Dr. Jaime Kowlessar has relentlessly pursued community activism and involvement, challenging the church to heed the call of Christ to be relevant and present in the lives of those in need. As a native New Yorker and a transplant to the south, Dr. Kowlessar has seen and experienced a range of injustices, and believes it is the call of God’s Church to be His hands and feet in the earth to make the crooked paths, straight.
Being a voice for the communities he serves has compelled him to become a student of people and the scriptures. He has an undergraduate degree in theology from Atlantic Union College, a Masters of Divinity from Andrews University, a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Social Change.
Dr. Kowlessar serves as the Senior Pastor of Dallas City Temple, a congregation that gathers at the doorstep of injustice in the heart of Southern Dallas. As pastor, he leads in the effort to fight inequality by joining with the community and local church leaders to implement strategies that improve the economic, educational, and spiritual conditions in the Cedar Crest community.
He works with the Clergy Table for Faith in Texas which leads and appoints a diverse band of clergy — Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and Christians — to fight against injustice. His thoughts can be read as an op-ed writer for the Dallas Morning News, and a frequent contributor to books and publications on race, equality and social justice. He is also the author of “Justice or Just Us: Sermons and Reflections on the Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness,” and “How to Put the Neighbor Back in the Hood. “
Dr. Kowlessar has been married to the love of his life, Carlene, since 2008. Together they have two daughters, Katelynn and Amber.