Bishop James H. Bowman, Sr., Prelate

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Bishop James H. Bowman, Sr., is a visionary and contemporary manservant of God who has a heart of compassion for all people and an allegiance of respect for leadership. Under Bishop Bowman’s administration, the Antioch Church of God in Christ in Buffalo, New York where he has pastored since 1983 is a thriving ministry meeting the spiritual and natural needs of those who worship there as members and attendees.

In 1970, Bishop Bowman was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit during a powerful ninety-day revival at the Saints Home Church of God in Christ in Buffalo, New York under the leadership of the late Bishop Carl Roberson. Bishop Bowman received much of his ministry training under Bishop Roberson who also served as Prelate of the South Dakota Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. Bishop Bowman holds an Honorary Doctorate from the National School of Theology and has received theological training through the C. H. Mason Bible College at Buffalo, Houghton Bible College, and Moody Bible Institute. He received his postsecondary education at the State University of New York College at Buffalo and went on to work for the Buffalo Public School System’s Quality Integration Education Program.

Bishop Bowman has proven to love the work and the people of the Lord. He readily serves with his preaching, musical gifts and talents whenever needed. He demonstrates administrative and organization building skills which have been a blessing. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he has served the New York Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ in several capacities under the leadership of Jurisdictional Prelate Emeritus Bishop Ronald J. Hoston, including District Superintendent, Chairman of the Ordination Board, Chairman of the Executive Board, and Administrative Assistant. In November 2019, under the Church of God in Christ Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles E. Blake (Emeritus), Bishop Bowman was consecrated to the office of Auxiliary Bishop of the Church of God in Christ and, in November 2024, was appointed Prelate of the New York Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, His Grace, Bishop J. Drew Sheard.

Bishop Bowman is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve “The Greatest Church in the World,” The Church of God in Christ! He often proclaims, “My desire is to first, please God through obedience to Him, and also, to serve the New York Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and mankind by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, winning the lost, and encouraging men and women to live a holy and separated life in this present world.” Bishop Bowman is committed to the advancement of the Kingdom through relevant scriptural exegesis, accompanied by a life of demonstrative works that fulfill the greatest commandment as prescribed by Jesus: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And thou shalt love Thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-40) KJV

In December 2024, Bishop Bowman was the proud recipient of the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” presented by the 46th President of the United States of America, President Joe Biden and is grateful for the honor bestowed upon him.