Our Pastor
Learn more about Canaan Baptist Church
Senior Pastor
Reverend Larry Owens, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Larry Owens, Jr. was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 6, 1974. He is the son of the late Deacon Larry Owens, Sr. Rev. Cynthia Bevley, and stepson of Joan R. Owens. He is also the loving husband to the former LaWanda Brown, and proud father of ReNata (derived from the Latin word renātus, which means “reborn” or “born again”) who was born December 25, 2004. Reared in Richmond, VA, Dr. Owens attended Henrico County Public Schools and graduated from Varina High School in 1992.
Education
Believing in scholastic achievement, he furthered his education, and received an Associates of Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College in May of 1995. By April of 1996 he became the youngest duly licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of Virginia. Dr. Owens continued his education at Virginia Commonwealth University where he received a Bachelor of Religious Studies degree in May of 1997. After which, he earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University “Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology” in May of 2000, and he also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in May of 2018. The concentration of his doctoral studies looks at how a non-profit organization (church) can establish a for profit arm to financially support, and undergird the mission and ministry of the everyday needs of the people.
Service
After serving 3 years as Youth Minister at the Providence Baptist Church in Ashland, VA and Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Montpelier, VA for eight years, Pastor Owens was called to pastor the historic Canaan Baptist Church of Washington, DC in May of 2009. Serving as their fourth pastor, Rev. Owens has facilitated, inspired and led the growth in membership and ministries. He initiated the theme “Come G.R.O.W. with me” recognizing that God Rewards Our Work.
Rev. Owens’ Christian principles can even be seen in his business practices. He is the founder and CEO of Owens Funeral Services with locations in Ashland, VA and Fredericksburg, VA where the company’s motto is “It’s Not Just a Business, It’s Our Ministry.”
Dr. Owens has served as a Past President of the Richmond Funeral Directors Association, Past President of the Virginia Mortician’s Association, as well as Past Chairman of the Board for the Virginia Mortician Association. In addition, he has held membership with the Hanover Business Council, Baptist General Convention of Virginia, American Baptist Churches of South, Prince Hall Mason with Richmond Lodge #65 and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
He has preached nationally throughout various states and even internationally, in Belize, South America, and the Virgin Islands, Dr. Owens has powerfully and plainly spread the good news about our Savior. He is an anointed preacher and teacher who is passionate about serving the Lord and his community. He holds many titles including husband, father, pastor, entrepreneur, and friend. However, the title that is most important to him is that he is a child of God.
Speaking Engagements
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