Meet the fifth
Rev. Dr. A. Byron Coleman III
Senior Pastor, Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. A. Byron Coleman III is a devoted servant of God, a transformative leader, and a passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. Since 1998, he has faithfully led Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church ("The 5th") as its Senior Pastor, guiding the congregation through remarkable spiritual and organizational growth. Under his leadership, The 5th has strengthened not only its physical foundation but, more importantly, its spiritual and communal impact. Through ministries such as Marriage Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Women’s and Men’s Ministries, Teen Church (180 Degrees), Children’s Church, and New Members Ministry, Pastor Coleman has ensured that individuals at every stage of life find a place to grow in faith and fellowship. His commitment to outreach extends beyond the church walls, with impactful initiatives that serve the homeless and strengthen marriages through the long-running “Love Lab” retreat.
A scholar and educator, Pastor Coleman earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. His dissertation, "The Influence of the Black Church in Establishing Initiatives and Collaborations Aimed at Enhancing the Scholastic Achievement of Black Students," reflects his unwavering commitment to uplifting the next generation.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in the African/African-American Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma, where he teaches courses on African American Religious Traditions, Leadership in the African-American Community, and more. He is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor, investing in students’ academic and personal growth.
Beyond the pulpit and classroom, Pastor Coleman serves as the Chaplain for the Oklahoma City Thunder, offering spiritual guidance and life coaching to professional athletes. His dedication to service is also evident through his affiliations, including the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Masons (King David Lodge), and Sigma Pi Phi Incorporated (The Boule). He was also inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College, a testament to his leadership in faith and justice.
Pastor Coleman is blessed to share his life and ministry with his wife, Rev. Dr. Sharri Mattison Coleman, whom he married in 1997. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Chandler Avery and Courtland Alexander.
With an unshakable faith and a heart for God's people, Rev. Dr. A. Byron Coleman III continues to shepherd, teach, and serve—empowering individuals to walk in their divine purpose.
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Reverend Keith Jossell is an associate minister at Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church, where his profound commitment to sharing a Bible-centered justice message resonates deeply. He is proud to hold the title of ordained minister, having undergone the necessary training and certification to serve his community in a spiritual and practical capacity. With a fervent advocacy for equitable systemic solutions, Reverend Jossell’s calling encompasses transforming identity, family, and community.
Education has been a pivotal aspect of Reverend Jossell's journey. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Loyola University, New Orleans. Seeking to broaden his understanding and impact, he earned an Executive MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Reverend Jossell holds a Master of Arts in Social Justice from Phillips Theological Seminary, a testament to his dedication and commitment to advancing social equality and advocating for marginalized communities.
Within Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Jossell advocates for justice, guides the congregation toward profound spiritual understanding, and empowers individuals to actively participate in transformative actions. His commitment to fostering equitable solutions and his multifaceted expertise make him a valuable leader within the church and the broader community.
Reverend Jossell's dedication transcends the academic and vocational realm; it is woven into the fabric of his occupational pursuits. He channels his expertise into developing and implementing innovative approaches to unlock human potential for vulnerable populations and catalyze community change.
Reverend Jossell staunchly believes in the collective resilience of individuals and communities to reignite hope, leading them toward spaces of liberation and the embodiment of true freedom where all can thrive and become the best versions of themselves.
Rev. Keith Jossell
Rev. Dawn Bowles
Rev. Dawn Bowles is a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and a product of the Petersburg Public School System. She has served in the fields of both education and the Gospel ministry, for twenty-five years, and her educational and ministerial careers have allowed her to be used by God throughout the U.S.
Educational studies allowed Rev. Bowles to attend Hampton University, Virginia State University, Yale Divinity School, University of Missouri, American Intercontinental University, and Walden University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Rev. Bowles is a champion for equity and student rights, and a true practitioner of varied pedagogical techniques. She has served education through the arts, as an acclaimed Director of Bands, and she holds years of classroom and administrative education experience, ranging from primary to collegiate levels. Noted as a transformational leader and school turnaround specialist with an emphasis on Social and Personal Responsibility, Ms. Bowles has successfully worked to change the trajectory of life for trauma-informed students and families, as well as challenge the status quo in defining what true academic excellence can look like and how it can be achieved. Ms. Bowles is the founder of the Proud to Partner Community in Schools Initiative, of Huntsville, Alabama, and now founder of the Proud To Partner Leadership Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Having received multiple leadership and community service accolades, she views every opportunity to work with people as her ministry. Most recently, she was awarded the “Outstanding Women in Our Community” Award from the Oklahoma City Chapter of Chums, Incorporated.
As an Ordained Minister of the Gospel, Rev. Bowles has allowed her calling to be the foundation for her life. She has served as Minister of Music, Sunday School and Bible Study teacher, Director of Christian Education, Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor, and Senior Pastor, working diligently with the Nursing Home, Prison, Music, Women’s, Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries.
Rev. Bowles currently serves as the Youth Pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, under the liberating leadership of Pastor A. Byron Coleman, III, & First Lady, Min. Dr. Sharri L. Coleman. Rev. Bowles has three brothers and one sister, and she is a proud auntie and Godmother. Rev. Bowles believes that she has been called to live a life of sacrifice, so that others might see and experience the true love and transformative power of Jesus Christ, while being educated in the movement of the moment, all while keeping it real.
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Rev. Dr. Sharri Coleman
Rev. Dr. Sharri L. Coleman is a dynamic speaker, life motivator, published author, professor, and trained podiatrist whose mission is to help individuals bridge the connection between their soul and their soles—encouraging them to take the necessary steps to “walk out” their God-given purpose. She inspires others to remain spiritually, mentally, and emotionally true to themselves with a powerful blend of medical expertise and spiritual insight. Whether speaking from the pulpit, the classroom, or a healthcare setting, Dr. Coleman’s passion lies in empowering people to pause, refocus, and unlock their inner strength.
As Minister of Music and leader of the Women’s Ministry at Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Coleman actively pours into the lives of others, fostering a space for worship, growth, and sisterhood. Beyond her church leadership, she extends her ministry through media and public speaking—serving as a guest radio host, appearing on television broadcasts, and delivering keynote addresses at women’s conferences, luncheons, and services across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Dr. Coleman is also a dedicated educator, serving as a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Oklahoma in the Clara Luper African and African American Studies Program (AFAM), where she challenges and inspires students in courses that explore culture, history, and community. A lifelong learner, she earned her Master of Theological Studies from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2024, deepening her understanding of faith, ministry, and scholarship. She also lends her expertise by serving on various educational and community boards, contributing to initiatives that uplift and empower.
An accomplished author, Dr. Coleman wrote Gained Everything Without Giving Up Anything: Lessons Learned on My 40-Day Family-Focused Journey. She also shares insights on faith, purpose, and personal growth as the Soul 2 Sole Doctor, a title she carries on her blog, www.soul2soledoctor.blogspot.com.
Dr. Coleman has been blessed to share life and ministry with her husband, Rev. Dr. A. Byron Coleman III, since July 1997. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Chandler Avery and Courtland Alexander.
With a heart for service and a passion for transformation, Rev. Dr. Sharri L. Coleman remains committed to helping others step boldly into their purpose, walking in faith, strength, and authenticity.