Rev. Joel A. Bowman, Sr. is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a Christian home, Joel accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 12.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. Joel also graduated from Michigan Theological Seminary (now known as Moody Seminary- Michigan Campus).
Upon moving to Louisville in 1999, Joel began his ministry as a senior pastor, serving a congregation in West Louisville for 2 years. Since 2001, he has served as founder and senior pastor of the Temple of Faith Baptist Church in South Louisville.
Joel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with over 30 years experience in the mental health field. He has practiced as a clinician in the states of Michigan, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Currently, Joel is a therapist with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing mental health treatment to America’s military Veterans.
Joel’s experience also includes clinical work within the Department of Defense (DoD), public school systems, child welfare agencies, community mental health centers, and a private practice setting.
Because of his unique bivocational identity, Joel is in high demand as a presenter. He has guest lectured at the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, Campbellsville University, and Carver College. Joel has traveled extensively, preaching, teaching, and lecturing, on issues such as racism, white supremacy, Christian nationalism, racial conciliation, and mental health.
Most notably, Joel presented at the Baptist Seminary of Zimbabwe on the topic of The Church’s Response to HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Joel has served on the boards of multiple organizations, including the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW). He is a thought leader, free-lance writer, poet, and voiceover artist.
Joel and his beloved wife, Nannette Mitchell Bowman, are the proud parents of 2 daughters, Kayla and Katie, as well as 1 son, Joel, Jr.
It should be noted that all perspectives expressed herein are Joel’s and do not reflect, in any way, the views of any other organization or federal entity.
A Compelling Voice 