About our Pastor

Elder Robert W. Howse Sr. is the fourth and current Pastor of Greater Zion Primitive Baptist Church.  Elder Howse accepted Christ on January 26, 1975, and joined Locust Ridge P.B. Church under the leadership of the late Elder Marvin P. Hatcher Jr. While attending Locust Ridge P.B. Church, he served as a faithful Deacon and Youth Sunday School teacher.  Elder Howse was called into the ministry under the leadership of the late Elder Jasper G. Hatcher Sr. and was ordained on May 14, 1983, by the Cumberland Association of Primitive Baptists.

Elder Howse preached his first sermon from the second chapter of John, "My Hour Has Not Yet Come, but I Must Make Ready." Elder Howse served as acting Pastor of Franklin P.B. Church in Franklin, TN, during his ministry.  While attending the Cumberland Association of Primitive Baptists annual session, Elder Howse met Sis.  Betty Smart, a delegate and member from Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church.  From that meeting, Elder Howse was introduced to Deacon West Jones of Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church and was asked to carry out the last Communion and Feet washing service of the year.  Elder Howse preached with other ministers while Little Zion searched for a pastor.  The Holy Spirit led the Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church to elect Elder Howse as their fourth pastor on December 21, 1988, following former pastors Elder Harvey Cunningham, Elder Henry Dozier, and Elder Robert Vaughter.  However, due to inclement weather, Elder Howse was installed as pastor in April 1989 by Moderator Dr. J.L. Fitzgerald, Elder Jasper Hatcher Sr., Elder Marvin P. Hatcher, and other Elders from the Cumberland Association of Primitive Baptists.

Over the years, Elder Howse's leadership has led to saved souls, baptisms, and many to serve in ministry in the Kingdom of God in other places.  Furthermore, following the direction of the Holy Spirit, Elder Howse and members voted and agreed that the former name of Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church be changed to reflect the current name of Greater Zion Primitive Baptist Church.  Still, God placed in the spirit of Elder Howse for the church to purchase as much property around the church as possible.  Little Zion purchased two properties next to the church; both have been renovated and serve as financial blessings to the church as rental property.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the church worship experience.  Out of that pandemic pain, the Greater Zion Media Ministry was birthed as a blessing to keep church members together as we worshiped remotely.  The media ministry has blessed not only our members but others in 8 to 10 states and even other countries.  Thanks be to God for leading Greater Zion Primitive Baptist Church in following the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Elder Howse is married to Brenda Howse, and they have four children and five grandchildren.