H7 Story: An Enduring Legacy
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we received the news that our long-time elder and friend, Chuck Bowlin had gone home to Jesus. Chuck was vacationing out of the country with his wife and three other couples when tragedy struck while on a snorkeling adventure.
It felt “fitting” that Chuck would go to meet Jesus on an adventure because that’s what Chuck was – adventure. His friend Mark Liebert described him as a “man’s man,” a man who loved others, and a man who loved God." Chuck’s wife Tammy and two of his four children, are greatly involved in life around First Christian Church. His middle son, David, is the Young Adults Director, and he recently began compiling some incredible memories from FCC’ers about his dad.
Some of these memories were focused on his work with the elders. Pastor Tyson Hodge recalled that, “One thing I really appreciated about Chuck was his consistent level-headedness in the FCC Elders meetings. He was dedicated to the faithful leadership of our church, and was a source of thoughtfulness and wisdom as we considered the big issues of our congregation. He was always an encouragement to the pastors as well as the other elders. He always had good insight and a heart for the people, and for the Lord.”
Joel Leibert, however, recalled something completely silly from an adventure a bunch of guys were on in the woods. “We were all gathered around the fire at night cutting it up like usual. Off in the woods, we started to hear some birds make some noise, but that’s totally normal when you’re in the country like we were! But the noises started to get louder, and actually seemed to bring in some coyotes. Now that made some of us uncomfortable.” Joel went on to share that while everyone else was getting very nervous, Chuck seemed calm as could be. “That went on until we heard something like a mountain lion calling from the woods, at which point someone wise caught on to a little device your dad had hidden that was controlling all these sounds. We all laughed so hard, and I loved that in the midst of preparing everything to host us up there, he found time to plant a speaker in the woods so that he could prank us all!”
Carl DelSorbo was with Chuck during his last minutes on this earth and recalled that, “Chuck was an avid outdoorsman whose love for nature was only surpassed by his love for his family and faith. He lived his life with a quiet strength, always showing up for his children and guiding them with wisdom and care. His unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he led his family with the same devotion that he brought to every part of his life.”
But Carl’s memories weren’t all serious in nature, as this was Chuck afterall! He remembered going on a hike with Chuck. “As most people know, I’m not the outdoorsman that Chuck was,” Carl began. “So when we went on hikes together, I always followed his lead. However, one particular hike taught me to be a bit more cautious in following Chuck's every move. We were on a short trail—just the kind I liked, requiring minimal gear—when we stumbled upon a bush full of small berries. Chuck, who was just ahead of me, swiped a handful of berries with the finesse of a seasoned pro. I thought, "Those look good, and surely he knows what's safe to eat." But then, a little voice of caution made me ask, “Chuck, are those berries okay to eat or could they be poisonous?” Without missing a beat, he glanced back, popped a few into his mouth, and shrugged, saying, “I don’t know.” In that moment, I realized that Chuck’s confidence didn’t always come from the most rational decisions—but that was just part of what made him so uniquely Chuck.”
Kevin Watson noted Chuck’s intentionality. “When reflecting on my interactions with Mr. Bowlin, I realized that there wasn't a single memory that stood out, but rather a collection of memories. The first time I met him, I first noticed his intentionality. Before Sunday Service started, he would always greet me with a warm smile at the entrance. [He] didn't just welcome me as a greeter at the church; he also invited me to sit with his family during the service. I spent many weeks sitting with the Bowlins, and I admired how they prioritized God and the church.” Kevin specifically noted Chuck’s leadership in his household and said that observing Chuck inspired him with how he hoped to one day lead his own family.
These are only a very small sampling of the memories David has been compiling, but they were chosen for very specific reasons. They combine the things that made Chuck … Chuck.
Leave it to Pastor Scott to not be short on words when remembering Chuck. We have decided that what he says is just too good to shorten and “work it into the story.” So, we will end this piece with Scott’s words about Chuck.
