PASTOR HOWARD J. COLE
Pastor Cole attended and graduated from Bob Jones University of Greenville, South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. The Master of Arts degree was accomplished in 1974, with both degrees from the School of Religion. H. J. Cole continued on there to complete all of his residency work in the Doctorate of Philosophy program in the School of Religion. In addition, he also took courses for two years at the Detroit Baptist School of Theology of Allen Park, Michigan. Rev. Cole was licensed to preach in 1983 and ordained in 1984.
While getting his education, Pastor Cole served on the pastoral staff of the Inter-City Baptist Church of Allen Park, Michigan for five summers and over two years full time. He also taught in the Inter-City Baptist Institute during this time.
Prior to coming to Augusta, he pastored in western Pennsylvania for about twenty years. Pastor Cole served numerous years as the Moderator, Vice-Moderator and Secretary for the Association of Independent Baptist Churches of Western Pennsylvania. He also served for many years as the Vice-Chairman and as the Secretary on the Slippery Rock Baptist Camp Board of Directors.
Some personal information in regards to Pastor Cole is that he has been married to his wife, Judy, for over twenty-five years, and they have two children. From time to time, he plays the trumpet for church services.
Pastor Cole endeavors to have a well-balanced ministry in having a strong biblical emphasis in the pulpit seeking both the salvation of souls and the strengthening of the saints. One of his objectives is to have a family oriented local church where all age groups may be reached for the Savior and grow in the grace of the Lord, nurture in the fellowship of like-believers, and sow the life-changing news of the Gospel to others.