Reverend Felix. L. Cole
senior pastor
Reverend Felix L. Cole carries the mantle of leadership as the 10th shepherd of the historic Beulah First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Hailing from the Lone Star State, he honed his academic and athletic prowess in the halls and fields of the Linden-Kildare School District. Reverend Cole's journey then led him to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science after distinguished accomplishments in both football and drama.
Following a successful college football career and military training, Reverend Cole was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, serving his nation faithfully for over two decades, spanning times of peace and conflict alike.
His spiritual calling manifested when he was licensed in December 2001 at the Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Linden, TX. Transitioning from various roles such as Minister of Music, Sunday School Teacher, to Youth Pastor and beyond, Reverend Cole embarked on his vocational journey into professional ministry.
A fervent advocate for lifelong learning, Reverend Cole pursued further education, obtaining an MBA from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Currently, he is engaged in coursework towards a Master of Divinity and Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.
Following a successful college football career and military training, Reverend Cole was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, serving his nation faithfully for over two decades, spanning times of peace and conflict alike.
His spiritual calling manifested when he was licensed in December 2001 at the Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Linden, TX. Transitioning from various roles such as Minister of Music, Sunday School Teacher, to Youth Pastor and beyond, Reverend Cole embarked on his vocational journey into professional ministry.
A fervent advocate for lifelong learning, Reverend Cole pursued further education, obtaining an MBA from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Currently, he is engaged in coursework towards a Master of Divinity and Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.
In February 2023, Reverend Cole was elected as the 10th Pastor of Beulah First Baptist Church, succeeding the esteemed Pastor Emeritus, Reverend S.L. Thigpen, who faithfully led the congregation for 42 years. He stood as the Senior Pastor of Beulah First Baptist for the first time on March 5, 2023.
Reverend Cole's influence extends beyond the pulpit; he has served as keynote speaker for revivals and numerous community events and offers mentorship to Air Force officers and youth nationwide. Additionally, he holds leadership positions in religious organizations, including Vice Director of the Congress of Christian Education for the Progressive M&E Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc., and General Recording Secretary of the Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association of West Florida. Proudly affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he remains active in the Fort Walton Beach Alumni Chapter, all while maintaining an unwavering allegiance to his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Guided by a profound belief in the transformative power of divine love, Reverend Cole endeavors to share that love for the enrichment and upliftment of all God's children. His passion for God and community service drives his mission, yet amidst all achievements, he holds fatherhood to Kameron Elijah Cole as his greatest source of pride and his most important ministry.
Reverend Cole's influence extends beyond the pulpit; he has served as keynote speaker for revivals and numerous community events and offers mentorship to Air Force officers and youth nationwide. Additionally, he holds leadership positions in religious organizations, including Vice Director of the Congress of Christian Education for the Progressive M&E Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc., and General Recording Secretary of the Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association of West Florida. Proudly affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he remains active in the Fort Walton Beach Alumni Chapter, all while maintaining an unwavering allegiance to his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Guided by a profound belief in the transformative power of divine love, Reverend Cole endeavors to share that love for the enrichment and upliftment of all God's children. His passion for God and community service drives his mission, yet amidst all achievements, he holds fatherhood to Kameron Elijah Cole as his greatest source of pride and his most important ministry.