As I sat down with my own pastor, James Lowe, what struck me most is how his story has been marked by outreach from the very beginning. His roots trace back to Detroit, Michigan, where he served under Pastor Marvin Winans and launched programs to reach at-risk youth and intervene in gang activity.
Later, at Eastern Michigan University—a place close to my heart as an alumna myself—he helped lead a small campus ministry that grew into a powerful movement of students hungry for God.
“In those early years, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just had a love for Jesus and a passion… On my college campus, I had a radical transformation and we grew a small campus ministry to over a hundred people.”
Listen to the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and Pastor James Lowe in the Podcast below
Carrying a Vision Beyond Nashville
When Pastor Lowe shared how he stepped into leadership at Bethel World Outreach, I was reminded of how much that mission—“Reaching a City to Touch the World”—has shaped our own church family. Since 2012, he has carried that vision not just in Nashville, but in communities and nations far beyond.
“The pattern has always been Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, then the ends of the earth. That’s why we start with our schools, our campuses, our neighborhoods… and today, our ministry is in 72 nations.”
[Photo Credit: Bethel World Outreach Ministries] Pastor James and Debbie Lowe
Leading With His Family by His Side
As a church member, I’ve seen firsthand how Pastor Lowe leads not only our congregation but also his own family with intention. Alongside his wife, Debbie Winans Lowe, he has modeled what it means to balance marriage, parenting and ministry. Together, they are raising three sons—two athletes and one youth pastor—who reflect the same heart for God.
“They’re not future leaders. They’re leaders right now… My kids are 19, 20 and 22 and we talk every day, multiple times a day. They’re my business partners. They’re my ministry partners.”
[Photo Credit: Bethel World Outreach Ministries] Pastor James Lowe working in the greater Nashville community
Stepping Into the Hard Places
One thing I deeply admire about Pastor Lowe is his willingness to step into crisis moments, when our city most needs light and hope. Through Unite Nashville and in response to tragedies like the Antioch High School shooting, he has rallied the body of Christ to pray, serve and stand together.
“It takes a village. It takes the community of faith to rally around our schools and support the most vulnerable. That’s what we did at Antioch High School after the shooting—and it’s what we’ll do wherever God burdens us to go.”
[Photo Credit: Bethel World Outreach Ministries] Pastor James Lowe Ministering from Nashville to Nigeria
Lessons From Nigeria for the American Church
Recently, Pastor Lowe returned from Lagos, Nigeria and I could hear the joy in his voice as he described being welcomed “home” by the people there. He admitted that while he went to minister, he left feeling just as ministered to.
“They gave me a new name—Adewole, meaning ‘the crown prince has come home.’ Though I went to minister to them, I was deeply ministered to… It inspired me to go after God and the mission even more.”
His reflection wasn’t just for himself—it carried a message for all of us in the American church:
“Sometimes in America, we major on our liberties in Christ more than our consecration to Christ. What I saw in Africa was believers laying down their liberties for more of Him. That’s what we need—more consecrated lives, less self-guided, materialistic lives.”
How to Encourage Our Pastors
This Pastor’s Appreciation Month, I wanted to know: what does encouragement look like from his side of the pulpit? His answer was both simple and profound.
“Pray, yes—but even more, do whatever the Holy Spirit tells you to do. Honor the position of pastor, because in honoring your pastor, you’re really honoring Jesus.”
A Pastor’s Own Prayer Request
Finally, Pastor Lowe shared openly about his own need for prayer—a reminder that pastors are people, too, with their own burdens and decisions.
“I’m in a season where I need wisdom. With so much happening—revival in the world and decisions here at home—I need to know where to put my time, talent and treasure. Please pray that I stay Spirit-led.”
About Pastor James Lowe
Senior Pastor, Bethel World Outreach Ministries (since 2012)
Husband to Debbie Winans Lowe, father of three sons
Former director, Youth Life Foundation of Tennessee
Served in gang intervention and youth development in Detroit and Nashville
Founder of Unite Nashville, promoting prayer and reconciliation
Leads a global missions network in 72 nations; most recently ministered in Lagos, Nigeria
Holds a degree in Social Work, Eastern Michigan University
Honoring Our Shepherds
As someone who calls Pastor James Lowe my pastor, I’ve had the privilege of seeing his leadership up close—whether preaching on Sunday, walking our city through moments of crisis, or returning from the nations with a fresh word for the church. His story, from Detroit to Nashville to Nigeria, is more than just a biography—it is a testimony of faith, family and a heart for people.
This Pastor’s Appreciation Month, I’m reminded that every pastor carries both a calling and a burden. They give so much of themselves to us, but they also need our prayers, encouragement and support.
“I’m not a king,” Pastor Lowe said. “I’m just a member of the body like everyone else. Do whatever the Lord tells you to do and that will always be enough.”
So as we celebrate Pastor Lowe—and pastors everywhere—let’s take time to pray for them, speak words of life over them and pour into them, just as they so faithfully pour into us.
