Barbara
Bowman

Her Story

Barbara’s spiritual journey had its beginnings in the Catholic church with 16 years of education in Catholic institutions, culminating in a nursing degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Following graduation, while working at Washington Hospital Center in D.C. she met her husband who introduced her to the Mennonite faith.  In their decision to marry and raise their children in the Mennonite faith community, Barbara held both faith practices with intention and curiosity.

Barbara became active in her Mennonite church in Ohio and later Richmond, VA teaching Sunday school, mentoring youth, serving on worship and vision teams and various leadership positions. Barbara currently continues to be an active member of her Mennonite church in Harrisonburg. 

One might wonder how this journey progressed from nurse to pastoral care associate. Fortunately, Barbara has trusted the words of Jeremiah 29:11."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  While the path was not always clear, Barbara continued to follow where the Spirit led.

After 20+ years of being home with her children, Barbara became a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and received training as an End-of-Life Doula. It was a desire to bring these care-giving modalities, including her nursing degree, together to care for the whole person that led her to pursue and complete the MDiv program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a concentration in chaplaincy. Her focus on health and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit has been valuable in her work as a hospice and hospital chaplain as well as in her ministry with residents at a local retirement community.  

Barbara holds a passion for being present with those experiencing life’s .. and death’s … challenges with the words attributed to Ram Dass, “We are all just walking each other home.”

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It is with sincere and humble gratitude that Barbara serves with and walks with the community of believers and seekers at Trinity.