Reverend Dr. Stephen Rowan currently serves as the Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church located in Cleveland's Glenville Community where their mission focuses on being "God's People, Doing God's Business, God's Way." He is a former Assistant Director of Development and Program Officer for Faith Based/Digital Divide Programs at The Cleveland Foundation, the nation's oldest and second largest Community Foundation. He is the former Chief Deputy Administrator for Cuyahoga County, where he also served as Director of Operations for the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. He is the former partner with the law firm of Ulmer & Berne, LLP, where his specialty was public law and minority and female businesses. Over the years he has served on local, regional and national Boards, Committees and Task Forces that seek to build and sustain healthy communities.
A graduate of Glenville High School, he holds a Bachelor Degree from Knox College. A Masters in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, a Law Degree from Cleveland Marshall, (Cleveland State University), a Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary.
While at Knox College, Pastor Rowan met his wife of forty-eight years, Cynthia, a native of Chicago, Illinois. Sister Rowan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University and a Masters Degree of Education from John Carroll University. She is a retired educator from the Mayfield City Schools District. Sister Rowan plays an active role in key ministries at Bethany, such as Director of Vacation Bible Fellowship; teaches the Discipleship Class for New Members; Ministry Leader for the Christmas Express, and Media Ministries. Colossians 3:23 is one of her favorite scriptures. They are the parents of three children: Jasmine, (Cleveland, OH), Carmen Darville, (husband, Chris, Houston, TX), Derrick (Deceased), one granddaughter, Rowan and one grandson, Cooper.
Some of his current and former affiliations and activities include:
A graduate of Glenville High School, he holds a Bachelor Degree from Knox College. A Masters in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, a Law Degree from Cleveland Marshall, (Cleveland State University), a Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary.
While at Knox College, Pastor Rowan met his wife of forty-eight years, Cynthia, a native of Chicago, Illinois. Sister Rowan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University and a Masters Degree of Education from John Carroll University. She is a retired educator from the Mayfield City Schools District. Sister Rowan plays an active role in key ministries at Bethany, such as Director of Vacation Bible Fellowship; teaches the Discipleship Class for New Members; Ministry Leader for the Christmas Express, and Media Ministries. Colossians 3:23 is one of her favorite scriptures. They are the parents of three children: Jasmine, (Cleveland, OH), Carmen Darville, (husband, Chris, Houston, TX), Derrick (Deceased), one granddaughter, Rowan and one grandson, Cooper.
Some of his current and former affiliations and activities include:
- Chair, Board of Directors, The Cleveland Foundation
- Ethics Committee, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
- Co-Chair, Community Advisory Board, NEOMED (Northeast Ohio Medical University), Cleveland State University
- Office of Early Childhood/Invest in Children Communications and Community Mobilization Committee
- United Way Strategic Planning Committee
- Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater Cleveland
- The United Pastors in Mission
- Member, NAACP
- Vice President, Cleveland Baptist Association
- Member, Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Bar Association
- Advisory Board, Center for Adolescent Health (Case Western Reserve University)
- Advisory Committee, Cleveland State Department of Social Work
- Chair, United Way System-Wide Panel
- Chair, Civic Organizations Sector, United Way Campaign
- Member, United Way New Programs Committee
- Co-Chair, Adult Protective Services Exploitation Task Force
- Cleveland Marshall College of Law Alumni Association Board of Trustees
- Board Member, Cleveland - Cuyahoga Port Authority; Chairman Economic Development Committee
- Board Member, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum
- Tutor and Board Member, Project LEARN
- Hawken School Council on Inclusion