Kenneth Leon Fowlkes, the fifth of nine children, was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended grade school in Norfolk, VA. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Military. While pursuing an active duty military career with the United States Army, he attended Thomas Nelson College in Trenton, New Jersey. Throughout his military career, he completed a number of military assignments which included Saudi Arabia (Gulf War), Egypt, England, Alaska, Texas, and Maryland. After faithfully serving his country for a number of years, he retired from the Army.
During his time stationed in Alaska on a nuclear missile base 4,000 ft. upon a mountain ridge, the Lord began speaking to him about turning his life around. He accepted the Lord as his personal savior in June 1979. This prompted him to become a member of Friendly Church of God In Christ (COGIC), under the leadership of Bishop C. D. Williams.
He answered the call to preach the gospel in July 1981and relocated to Ft. Meade, Maryland where he became a member of Refreshing Spring COGIC. He was ordained as an Elder and worked faithfully as President of the Outreach Ministry for a number of years under his beloved Pastor and Godly mentor, Bishop Archie D. Headen.
It was during his military training in Virginia Beach, VA while moving a sleeping cot that God spoke to Elder Fowlkes.
It was at that moment, God called him to pastoral ministry. He requested the blessing from his Pastor to begin a bible study. From the Bible study, Kingdom Builders COGIC was formed (April 1988). The ministry was based on 1 Corinthians 3:10: “…Unto me as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon, but let every man take heed how he buildeth there upon.”
Since the church’s formation, the church has moved to three different locations. It wasn’t until 2004 and purchasing three acres of land that God gave Pastor Fowlkes the vision to become the General Contractor for their newest location at 1490 Matthewstown Road, Hanover, MD 21076. The new edifice is an 11,000 square foot building, seating 350 in the main sanctuary and another 200 in its fellowship hall. Since his time as a Pastor, three churches have been birthed from his ministry– New Life Christian Center, True Believers Ministries & True Tabernacle Christian Center.
Pastor Fowlkes is a loving and faithful husband to Evangelist Loretta J. Fowlkes, the father of six children (LaTroy, Toney, Nayvette, Tracey, Demi and Kevin) and the grandfather of 16 grandchildren. He is also a successful business owner of Fowlkes Trucking Company.
One of his favorite scriptures is II Corinthians 4:3, which states: “but if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” He endeavors daily to be a consecrated and dedicated Pastor that the Lord can mold and use for His glory and God’s Kingdom!
Appointments
1998 District Evangelist A.D. Headen District
2003 Assistant Superintendent A.D. Headen District
2010 Director of Men’s Ministry Greater Maryland (1st)
2011 Assistant Superintendent G.E. Patterson District