“Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day” (1 Kings 8:61).
Such devotion can be seen through Terry Fowler’s life-long service to the Lord and nearly 50 years to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church as a loyal and dedicated minister. We celebrate his many accomplishments while wishing him the best as he moves forward into retirement!
Growing up, Terry saw himself preaching, dreaming about it from a very early age. His grandmother is to thank because her love and devotion to Christ led Terry to church. At 12 years old, Terry knew he wanted to give his life to the Lord, but he also thought he would need to begin preaching right away (how was he going to preach at such a young age?), so he waited. After some running and a lot of prayer, Terry gave his heart to the Lord in February 1973 at a revival led by Evangelist Paschal Christopher. A few months later, he began at Holmes College of the Bible to major in Theology (1976-1979).
Terry with his wife Imogene at his retirement party
In 1983, Terry began his ministry as a pastor at Lake City PHC in Lake City, South Carolina, where he remained until 1990. While there were many important moments, one particular instance holds a special place in his heart:
As a pastor, I remember most a lady named Hessie Brewer. She had a mentally challenged, 40-year-old child, lived on a meager income, and was devoted to the Lord. While she was in the ICU, just two days before Christmas, she called and told me she had a gift for me. Her gift was a card with a five-dollar bill inside.
“I can’t take your money!” I told her, but she said, “Don’t rob me of my blessing.”
When I got home a little later, I received a call informing me that she had passed away. Five dollars was a real sacrifice for her, and there’s been no gift more precious.
While pastoring, he also served as conference Bible Quiz director for four years and Royal Ranger commander for three-and-a-half years.
For the next 16 years, Terry served the South Carolina Conference in a variety of ways: first, as the director of Discipleship Ministries (1990-1997) where Pastor Paul Howell was a great mentor and influence. He also served on the Church Education Ministries (CEM) Board and was the national Bible Quiz director at this time. Terry was then elected as assistant conference superintendent and Evangelism and Missions director (1998) and finally served as the conference superintendent for eight years (1998-2006).
Terry with his family at his retirement party. L-R Wayne Kirby, Nick Kirby, Terry Fowler, Imogene Fowler, Terra Kirby, Luke Kirby
In 2006, Terry and his wife, Imogene, made their way to Oklahoma City and the IPHC denominational office when former General Superintendent James Leggett invited him to serve as the director of Clergy Development/Prayer Ministry (2006-2010). In that role, he directed pastoral care and clergy training and credentialing. From there, he began work as assistant to General Superintendent Ronald Carpenter, and, most recently, Dr. Doug Beacham. During that time, Terry has been an invaluable resource through service, supervision, and execution of his duties.
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham shared, “For thirty years, I have had the privilege of working with Rev. Terry Fowler. Our friendship goes back to when we were conference superintendent colleagues and served together on the IPHC General Executive Board. In his role as Chief of Staff for our denominational offices, he faithfully served the late Bishop Ronald Carpenter, Sr., and, for nearly eleven years, he has served me with excellence. He is a man of impeccable character, has a deep love for Jesus, and is a man able to witness to people effectively about Him. Personally, and for the IPHC, he will be greatly missed. We pray that this season of retirement will be filled with great joy.”
While his retirement will allow Terry extra time to enjoy Hallmark movies with his wife, he doesn’t plan to “ride off into the sunset.” One of Terry’s favorite Scriptures portrays his desire to continue in ministry: “For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:20), and we look forward to seeing what’s next for him.
Terry Fowler gives special thanks and appreciation to the following individuals:
- His grandmother and mother for their faith and prayers.
- Evangelist Paschal Christopher, under whose ministry Terry was saved.
- Pastor George Cashwell, Terry’s pastor at the time he was saved, a former
- superintendent, and overall influential part of his journey.
- Superintendent David Mackenzie for assigning Terry his first pastorate
- Pastor David Richardson for his mentorship
- The Rev. Jesse Simmons for his leadership influence
- The South Carolina Conference for allowing him to serve at every level of the church
- The General Church for 17 years of service in the General Superintendent’s Office of the late Bishops James Leggett and Ronald Carpenter and presiding General Superintendent Doug Beacham.
We thank you, Terry, for all you have contributed over the years. God bless you in your future endeavors.
