From Pastor Cowley:
I'm a pastor because I'm passionate about people and their spiritual journey. I will challenge you to study and come to grips with your own life, from a perspective of individual freedom, in an environment of support and encouragement. My role is as a coach and a spiritual shepherd. My goal is to be of service to you as you trek toward your destiny.
People are my passion and I love nothing more than a good discussion over a cup of coffee. I've been married 23 years and Gwenda and I have 6 wonderful children. That said, you should know the ministry that grows naturally from my own struggles and experience is one that offers a strong support for marriages and families. But don't get the idea that I present myself as the perfect family man with perfect kids. We have experienced all the normal struggles of raising children in the modern world, in the Big City, "us vs. MTV", etc. We offer a place where your own individual, relationship and family struggles are understood and accepted, and your thirst for a better life is honored. "We've been there" and my wife and family stand beside me with open arms to you. At the New Church of Phoenix we hope you'll find a spiritual harbor for yourself and your family.
More about Rev. Cowley:
Michael enjoys the outdoors, hiking, biking, canoeing, bird watching, camping and photography..
Rev. Michael Cowley was ordained in 1982. He married Gwenda that year and began his ministry. Michael has served a number of congregations throughout out the US and Canada. In these congregations his work has ranged from preaching, pastoral counseling, administration, adult education, teaching in church elementary schools, pastoral visits to remote church members and running children, teen, and adult ministries in numerous church camps.
Camp experience is one of Rev. Cowley's service highlights, especially his tenure as Director of "Maple Leaf Academy," a camp devoted entirely to teens in Ontario, Canada. People consider the mix of Rev. Cowley's down to earth preaching and teaching styles a perfect fit for the relaxed learning and worship environment of retreats, workshops and religious camp experiences.
During the 1980's Michael discovered the great wealth of mental health awareness in the Twin Cities, MN area while seeking recovery from alcoholism. He became knowledgeable in 12-steps Programs and dovetailed this program with the teachings of the New Church. He founded a "12 Steps for Spiritual Growth" group, and co- founded the "Cornerstones Recovery Fellowship" both of which used the AA steps as a path to spiritual recovery and regeneration.
After years of individual pastoral and marriage counseling, Rev. Cowley realized a desire to combine these disciplines, and to train further to help people in this important area of marriage, family, relationships and recovery. He has recently completed his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, with an addiction/recovery emphasis, receiving his "Master of Arts in Professional Counseling" (MAPC) in May, 2005. He is continuing to meet the requirements to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) through counseling supervision and residency.
