31 Dec 2024 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2025: Justin Brooks

By Rita Halter Thomas

When Justin Brooks said yes to God, he never expected to stand behind a pulpit preaching as the pastor of Conway Cowboy Church, or any church for that matter. He simply knew he wanted to follow the God he encountered as a child at a small church revival in Scotland, Arkansas.

Brooks was raised by a single mother who struggled with alcohol abuse and poor choices in men. His story is full of harsh truths and hard roads that, sadly, is relatable to far too many. “I grew up being one of ‘those people,’” he said, referring to those many see as misfits, if they see them at all. Brooks isn’t shy about his story, although he may still choke up telling parts of it. “My story is the one God gave me, and I gave it to Him, so there’s nothing about my life that is off the record,” he said. It is from his story that Brooks preaches and ministers to others.

While he has been the lead pastor since 2020, he was first brought on staff in 2014 as the youth pastor and worship leader. At student events, Brooks saw tremendous support for student athletes, but noticed significantly less, or an absence of, support for other students. So, he began building a ministry around those kids and launched C3 Student Ministry. “It was awesome, and I’ve still got them. I mean, I’m even [officiating weddings] for those guys now. It’s been amazing. That’s been the whole heart of my ministry. I have a heart for the kid that was like me and my mom,” he said.

Brooks said humbly that he doesn’t have all the answers and just gives God credit. “I’m just a dude trying to keep Jesus at the center of everything,” he said. So far, he’s done that. Brooks, a gifted musician, singer and songwriter, found music after his mom passed away during his senior year of high school. Years later, he turned down a career opportunity to tour with a well-known musician, telling the artist, “God’s got plans for me, and that doesn’t involve me getting on that bus.” That opportunity was once his life’s dream. But instead of stepping on a tour bus, he said yes to God and stepped on stage to lead worship for a summer Bible camp. Each yes led to another. “I never planned on being a pastor and never planned on being in ministry,” Brooks said. “I just kept saying yes and opportunities kept coming.”

Brooks expressed gratitude to his staff and church members for their focus and support of the ministry God’s building there, including C3 Men, C3 Women, C3 Kids and C3 Recovery. He has seen growth not only in community, but also spiritually.

Brooks and his wife, Felicia, and their son, Nixon, live in Conway. Nixon specifically points out he is 6 ½. Conway Cowboy Church is a nontraditional, come-as-you-are church located at 12 AR-36, Conway. If you’ve thought about visiting, just say yes. If Brooks knows you’re coming, “I’ll meet you at the door,” he said.

Learn more about Conway Cowboy Church and its ministries at conwaycowboychurch.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.