Pastor Dusty Cowell - Lead Pastor
Welcome Pastor Dusty and family.
Pastor Dusty is passionate about God’s word, people and the local church.
For Destry “Dusty” Cowell, ministry has always been closely connected to family, faith and the local church.
Dusty grew up as the third of four children in a home shaped by a deep spirit of service. His father spent 30 years as a chaplain in the U. S. Air Force, ministering to ,military members and their families around the world. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his calling by planting Judson Baptist Church in Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1989, meeting in the former Catholic church that they purchased and remodeled for the new congregation. The church was later renamed Forest Hills Church.
Today, Dusty’s two brothers and their wives live in Benton, Arkansas and his sister and her husband reside in The Villages, Florida.
Dusty attended the University of Central Arkansas, Where he earned a degree in Business Administration. During those college years he became involved in campus ministry-an experience that would shape both his faith and hid future. It was there that he met Debbi, who shared both his love for the Lord and a heart for serving others.
Debbie grew up in Batesville, Arkansas, the second of three children. Her father worked tirelessly to support the family running a road crew while caring for their 300-acre farm. Debbie attended Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock and later continued her studies at Indiana University. For more than 30 years she has served as a Home Health Care nurse, providing compassionate care and encouragement to countless individuals and families.
After marrying and sensing a clear call to serve the church together, Dusty pursued pastoral training at Central Seminary in Kansas City, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministries.
Central Seminary is an interdenominational school committed to equipping men and women from a variety of church backgrounds for faithful ministry.
For more than 2 decades since then, Dusty has served in pastoral ministry in churches across Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, and Indiana. Along the way, he has developed a reputation for caring deeply about people, listening well, and helping churches move forward while honoring their history and traditions.
Dusty’s philosophy of ministry is rooted firmly in Scripture. As he explains it: “Is the Bible infallible and the final authority for life and practice? Absolutely. A pastor’s authority comes when he clearly communicates the riches of God’s word. I care what people think and want to listen to the viewpoints of others, but the Bible is the foundation that equips God’s people for every good work. If you are looking for a pastor who discounts or dismisses God’s Word, please toss my resume aside.”
Dusty and Debbie are the proud parents of three adult daughters-Darci (32), DeAnn (31), and Denae (29). Darci and Denae live and work in Indiana, while DeAnn recently moved to Sacramento, California. Their daughters remain a great joy in their lives.
In their free time, Dusty and Debbie enjoy watching Purdue basketball, working in the yard, traveling, and taking long walks with their dog, Baxter.
Bella Vista holds special meaning for Dusty as well. His parents lived in the community for many years, giving Dusty and Debbie many opportunities to spend time here. During those visits they enjoyed walking on the local trails, golfing the beautiful courses, and getting to know the community.
Dusty and Debbie share a deep love for the local church and a desire to faithfully serve wherever God leads. They look forward to meeting the church family and continuing to seek the Lord’s direction together.
Rebeca Adler - Director of Music and Worship
Diane McCarty - Organist