One year after Chuck Bowlin’s untimely and difficult passing, having now read, talked about, listened to, prayed and thought about memories and thoughts of him for many hours, a few key patterns of faithful Christian leadership emerge that are worth recognizing:
Chuck had a quiet strength and reassuring presence, and embodied a Philippians 2:3-4 humility that valued others. With our people, he was quick to listen and communicated care for the flock. In Elders meetings he was calm and unfazed by drama, often waiting for the situation to develop and data to emerge before choosing to speak. And when he did, as I saw over and over, it was with Bible-saturated strength and wisdom.
We should never mistake quiet strength for lack of action, and Chuck was first in line to pick up a broom and get to work. Though Elders are overseers who shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3), the example of Christ is no less our model for actively serving by sacrificing first (Mark 10:45). In our throw-away plastic world, many knew Chuck as a servant who got up early and showed up on time—with truck, tools, hands, and old school smarts—ready to build, fix, and finagle a way to make things work.
As part of being an example to the flock, Elders are expected to be an established witness in the community that is “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). Chuck’s deep dedication to nurturing his family, leading well at work, and investing in Greene County was a Joshua 24:15 commitment to “serve the Lord” by building households that make our community strong because they are centered on faith, unity, and love (Joshua 24:13).
Way before most who call First Christian Church their church home were around, about 2006-2007, when Jonathan was a baby and the Bowlin family first joined us, I remember thinking, “Yes! A young couple who loves the Lord, has their heads on straight, and has kids!” To me, it felt like hope. Little did I know then that this precious family would become a key long-term linchpin in the work the Lord was doing to strengthen this church and help us reach the lost. During some difficult years in our church’s past, he was a defender of our mission of making disciple-makers, and he helped protect me in my role as Lead Pastor. For hundreds in our congregation and in the larger community, he was a winsome example of Godliness because he was genuine instead of flashy.
Through his example, Chuck leaves an enduring legacy that challenges us all to follow Christ by leading with humility, warmth, and wisdom, serving others with our gifts, and living out our faith in front of, and for, others—but most importantly—for the sake of God’s glory and the advance of His Kingdom. I am grateful to have known and served alongside my friend Chuck Bowlin for many years.
It felt “fitting” that Chuck would go to meet Jesus on an adventure because that’s what Chuck was – adventure. His friend Mark Liebert described him as a “man’s man,” a man who loved others, and a man who loved God." Chuck’s wife Tammy and two of his four children, are greatly involved in life around First Christian Church. His middle son, David, is the Young Adults Director, and he recently began compiling some incredible memories from FCC’ers about his dad.
Some of these memories were focused on his work with the elders. Pastor Tyson Hodge recalled that, “One thing I really appreciated about Chuck was his consistent level-headedness in the FCC Elders meetings. He was dedicated to the faithful leadership of our church, and was a source of thoughtfulness and wisdom as we considered the big issues of our congregation. He was always an encouragement to the pastors as well as the other elders. He always had good insight and a heart for the people, and for the Lord.”
Joel Leibert, however, recalled something completely silly from an adventure a bunch of guys were on in the woods. “We were all gathered around the fire at night cutting it up like usual. Off in the woods, we started to hear some birds make some noise, but that’s totally normal when you’re in the country like we were! But the noises started to get louder, and actually seemed to bring in some coyotes. Now that made some of us uncomfortable.” Joel went on to share that while everyone else was getting very nervous, Chuck seemed calm as could be. “That went on until we heard something like a mountain lion calling from the woods, at which point someone wise caught on to a little device your dad had hidden that was controlling all these sounds. We all laughed so hard, and I loved that in the midst of preparing everything to host us up there, he found time to plant a speaker in the woods so that he could prank us all!”
Carl DelSorbo was with Chuck during his last minutes on this earth and recalled that, “Chuck was an avid outdoorsman whose love for nature was only surpassed by his love for his family and faith. He lived his life with a quiet strength, always showing up for his children and guiding them with wisdom and care. His unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he led his family with the same devotion that he brought to every part of his life.”
