Pastor Tanner McDowell a Somerset, KY native, where he grew up in church and believed in the Lord Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 13. In 2017 he felt the call to ministry while serving at a youth camp, it wasn’t for another two years (July 8th, 2019) when he finally surrendered to the call God had placed on his life. He has served on staff here at FBC New Tazewell as the Associate/Student Pastor since July 2021. Stepping into the position of Senior Pastor in May of 2024 after the retirement of Rev. Bill Duncan, a mentor and friend of Tanners. He has faithfully served the youth, church, and community during his time here with us. He has a BA in Ministry from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and looks forward to furthering his educational pursuit while serving the church. He has served on the foreign mission field in Brazil (2017, 2019, 2021) where he says, “a part of his heart still lives.” He looks forward to encouraging the church to not only give to mission endeavors, but also to go and reach the nations for Christ.
He married the love of his life and his best friend Laina McDowell on September 25th, 2021, and they are expecting their first child in October 2024. Together they care for their long-haired Weiner dog, Finn! Tanner’s Nana, Brenda McDowell lives with them as well. Since moving to New Tazewell, Tanner and Laina enjoy long walks with their dog around the walking track at DeRoyal, and living close to all the places in East Tennessee he would visit growing up.
Tanner plans to be in the church office four days a week and make plenty of Home, hospital, and nursing homes visits during the afternoons. He believes the best word is God’s word, he prepares and preaches exegetical sermons, preaching verse by verse through scripture, allowing God’s word to read into the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. He also enjoys partnering with Hertiage Christan Academy, where he has been assisting in leading their chapel services on Mondays. He has a heart for the Lost, and a willingness to serve as Jesus did to the least and the last. When Tanner is not in the office you can expect to see him grilling food on his Blackstone, on the golf course, in the woods, or spending time with his family.
Tanner and Laina are excited and humbled to be serving FBC New Tazewell and assisting the church in Engaging the community, and the world with the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please be much in prayer for the McDowell’s as they seek to serve Christ through the local church here in New Tazewell.