Jerry Owen

Walker Hill Baptist Church
Brandon, Mississippi 39042
601-201-8526

• Education: MDiv
• Experience: Evangelism and Missions- 25 years Pastoral ministries- 20 years
• One of my favorite illustrations: I was a crazy kid that would do anything for a laugh. While in college we were going to a work Halloween Costume Party. My date had a fancy Wonderwoman costume. I couldn't afford to buy one, so I made it myself. I dyed my white longjohns blue. Red fabric paint to draw the "S" on my shirt. Red swim trunks. Red cape. Black army boots. Hilariously goofy. After leaving the work party, I'm driving down the road and see a wreck that an officer is working. My friend's car is damaged. A crowd of 15 are gathered and talking to the officer. The officer's back is to me. I got out of my truck and walked up and stood about 15 steps behind the officer and posed in my best Superman stance. Wind is blowing my hair and my cape. Everyone is laughing and pointing. The officer turns and stares at me. I ask, "Can I be of any assistance Officer?" He took one look at me and knew I wasn't really Superman and sternly said "Yes, You can get back in your truck right now or go to jail." In Mt 7:22-23, Many people that were quite religious and did a lot of religious things find themselves standing before Jesus Christ. They looked the part and dressed the part of a Christian, but Jesus knows who truly is and who is not one of His. And Jesus tells those who are mere pretenders to depart from Him.
• Family: I have been married to Lana Owen for 40 years. I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
• What my parents think of my sermons: while they were alive, my parents enjoyed when I would be invited to come and preach at their church.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She thought I was too brutal the 1st sermon I preached and was a little embarrassed and angry afterwards. My 1st sermon was to 350 people that we went to church with for 10 years. She knows how tenderhearted I am and how much I pour into my sermons.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Say yes to whatever Jesus commands or leads you to do. (Say yes in advance and let him fill in the details.)
• Books that have had an impact: God's Smuggler Hanged on a Twisted Cross The Costs of Discipleship
• Hobbies: mission trips, hiking, hunting, fishing, woodworking.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Serving Christ is worth it.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: A man's guide dog walked down the aisle while I was preaching and came right up to the pulpit. I didn't stop preaching while my deacon gathered the dog up and took him back to his master. Looking back, I probably should have paused my preaching because no one remembered what I said during those 5 minutes.
• What I want on my tombstone: Faithful Husband, Father, and Servant.