“My life was forever shaped by the Bonhoeffer Haus. Going through theological puberty and discovering my calling early in my twenties, I was young man in need not just of theological formation but mentoring, and not just mentoring but friendship. The Haus provided me with a safe habitat to grow spiritually and pastorally alongside friends who I expect to labor with for the rest of my life. They have taught me that pastors are not called to the spotlight but the care of souls. Having now participated in two church plants, I see the importance of this type of organic leadership development within the local church. There are no magic formulas for creating good leaders, just the good old fashion life-on life, church-centered, character over competency long-game model we observe in the New Testament which has sadly been lost in recent decades. The Haus is helping churches across Virginia recover that ancient tradition and in so doing building a future of healthy leaders who multiply healthy churches. I look forward to seeing the family grow and strongly encourage you to lean in with me.”

Jonathan Bowell—Bonhoeffer Haus alum and pastor of South City Church in Richmond, Virginia