Harry H. Fowler

Been in ministry 56 years. Earned 3 degrees. Served as church growth consultant, pastor, Executive Director of Youth on Mission, authored 4 books. Lived in Rocky Mount, NC for 42 years. Received recognition from the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for planning mission trips for 50,000 volunteers over a 18 year period to serve on volunteer mission trips. Served as interim pastor of 9 churches.

When I retired at 66, I wondered what I would do with all my time. Southside Baptist asked me to preach for 2 Sundays. I stayed 7 years. During this time we experienced some miraculous growth. From almost closing the door, we relocated, and saw attendance grow from 100 to 305 in one week. We had to enlarge out seating capacity to 400 from 200. We baptized 100 and gained 305 new members during the next 5 years. It was a challenge to assimilate all the new members. We used advertising, mass mail, special events to attract visitors. Our Fall festival grew to an attendance of 3000.

I felt God leading me to write the story of what happened. I wanted to share what we did to as many pastors who would read the story. After 7 years, I retired again at 74. May the Southside Story be an inspiration to you. God bless you!!