte guided the congregation through the devastating impacts of Hurricane Laura in 2020. The Category 4 storm caused widespread destruction in the southwestern Louisiana community, damaging homes, infrastructure, and church facilities. Under his leadership, the church played a key role in recovery efforts, providing support and hope to residents in the aftermath of the hurricane. He served there for 14 years with his wife Renée Rowse.
The transition at Highland Park follows the departure of Reverend Kevin Myers, who faithfully served as the church's Lead Pastor. He was called to the position in December 2003 and recently concluded more than 22 years of ministry there. Myers has taken a position as Project Manager III in the Finance and Administration department at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Under Myers’ leadership, the congregation experienced significant growth, and the church dedicated a new campus to accommodate its expanding ministries and community outreach.
Highland Park Baptist Church has been hailed by Baptist leaders in Texas and Arkansas for its exceptional music ministry under Worship Pastor and Minister of Music Eric Beechem. The church’s vibrant worship and high-quality musical presentations have drawn regional recognition and strengthened its outreach in the Texarkana area. Family Pastor Steven Mathias has also been hailed for his steady leadership and support during the transition in the aftermath of Myers’ departure.
Highland Park Baptist Church is located at 1000 South Bishop Road, Texarkana, TX 75501. Sunday Bible Study classes meet at 9:15 a.m., followed by the main worship service at 10:30 a.m. The church's phone, ministry details, and email can be found online at hpbctexarkana.com.
HPBC has a staff of ten, not including the new pastor. Team members support various aspects of worship, family ministries, administration, and community engagement as the church enters this new season under Pastor Rowse’s leadership. Kayla Withers serves as children's minister and began her tenure in May, 2024.
Church leadership has planned a formal welcome and installation service for Pastor Monte Rowse in the coming weeks. Congregation members and visitors are encouraged to attend upcoming services and participate in the ongoing ministries at Highland Park Baptist Church.
FIND OUT MORE: Below is an interview with Pastor Monte by Pastor Reg Lloyd of Praise Church.
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