Women Who Inspire: Carol Bowerman

A Pastor’s Prayer Warrior

In the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas you will find a family that has been lead by two parents who not only seek God for themselves, but for others. Being a Pastor’s wife was not something that was ever a question of whether or not she could or wanted to do, she just did it. Meet Carol Bowerman, a Pastor’s wife filled with a love for those around her and a hope for the encouragement of the saints.

Cyndi Kay Green:Please give us a brief introduction to Carol Bowerman, who is she and where is she from.

Carol Bowerman: Hi, I am Carol Bowerman from Mulberry, AR. I was born in New Jersey but was raised in Fayetteville, AR. I am a Pastor’s wife and stay-at-home mom. I have 2 children at home, 2 adult children who are married, and a grandbaby due in February 2022! 

CKG: Give us a summary on your journey with Christ and who has influenced your spiritual growth the most?

CB: I accepted Christ as my personal Savior at age 9. I was very involved in church and became the full-time pianist at age 12. My love for music allowed me to be involved in several local groups, of whom I played piano for. I also enjoyed teaching children and later taught women. I had several people I admired and mentored me as I matured in Christ. These included my childhood pastor’s wife, my mother-in-law, my husband, and later, my chiropractor’s wife, who has become my good friend! 

CKG: Can you share your ministry with our readers?

CB: My current ministry as a Pastor’s wife allows me to fully support my husband through prayer, encouragement, and discipleship of new believers. We have recently transitioned from a 21 year tenure at a church in NWA, to a church in Ft. Smith, AR. We feel called to equip the saints, edify the body, and encourage Pastors to keep running the race. 

CKG: What was your initial thought about becoming a Pastor’s wife?

CB: I never thought twice about being a Pastor’s wife! I knew my husband was called to preach, so I supported him by loving him and loving the people. I had a great role model in my childhood leader. I loved God and loved people, so it was natural for me! 

CKG: What is the earliest memory of church that had an impact on your life?

CB: My earliest memory of church that fully impacted me was our sweet granny of the church, who happened to be our Pastor’s mom. She was full of the Spirit and exuded joy and love. She would get “happy” and clap her hands and shout! As a young child, I was startled sometimes, but even at my age, I recognized the realness of the spirit. 

CKG: What is the greatest challenge as a Pastor’s wife? What is the biggest reward? 

CB: One of the greatest challenges as a Pastor’s wife is finding one’s identity. We tend to identify ourselves with titles or positions, and aren’t recognized as simply Daughters of the King. We also tend to compare ourselves to others. 

One of the biggest rewards as a Pastor’s wife is seeing the congregation grow and mature into healthy disciples of Christ. 

CKG: What has had the biggest impact on your relationship with Jesus?

CB: The biggest impact on my relationship with Jesus has been my love for his Word and allowing the Holy Spirit full access into every aspect of my life! 

CKG:What do you see as the biggest gap between women today and their relationship with Jesus?

CB: The biggest gap that I see today between women and their relationship with Jesus is identity issues – not knowing who they are in Christ or their value to Him!

CKG: Can you recall a time when you know that God was the only way you had a provision through a certain situation?

CB: I can recall numerous times when God was my provision through a situation. Specifically, He has been my strength in the last 3 years in a very real way. In obedience, we resigned our church to launch a new ministry. This was soon adversely affected by the pandemic. (I have a detailed testimony to God’s provision in this endeavor, but won’t elaborate unless needed.) 

CKG: At the end of the day, when it’s all quiet, what inspires you as you reflect on the activities of the day?

CB: As I reflect on my day, I am inspired by people. My daily inspiration comes from my husband and my children, but God can use anyone or anything to speak to us. 

CKG: In today’s world, fear seems to be the motivating factor behind so many decisions, what is your encouragement to those who are captivated by this fear?

CB: Fear is at an all time high in today’s world. It is the greatest tool of the enemy to discourage, distract and torment us. Once we realize that it is a spiritual attack from our enemy, we can use our weapons of quoting God’s Word and our praise to change our atmosphere. When we submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). No weapon that is formed, will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The weapons will form, but His Word says they won’t prosper!! What a promise to hold on to! 

CKG: What is the most profound and life changing thing you have heard, whether it be advice or a sermon?

CB: The most life-changing thing I have heard and used, especially as a Pastor’s wife, is to be authentic! We live in a culture of identity confusion. Even in the church we see stereotypes being used to identify Pastors and their wives. If we are going to live an authentic life, then we must be authentic with people and allow them to be authentic with us. When we learn to identify ourselves as a Child of the King first, then you see yourself for who He sees you to be, and abide in Him. That brings freedom! 

CKG: How can our readers get in touch with you?

CB: I can be reached by email at bowerman699@gmail.com.