Flint, Michigan – Jack Dowden retired from Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he has served as pastor to seniors since 1995. The church honored Jack and his wife, Nancy, Oct. 2. The congregation celebrated the ministry of “a man who has meant so much to us for so long,” says Pastor John Scally.

​MARBC Ministry Director Ken Floyd and Pastor John Scally shared messages that reflected on the Biblical model of pastoral character and faithful longevity. Ken expressed the appreciation of the MARBC for Jack’s service on the MARBC’s Council of 16 and his leadership with the Eastern Regional Association (EMARBC).

Jack has been in ministry for 59 years. Before serving at Emmanuel Baptist Church, he was pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Union, Iowa, and Grace Baptist Church in Austin, Minnesota. While pastoring Grace Baptist, he served as chairman of the board for Bass Lake Camp.

In 2014 the GARBC gave Jack a Service Award for his commitment to church ministry. Jack “has had a profound impact on so many people,” says Emmanuel Baptist Church, who nominated him for the award. “We have all come to believe that most people grow old, but not Pastor Dowden. He has influenced hundreds of people for the cause of Christ during his years of ministry.” Along with his role with Emmanuel Baptist, Jack is also a chaplain endorsed by Regular Baptist Chaplaincy, serving at McLaren Medical Center in Flint since 2018.

(Edited from the RBM news service)