Justin Richards
Senior Pastor
Justin was called to serve Bowdon Baptist Church in January of 2016. He has been in vocational ministry since 1992 serving as a student pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor. Justin is a graduate of Villa Rica High (1991), The University of West Georgia (BA History 1994), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv 2010). He enjoys spending time with his family, Jeep rides, and long walks on the beach.
A. J. Garcia
Student and Families Pastor
A.J. was called to serve the Bowdon Baptist Church family in June of 2014. He has served in student ministry since 2006 and has helped lead the children's ministry of BBC since 2014. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree, majoring in secondary teacher education with a minor in Bible. He enjoys the discipleship process, seeing students and children grow in their faith through biblical teaching and providing them opportunities to live out their faith at BBC and in our local community. His wife of 18 years, Amy, serves with him in the ministries of BBC and they have 5 awesome kids. He enjoys playing basketball, spending time with family, singing with his church family, traveling, and making people laugh on purpose or by accident.
Phil Bishop
Minister of Music and Senior Adults
Phil was called to serve Bowdon Baptist Church in June of 2021. Prior to coming to Bowdon, Phil has served various churches since 2000 Kentucky, Cincinnati, Indiana, and Georgia. He got his start in ministry at his home church as a child, playing Preludes and Offertories, and accompanying church music groups and congregational singing.
In 1999, Phil graduated from God’s Bible School and College, Cincinnati, OH (BA Music Education; Piano Performance Track). After graduating, he went on to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY and graduated in 2003 with the degree, Master of Church Music. After completing his MCM, he returned to GBSC for four years to teach college music and direct the Church Music program. During that time God clarified his calling to full-time church music ministry, and in 2004 Phil left teaching to minister vocationally in the Church. It is his greatest joy to plan multigenerational worship services that invite, involve, and inspire people to worship Almighty God and, consequently, to experience His transforming presence and blessing.
Phil met his wife Dorcas at GBSC where they were both music education majors. They enjoy music ministry together, and with their children: Blake, Braxton, and Brynlee. Phil enjoys grilling out, tuning pianos, and most of all, fishing for bass. His family’s favorite vacation spot is Gatlinburg, TN.
In 1999, Phil graduated from God’s Bible School and College, Cincinnati, OH (BA Music Education; Piano Performance Track). After graduating, he went on to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY and graduated in 2003 with the degree, Master of Church Music. After completing his MCM, he returned to GBSC for four years to teach college music and direct the Church Music program. During that time God clarified his calling to full-time church music ministry, and in 2004 Phil left teaching to minister vocationally in the Church. It is his greatest joy to plan multigenerational worship services that invite, involve, and inspire people to worship Almighty God and, consequently, to experience His transforming presence and blessing.
Phil met his wife Dorcas at GBSC where they were both music education majors. They enjoy music ministry together, and with their children: Blake, Braxton, and Brynlee. Phil enjoys grilling out, tuning pianos, and most of all, fishing for bass. His family’s favorite vacation spot is Gatlinburg, TN.