Church Staff
Pastor JD Howell
Senior Pastor
Pastor Howell became the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport on May 19, 2019. He has a great love for the Word of God and sticks to the truth of it throughout his teaching and preaching. He serves the church along with his wife Doreen and three children: Johnny, James, and Danielle.
Pastor Howell was formerly an assistant pastor at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport for 17 years before he stepped into his current role as senior pastor. With the help of a tremendous staff, God has allowed FBC to see over 100 young people in the Lord’s work!
Pastor Scott Cowling
Pastor Scott Cowling has been on staff at FBC since 1995. Since 2001, Pastor Scott Cowling has had a tremendous ministry with our addictions ministries at FBC. He spends his time counseling, managing the transitional housing, and ministering in a number of different ways. If you are looking to get involved in the ministries of FBC, please talk to Pastor Scott; he would love to help you get involved.
Pastor Ryan Ruppel
Pastor Ryan Ruppel joined as the youth pastor at First Baptist in May of 2017. Pastor Ryan works with the teens in many aspects to help them draw closer to Jesus Christ through monthly activities, teen meetings as well as weekly a soulwinning time just for the teens. Under Pastor Ryan’s leadership, First Baptist has started an on-campus Bible study at Saginaw Valley State University where there is a great potential to reach many young people. Pastor Ryan is excited to be a part of the team here at First Baptist and can’t wait to see what else God will do here.
Pastor Daniel Galdamez
Pastor Daniel Galdamez accepted Christ at the age of 17 at the Lancaster Baptist Church of Lancaster, California. He graduated from West Coast Baptist College in 2010 and came to Bridgeport Baptist Academy as a high school teacher. He is a vital part of the ministry, not only as principal at BBA, but as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School bus driver, and part of the technical support staff. He is married to Ashley, who also teaches at the school.
Pastor Abraham Olorunlowo
Pastor Abraham Olorunlowo joined the pastoral staff of First Baptist Church in July of 2021. As the head of the video production department, he directs the production of influential weekly television broadcasts that engage thousands of viewers. Beyond his media role, Pastor Abraham also takes on the responsibilities of the discipleship pastor at First Baptist Church. Here, he concentrates on guiding and supporting new converts on their spiritual journey, with a sincere commitment to ensuring their seamless integration into the vibrant community of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.