Pastor Howard Everett, wife (Margaret) and kids (Sam & Patrick) enjoying a meal at Clayton’s Coffee Shop.
Pastor Howard is starting a new church worship celebration starting September 16th on Sunday nights at 6:30pm. It’s called River Church Coronado and will be held at 445 C Avenue (located at First Baptist Church of Coronado).
Where did you grow up?
Mostly in the Houston area then my last two years of High School were right outside of NYC in Maplewood NJ.
Did you always want to be a Pastor? How did you make this decision?
I never wanted to be a pastor. I was going to study History then go to law school I always liked to debate. When I was on active duty I felt called to be a missionary then ten years ago I was asked to be Senior Pastor and really struggled with it. Seems to be working out.
Where did you attend college or seminary?
Christian Heritage College in El Cajon then I went to Bethel Seminary.
If you weren’t working for the church, what other career would you have chosen?
In the old days I would have said fireman, now that I am old I will say chef.
Share your Coronado story. How did you find your way to Coronado and this position with your church? What are your first memories of Coronado?
My friend who was a pastor here left for the mission field five years ago He introduced me to the best land lord I have ever had and now I plan to stay here for a long time. My wife really likes running on the beach.
What is River Church Coronado – how did it start?
We started several months ago with a leadership team devoted to outreach and missions. We take a strong community approach and really desire to serve. The good folks at !st Baptist on C Ave have allowed us to worship in their facility and been the best possible hosts.
What is the connection to First Baptist?
In our world every new church is sponsored by a few other healthy churches who want to see the kingdom grow. !st Baptist on C Ave has donated space and provided food for our meetings as well as Pastor Cameron preached for us a few times. They are the picture of generosity.
Describe your church and the makeup of your congregation. What programs does your church provide?
Our church will be made up of Missional Communities. Instead of traditional small groups or Sunday School we will someday plant 15 or so teams of families who will pray for and feed their neighbors in weekly meals. When these Missional Communities gather once a week to worship we will be celebrating how the Lord has moved us to serve and reach our neighbors with the Good News.
What do you think are some of the spiritual needs of people in Coronado?
A lot of military families need to be cared for and seen as a blessing rather than a burden. Many churches complain about the turnover we relish it and find it an honor to work to serve our military friends. We also have many upper middle class families who need a chance to learn just why they need a God to forgive them and how He alone is the provider.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Philemon 1: 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
I chose this verse because it tells us that we must share Christ to understand how He benefits us.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do in your spare time? What do you enjoy most about Coronado?
I love peace and quiet….I love a good restaurant so Coronado is a dream city for me. In my spare time I coach rugby and play poker.
Pastor Howard is starting a new church worship celebration starting September 16th on Sunday nights at 6:30pm. It’s called River Church Coronado and will be held at 445 C Avenue (located at First Baptist Church of Coronado).
