Richard Owens Senior Pastor
Rich was born and raised on a dairy farm in West Alabama before attending the University of South Alabama for undergraduate studies. After college, Rich served in youth ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Aliceville, AL before attending seminary at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. During seminary, Richard served as a Youth Ministry intern at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. Upon graduating from RTS Jackson, Richard was called to serve as Assistant Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian, Greenwood, MS. Two years later, Rich was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Westminster, serving there from 2012-2025. In October 2025, Rich was installed here at Lakeland to serve as Senior Pastor.
Rich is married to Annie Owens. Among other interests, Annie enjoys spending time with friends, connecting others to community, reading, select reality TV shows, and walking her poodle, Stone. Rich and Annie have two children, Sophie and Judah. Sophie loves Jesus, volleyball, dancing, music, and her friends. Judah loves Jesus, soccer, football, drums, spending time with friends, and (when his parents allow it) Fortnite.
Other than the joy of being “in Christ,” Rich finds himself interested in many things. He loves the beauty of God’s creation in nature, fancies himself an amateur musician, and humbly enjoys golf as a “way above par” golfer. Rich brings a passion for clear and robust gospel-centered preaching. He longs for believers to know that Jesus really is better and Jesus really is enough!