Our Pastors
Drew Rowley
Senior Pastor
Drew Rowley serves as the Senior Pastor at Cottontown Baptist Church, where he leads with a commitment to biblical teaching, family-centered faith development, and community engagement. His expository preaching style brings the scriptures to life, helping the congregation not only understand the Word of God but also apply it in their everyday lives.
A lifelong Tennessean, Drew is deeply connected to the Cottontown community, where his family has lived and served for over three decades. His grandfather, Larry Graves, faithfully led the church as Senior Pastor for more than thirty years, and Drew now continues that legacy. Drew has been at Cottontown Baptist Church for 34 years, serving in various pastoral roles before becoming Senior Pastor in May 2024.
Drew is passionate about using technology to expand the reach of the gospel. Through digital media initiatives, he repurposes sermon content to engage both local members and a broader online audience, ensuring that the church’s message resonates far beyond its walls.
Drew’s wife, Miranda, is his helpmeet in ministry and leads the women and children’s ministry at Cottontown Baptist. Together, they are raising their two children, JP and Caroline, instilling in them a deep love for the Lord and the church. Drew has a heart for making new friends and loves discipling other dads, helping them grow as spiritual leaders in their homes.
When he’s not at church, Drew enjoys spending time outdoors, where he loves hunting, fishing, hiking, and riding four-wheelers with his kids. His connection to nature fuels his appreciation for God’s creation, which inspires both his ministry and his personal life.
Larry F. Graves
Pastor Emeritus
Larry F. Graves, Pastor Emeritus of Cottontown Baptist Church, was born and raised on a farm along Red River Road, now known as Hwy 25. He put his faith in Jesus at the age of twelve and felt the call to preach at thirteen at Pleasant Valley Baptist, just a few miles from Cottontown, also on Hwy 25. However, it wasn’t until his late twenties, after reaching a low point in life, that Larry surrendered to God’s call. He was ordained at the same church where he accepted Christ as a young boy. Holding fast to the King James Bible as the infallible Word of God, he faithfully followed the Lord’s leading, serving three churches—Lobelville, Riddleton, and ultimately, Cottontown Baptist Church.
Larry’s ministry at Cottontown Baptist began in 1991 after a powerful moment of God’s calling. While driving home along Hwy 25, he saw a group of eight people in a church parking lot praying. Compelled by the Holy Spirit, he turned around and joined them, unaware they were praying for the Lord to send them a pastor. He accepted the call and faithfully led Cottontown Baptist Church for 33 years, witnessing countless lives saved, rededicated, and baptized. Under his leadership, the church grew into a close-knit family, known for its homecomings, revivals, and compassionate care for one another.
In May 2024, Pastor Larry transitioned to his new role as Pastor Emeritus, as his grandson, Drew Rowley, became the Senior Pastor. Pastor Larry remains available to the church family for anything they may need. He fully trusts Pastor Drew to continue sharing the gospel with a lost world, a heart’s desire Larry has held since the day Drew was born.