Colleagues gathered for heartfelt speeches, cake and amusing poems at the United Reformed Church’s (URC) London office on 7 November to bid a fond farewell to the Revd Craig Bowman, outgoing Secretary for Ministries.
After 11 years in the role, Craig is moving on to take pastoral charge at St Andrew’s Cheam and Wallington URCs.
The Revd Richard Church, URC Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship), said the news did not come as a surprise.
“At heart Craig has always been a minister with his heart in the local church, and the overwhelming desire to return to local ministry is satisfied by this change,” Richard said. “Craig’s defining characteristic is that he is a kind person. It is this kindness rooted in thoughtfulness which has made his tenure at Church House such an encouragement for those who work with him.
“We have all enjoyed working with him in our various roles.”
Highlighting a shared interest, the Revd John Proctor, URC General Secretary, added: “I want to thank [Craig] for supporting a football team that is almost as lowly as the one I follow. In such spheres it is only pessimism and disappointment that keep you going. Craig has been for me a kindred spirit in the ranks of the disappointed. His groaning has echoed with mine and put new energy into my pessimism. Such friends are rare.”
The General Secretary also praised Craig’s commitment over the years.
“I want to thank Craig for being a careful, knowledgeable and thoughtful Secretary for Ministries. He answers questions accurately and sensibly,” he added. “He understands both the rules of the Church and the needs of the people who lead our congregations. He thinks, he cares, he takes trouble, he is trustworthy. The URC really values consistent service of that quality.”
Craig called working at Church House “a real privilege” and thanked those involved for arranging his leaving do.
The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, former Moderator of URC’s Southern Synod, is the Church’s new Secretary for Ministries.
Picture: The Revd Craig Bowman
Published: 12 November 2019