But Carl’s memories weren’t all serious in nature, as this was Chuck afterall! He remembered going on a hike with Chuck. “As most people know, I’m not the outdoorsman that Chuck was,” Carl began. “So when we went on hikes together, I always followed his lead. However, one particular hike taught me to be a bit more cautious in following Chuck's every move. We were on a short trail—just the kind I liked, requiring minimal gear—when we stumbled upon a bush full of small berries. Chuck, who was just ahead of me, swiped a handful of berries with the finesse of a seasoned pro. I thought, "Those look good, and surely he knows what's safe to eat." But then, a little voice of caution made me ask, “Chuck, are those berries okay to eat or could they be poisonous?” Without missing a beat, he glanced back, popped a few into his mouth, and shrugged, saying, “I don’t know.” In that moment, I realized that Chuck’s confidence didn’t always come from the most rational decisions—but that was just part of what made him so uniquely Chuck.”
Kevin Watson noted Chuck’s intentionality. “When reflecting on my interactions with Mr. Bowlin, I realized that there wasn't a single memory that stood out, but rather a collection of memories. The first time I met him, I first noticed his intentionality. Before Sunday Service started, he would always greet me with a warm smile at the entrance. [He] didn't just welcome me as a greeter at the church; he also invited me to sit with his family during the service. I spent many weeks sitting with the Bowlins, and I admired how they prioritized God and the church.” Kevin specifically noted Chuck’s leadership in his household and said that observing Chuck inspired him with how he hoped to one day lead his own family.
These are only a very small sampling of the memories David has been compiling, but they were chosen for very specific reasons. They combine the things that made Chuck … Chuck.
Leave it to Pastor Scott to not be short on words when remembering Chuck. We have decided that what he says is just too good to shorten and “work it into the story.” So, we will end this piece with Scott’s words about Chuck.
One year after Chuck Bowlin’s untimely and difficult passing, having now read, talked about, listened to, prayed and thought about memories and thoughts of him for many hours, a few key patterns of faithful Christian leadership emerge that are worth recognizing:
Chuck had a quiet strength and reassuring presence, and embodied a Philippians 2:3-4 humility that valued others. With our people, he was quick to listen and communicated care for the flock. In Elders meetings he was calm and unfazed by drama, often waiting for the situation to develop and data to emerge before choosing to speak. And when he did, as I saw over and over, it was with Bible-saturated strength and wisdom.
We should never mistake quiet strength for lack of action, and Chuck was first in line to pick up a broom and get to work. Though Elders are overseers who shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3), the example of Christ is no less our model for actively serving by sacrificing first (Mark 10:45). In our throw-away plastic world, many knew Chuck as a servant who got up early and showed up on time—with truck, tools, hands, and old school smarts—ready to build, fix, and finagle a way to make things work.
As part of being an example to the flock, Elders are expected to be an established witness in the community that is “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). Chuck’s deep dedication to nurturing his family, leading well at work, and investing in Greene County was a Joshua 24:15 commitment to “serve the Lord” by building households that make our community strong because they are centered on faith, unity, and love (Joshua 24:13).
Way before most who call First Christian Church their church home were around, about 2006-2007, when Jonathan was a baby and the Bowlin family first joined us, I remember thinking, “Yes! A young couple who loves the Lord, has their heads on straight, and has kids!” To me, it felt like hope. Little did I know then that this precious family would become a key long-term linchpin in the work the Lord was doing to strengthen this church and help us reach the lost. During some difficult years in our church’s past, he was a defender of our mission of making disciple-makers, and he helped protect me in my role as Lead Pastor. For hundreds in our congregation and in the larger community, he was a winsome example of Godliness because he was genuine instead of flashy.
Through his example, Chuck leaves an enduring legacy that challenges us all to follow Christ by leading with humility, warmth, and wisdom, serving others with our gifts, and living out our faith in front of, and for, others—but most importantly—for the sake of God’s glory and the advance of His Kingdom. I am grateful to have known and served alongside my friend Chuck Bowlin for many years.
Posted in Tell the Story