Summit on the Black Church South Carolina Messages from Rev. Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr. Shifts and other Realities in the Black Church
Dr. Bowie has introduced to the SB21 work the Black Church Matters Program with the program the hope is to Experience Vitality, Health, and Empowered Ministry Dr. Bowie is pushing us to Get on board with the Black Church Matters (BCM), a movement to help congregations thrive. We want to help your ministry optimize its effectiveness with our 3 R strategy, ReImagine, ReVitalize, RePurpose.
On July 1, 2014, Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr. was appointed to St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas Texas. He is currently serving his sixth year as Senior Pastor. St. Luke’s vision is…St. Luke is called to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We are prophetic voices that will transform lives by becoming a Christ-centered, Justice-driven, Kingdomminded community pursuing excellence in all we do. Since Dr. Bowie’s arrival, the church has experienced momentum in every facet of ministry. Due to their renewed excitement, members are reengaging, reconnecting and recommitting to St. Luke’s vision.
In the first few months, Dr. Bowie’s preaching, teaching and casting visions increased St. Luke’s attendance by 38%. With the use of technology and the addition of social media, members are more engaged in the ministries of the church.
Dr. Bowie cast a vision that inspired the leadership to identify, equip and develop new leaders to serve in various roles within the church. The Zan Wesley Holmes Servant Leader Institute deployed more than 90 leaders who are now prepared, and 35% are serving. St. Luke remains committed to providing ministries that impact the lives of children, youth, adults, and families in our church and in the community.
Outreach/Mission is another primary focus. Every fifth Sunday, more than 200 St. Luke members deploy to the streets of Dallas, meeting the homeless community’s needs. They serve as the hands and feet of Jesus locally. And globally, Dr. Bowie has led two mission trips to Cuba and one to Puerto Rico with more than 75 members participating.
Dr. Bowie brings a prophetic anointing to see and cast a vision, the creativity to dream and believe God for the vision’s possibilities, and the boldness and courage to implement the vision.