Rev. Tim Bowman on his inspiring journey of connection, hope, and skill development in (Re)Generate, the Moderator’s Leadership program
“We will propose, develop, and create 100 new communities of faith.” When I read this two years ago in our denomination’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan, I was impressed and excited. This is a bold vision to counter the narrative of decline.
But then I felt a twinge of anxiety: “What does this mean for existing congregations like my own, filled with faithful people whom I love?” As I read further, I was glad to see that there were also plans to support and renew current communities of faith. What about me—did I have what it takes to be part of this new life? My seminary education had prepared me well for reading, thinking, and talking about our shared faith, but it seemed like this vision called for entrepreneurial leadership and the sort of skills one might acquire in, say, business school: skills that I have long felt the lack of.
I wrote to the email address provided in the plan; the staff who responded highlighted, among other things, the Moderator’s planned leadership school, (Re)Generate. I applied, and was delighted not only to be accepted, but to discover that four ministry friends would be among the cohort of clergy from across the country.
The program involves six sessions, two of which are online and four in person. Our first in-person session was fast-paced and intense. It set the tone for the next year and a half. Our facilitator gave us an early ground rule: “No looking good.”
No looking good. This is a place to be real with each other. I think every one of us has cried at least once: tears of grief, tears of frustration, certainly tears of helpless laughter during Telephone Pictionary. For all the amazing content offered by our Moderator and the various facilitators, the most valuable moments are slipper-and-pyjama clad encounters in the lounge or dining hall at 11:00 pm. “How are you?” is neither intended nor received as a perfunctory greeting. We may spend the next hour discussing our beloved colleague and new friend’s parenting challenges, or pain from conflict with their board, or their wondering about whether they are in the right place.
We have discovered, to our shock, that these incredible, intelligent, passionate, faithful leaders feel the same way we do: like impostors. If I came away from this year and a half with nothing more than the firsthand experience of what an intentional community looks like, and the knowledge that these amazing people seek my wisdom as much as I seek theirs, it would be enough.
But, of course, that’s not everything—not by a long shot. We are learning finance, fundraising, project management, personal time management and goal setting, systems thinking, how to lead teams and volunteers, how to give and receive feedback, and so much more. We are expected to integrate what we learn in our daily ministries and in a Capstone Project.
It is amazing to spend time with the Moderator, to benefit from her breadth of reading and experience, and to see how much passion and hope she has for the church. Carmen models failing forward for us, and I always come away with a new determination to likewise throw ideas against the wall to learn what sticks and what doesn’t.
Words cannot fully describe what a privilege and an affirmation it is to be part of this (Re)Generate cohort. You are not alone. If you think you are, reach out. The church is filled with amazing people like my colleagues, like you. God is calling the church to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. We are up for it!
—The Rev. Tim Bowman serves Gladwin Heights/St. Andrew’s Pastoral Charge in the Pacific Mountain Region.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.