This is a paid release.
You don’t meet a pastor like Derek Cain every day. Sure, he’s got the credentials—twenty years of ministry experience, a Master of Divinity, and a history of shepherding souls. But what really sets Cain apart is his heart for people. He’s the kind of pastor who knows that ministry isn’t about buildings or programs; it’s about relationships—being with people in their highs and lows, the Sunday joys and the weekday messes. And that’s exactly what Third Baptist Church hopes for.
Since officially starting his tenure on July 8th, Cain has been settling into the rhythms of life at Third Baptist. It’s not just the church that’s adjusting to a new pastor—Derek himself is also getting the hang of Owensboro, with its musicals, air shows, local barbecue joints, and, of course, life as the dad of a high school freshman.
The Story Behind the Pastor
A native of Pulaski County, Cain has spent much of his life in ministry. Before coming to Owensboro, he served faithfully at Salem Baptist Church in Logansport. But his pastoral work isn’t confined to the walls of a church—Cain’s ministry stretches into foster care as well. He’s not only the proud adoptive father of Michael, his teenage son, but he also opens his home to children needing trauma-informed foster care.
“Parenting and pastoring aren’t all that different,” Derek likes to joke. “Both involve guiding people who sometimes don’t want to listen and reminding them that love is more about presence than perfection.”
And when he’s not preaching or fostering? You’ll probably find Derek somewhere outdoors—kayaking, hiking, or checking out a new restaurant. He’s also known to enjoy a good board game, though his kids will tell you he can be a bit competitive.
A Pastor with a Plan—and a Heart
But don’t let his laid-back demeanor fool you. Pastor Derek has a deep sense of calling for the future of Third Baptist. “I look forward to building strong relationships within the congregation and the community. Together, we will work to be a church that embraces everyone and shares the love of Christ,” Cain said.
Derek’s vision is both ambitious and refreshingly simple: he wants to create a place where people feel known and loved, where faith becomes action, and where the church isn’t just a Sunday morning destination but a vital part of everyday life in Owensboro.
“He’s a great fit for our church,” said Joe Bob Pierce, Associate Minister at Third Baptist. “Pastor Derek’s warmth, experience, and passion for ministry will lead us into an exciting new chapter.”
And, knowing Cain, that chapter won’t be business as usual. He’s the kind of pastor who isn’t afraid to challenge people to move beyond their comfort zones. Faith, for Cain, isn’t just a personal refuge—it’s a call to action, a way of life that transforms individuals and communities.
Faith for the Real World
Cain’s approach to ministry reflects a belief that faith should meet people where they are—whether in a church pew, at the dinner table, or out in the streets. His heart beats for those on the margins, and he’s not shy about saying that the church’s mission is to love, feed, and care for all, not just those who show up on Sunday mornings.
“Faith isn’t about escaping the world,” Cain said recently. “It’s about engaging with it—loving your neighbor, feeding the hungry, and making room at the table for everyone, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
That’s the kind of message that stings a little—because it asks something of us. But it’s also the kind of message that offers hope, the kind that can revive a congregation and inspire a community.
Mark Your Calendar
Third Baptist Church will officially install Derek Cain as its 17th pastor on October 27, 2024, at 10:45 AM. The installation service is open to the public, and a reception will follow—a time for both long-time members and curious neighbors to meet Cain and celebrate this new season.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone,” said Libby Kassinger, the church’s Ministry Secretary. “Whether you’ve been here for years or you’re just passing by, we hope you’ll join us for the service and the reception afterward.”
What Third Baptist Is All About
Founded in 1886, Third Baptist Church has been a constant presence in Owensboro, a congregation committed to outreach, spiritual growth, and sharing the good news. Their mission is simple but powerful: “Trust God, Bless Others, and Celebrate Grace.” In a world that often feels fractured, Third Baptist is a church that strives to bring people together—one relationship, one act of kindness, one shared meal at a time.
If Cain’s arrival is any indication, that mission is in good hands.
So, whether you’re looking for a church home or just curious about what a new pastor might bring to the table, Third Baptist invites you to join them on this journey. As Pastor Derek Cain would tell you himself, there’s always room at the table—no matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you believe. And maybe that’s exactly the kind of church Owensboro—and the world—needs right now.
This article isn’t just about introducing a new pastor—it’s an invitation. An invitation to show up, engage, and discover that church might just be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for. As Cain would put it, faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about showing up, day after day, for God, for others, and for yourself.
