Rhonda M. Pearson has been named pastor of Fourth Street Baptist Church, becoming the first woman to lead the historic Owensboro congregation in its nearly 195-year history.
Pearson, who has served in ministry for two decades, steps into her first pastoral role following the death of her husband, longtime pastor Mario C. Pearson Jr., in August 2024.
“I came to Owensboro five and a half years ago, in August 2020,” Pearson said. “Before that, I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. My late husband, Pastor Mario Pearson Jr., is how I got here.”
Pearson said she has been preaching and teaching since 2005 and has served in a variety of roles within the church throughout her life.
“I was baptized at the age of nine and have been going to church, serving in some capacity since that time,” she said. “I’ve cleaned the church, I’ve taught, I’ve driven the van, and been an usher. I thought I would usher in the rest of my life, but God said different.”
Her path to Owensboro was shaped in part by her husband’s ministry and illness. Mario Pearson served as pastor of Fourth Street Baptist Church for 14 years after arriving in 2010. The couple met in 2019, and she moved to Owensboro the following year. He later battled stage four colon cancer for four years before his passing.
Following his death, the church entered a transitional period. Pearson was one of five associate ministers, though two later relocated, leaving three to rotate preaching duties while the church conducted a formal pastoral search.
“We had to go through an interview process,” Pearson said. “There was a committee, and they went through the selection process. They interviewed us, we taught Sunday school, we preached in front of the congregation, and then there was a vote.”
That process ultimately led to her selection.
“You know, it’s truly humbling,” she said. “Honestly, it’s been a process, but I’m grateful that that part of the process is over and that we’re moving forward to do the work that we’ve been called to do.”
Pearson acknowledged the weight of stepping into a leadership role shaped by generations before her.
“He was the 18th pastor here,” she said of her late husband. “So I think with him and the 17 that preceded him, the shoes are very big. I don’t know how I’ll fill them or that I’m even trying to fill them, but I know I want to continue the legacy.”
She also recognized the historic nature of her appointment, though she said her focus remains on service.
“I know it’s a big thing being the first female pastor, but I think more than just being the first female pastor, I want just to continue the legacy,” Pearson said. “We have a rich history — 195 years — so I’m just trying to continue it.”
Members of the congregation say her leadership brings a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
Pamela Smith-Wright, a trustee at the church, said Pearson’s appointment represents a fresh chapter.
“This is a first for all of us,” Smith-Wright said. “It’s not just a first for young people to see someone in her position. I think she has everybody looking up to her.”
Smith-Wright, who has attended the church since childhood, said she believes the congregation is poised for growth despite challenges in recent years, including declining attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think we’re going to grow. I really do think so,” she said.
Deacon Benny Johnson said he saw Pearson’s leadership potential long before her appointment.
“I saw her pastor way before now,” Johnson said. “I know she’s going to be good for this church. I know she’s going to bring people in from everywhere.”
Church leadership described the selection process as both thorough and, at times, difficult.
Board chair Bobby McCormick said the decision carried unique challenges given Pearson’s close ties to the congregation.
“She was like a friend or sister, but we had been used to her,” McCormick said. “When it gets that way, it’s hard. It’s really hard to choose, but everybody loves her.”
McCormick added that while her historic appointment was not the sole factor, it was part of the broader conversation.
“Fourth Street has never had a female pastor,” he said. “So you can see it’s the old versus the young and what you’re looking at. That was a challenge also.”
Even so, he expressed confidence in Pearson’s ability to lead.
“She’s very intelligent, smart, innovative, and she’ll move — if the people will follow, she’ll move the church,” McCormick said.
Pearson said her vision centers on spiritual growth and community outreach.
“I truly want to grow the people,” she said. “I know at some point we’ll grow in numbers, but I want us to grow spiritually, so that once we grow, then we can go outside these doors and help others.”
She also hopes her leadership will inspire others, particularly young women, to embrace their calling.
“I’m praying that they will not be afraid to be used however God wants to use them,” Pearson said. “Sometimes people tell us we can’t, we shouldn’t, but if God has said it, then I pray that they’re courageous enough to take that step in faith.”
Reflecting on her journey, Pearson said she believes she has been prepared for this moment.
“He was teaching me lessons, teaching me about the church, pouring into me when I didn’t know I was being taught,” she said of her late husband. “I think he was preparing me. God used him to prepare me a while ago.”
Fourth Street Baptist Church will hold a pre-installation service on May 16, followed by Pearson’s official installation at 3 p.m. on May 17. A reception will follow at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Church leaders said the community is invited to attend.
“We encourage the entire community to come and see what God is doing at Fourth Street,” church leaders said.
