"Sanctuary Fellowship" is the vision of Pastor Owen Taylor.  He had a vision to begin a new church that would become a nurturing community of acceptance and support, celebrating diversity, affirming the individual, and welcoming a variety of Christian identities.  Owen had in mind a church that would be true to the Bible and supportive of 12 Step Recovery Programs.

Owen Taylor was born July 9, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri.  He and Gail have been married over 30 years and are the parents of two children: a son Owen Daniel and a daughter Monica.  They are also the proud grandparents of two beautiful grandchildren:  Maeve Isabelle and Owen Matthew.

Owen and Gail both graduated in 1971 from Webb City High School.  In 1975 they received their BA degrees from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, then continued their studies by attending graduate school.

In 1979 Owen received his Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Theological Seminary and in 2002 he received his Doctor of Ministry also from Midwestern Theological Seminary.

Gail has taught English for 19 years at Hixson Middle School, in the Webster Groves School District.  She also has MA degrees in Education from Webster University and in Counseling from Lindenwood University.  Gail is a licensed professional counselor.  

Owen has served in Missouri during the majority of his pastoral ministry of over 30 years.

 Owen currently serves as the Vice President of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri, in which he played a major role in its formation.   He also currently serves as a Trustee for Missouri Baptist University.

From 1994 to 2000 he served on the board for the Missouri Baptist Home, as Chairman of the long range planning committee and Chairman of strategic planning.

On a lighter side, we need to mention that Owen is truly an avid St. Louis Baseball Cardinal and St. Louis Ram fan!