Pastor
Dr. Howard Gates, Senior Pastor and teacher of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach since 1987, challenges his members to stand on God’s promises in today’s ever-changing world. Dr. Gates has a satisfying ministry as a servant of Christ which began when he accepted God’s call to full time ministry as a college freshman at the University of Texas (1968). He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity (1974) and a doctorate degree (1979).
During his many years of service to God’s Church, Dr. Gates served Driftwood Baptist in Driftwood, Texas; Manor Baptist in Manor, Texas; Harris Memorial Baptist in Austin, Texas; and First Baptist in Rosenberg, Texas. He has enjoyed preaching engagements at the Southern Baptist Pastor’s Conference. He also served as Member and Chairman of the Committee on Order of Business, Florida Baptist Convention. First Baptist is proud to know that he has also written Sunday School lesson commentaries in “The Florida Baptist Witness”. Currently, Dr. Gates is a trustee of the Baptist College of Florida which is located in Graceville, Florida.
Dr. Gates and his wife, Janelle, married in 2005 during an Evening Worship Service at First Baptist Church. Janelle enjoys accompanying the pastor on his hospital visits and she serves as a great support to her husband’s ministry at First Baptist Church. Dr. Gates has two children, Stephanie (23) and Matthew (20).
Dr. Gates’ favorite Bible verse is one that may be loved by a child…“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. - Matthew 6:33
Dr. Howard L. Gates has served as Pastor of First Baptist Church since 1987.
A native of Louisiana, Dr. Gates graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in 1970. While a student there, he felt God's call into Christian vocational service. After graduation, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, receiving the M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees. He received the doctor's degree in New Testament Studies.
Prior to his tenure in Ft. Walton Beach, Dr. Gates served as pastor of Driftwood Baptist Church (Driftwood, TX), Manor Baptist Church (Manor, TX), Harris Memorial Baptist Church (Austin, TX), and First Baptist Church (Rosenberg, TX).
Our pastor has also been active in denominational life, preaching at the Southern Baptist Pastor's Conference and chairing the SBC Committee on Committees. He has served as Chairman of the Committee on Order of Business for the Florida Baptist Convention. Currently he is Vice- Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Baptist College of Florida located in Graceville.
Dr. Gates has also written Sunday School lesson commentaries for the "Florida Baptist Witness."
Dr. Gates has 2 adult children, Stephanie and Matt. His lovely wife Janelle is First Lady of our Pastor and our church. She frequently accompanies him on hospital visits and other pastoral responsibilities, and is a constant support and inspiration to his ministry.
Our Pastor focuses on his pulpit ministry. The messages are thorough in preparation, Biblical in content, and enthusiastic in delivery.
