VITAL Conversations with Pastor Cliff & Edy Bowman

Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins.

Name: Cliff Bowman

Spouse: Edy Bowman

Kids/Grandkids: Amber Gibson, Jordon and Rachel Looney, and Dakotah and Sara Crouse

Grandkids: Dalton Gibson, Cade Crouse, Chloe Looney, Chase Crouse, and Elisha Looney

Church: Bastian Church of God

How long have you pastored this church? 7 years

Other churches you have served?

Steven’s Church of God

Tip Church of God

1. How has God confirmed His calling on your life?
   He called me at an early age and He continues to renew those fires of ministry in my heart. Edy felt called to be a pastor's wife early in her life. She was married to a Pastor before we married. Through the tragic loss of both our former spouses God brought us together and once again confirmed that call to both of our lives.

2. How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry?
   Through the tragedies of our lives God has truly turned our mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty, and sorrow into joy.

3. Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation?
   Seeing lives change and growing in their relationship with God is still exciting to see.

4. Why is your local congregation vital to your community?
   We provide discipleship opportunities on Sundays and Wednesdays. Our facilities are used weekly by people all over our community.

5. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation?
   Better communication.

6. Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it?
   Having Kids church on Sunday nights for kids 12 and under. It had increased our attendance on Sunday nights.

7. What are some of the future ministry goals for your church?
   To expand the sanctuary to accommodate new growth. We just bought new property near the church which will be used for a parking lot and eventual youth center.