“Community Like Nobody’s Business”: Celebrating the Ministry of Lynn Bowers

After more than two decades of devoted service, Lynn Bowers—Bexley Seabury’s longest-serving employee—will retire on October 31, 2025.

Lynn began her work with Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in March 2002, and through many seasons of change and renewal, she has been a steadfast presence of grace, dedication, and care. Her commitment has spanned multiple presidents, several institutional transitions, and three physical moves—each met with her characteristic steadiness, humor, and heart.

“Lynn was the first person who helped me get acquainted with the ins and outs of Seabury when I started,” recalls longtime colleague Susan Quigley, our registrar. “She’s always been the go-to person for answers about the seminary. We’ve been through five presidents, three locations, and countless transitions together. She handled each move remarkably well and always with a smile. The seminary won’t be the same without her—it’ll probably take three people to fill all her roles!”

A Journey That Began with a Phone Call

When asked how she first came to Seabury-Western, Lynn laughs:

“I used to work for the Air Force out at O’Hare, but when they relocated, I decided not to move with them. I took a little time off, did some traveling. A friend who worked at Seabury called and said, ‘I know you’re not working right now—can you come help us out? Our accounting person just left.’ So I did, as a temporary thing. Four months later, she left—and 24 years later, I’m still here.”

Over those years, Lynn’s role grew and evolved, encompassing financial operations, student support, and institutional coordination—always with the same focus: serving the people at the heart of the seminary.

Supporting Students Through Seasons of Change

Lynn often describes her work as a ministry of accompaniment and care.

“My whole career with the seminary has been about change,” she reflects. “There’s been a lot of change, both internally and externally, over the years. I’ve always felt that my role was not to figure out what students want from the seminary, but to be there as a support system so they can focus on their call—on their formation—without worrying about the bills, the loans, or the health insurance.”

That ministry of practical compassion has shaped the experience of generations of students. Through administrative transitions, mergers, and a global pandemic, Lynn’s presence provided continuity and calm.

Alumna Ann Wheeler has fond memories of her first personal encounter with Lynn after being only online during COVID: “I will never forget your welcoming and open presence! I know Bexley Seabury, and your support, has allowed me to full this call from God!”

Teaching Flexibility and Modeling Faithfulness

In her own way, Lynn has been a living example of one of Bexley Seabury’s enduring lessons: faithful flexibility.

“One of the things we teach at Bexley Seabury is being flexible—not just in learning, but in ministry itself. We help students figure out how to do ministry in a way that’s not always ‘by the book.’ And I think we all believe in that deeply. We model it for them.”

That flexibility was tested time and again, as the seminary evolved from Seabury-Western and Bexley Hall into the federation now known as Bexley Seabury Seminary. Through each era, Lynn was there—helping build systems, supporting students, and embodying the very stability she longed for.

“People always ask what I want from the seminary or its leaders,” she says. “And I’ve always said: stability. For years, I thought maybe that’s not who we are—we’re built on change! But now I realize maybe the stability isn’t about what’s going on around us. It’s about who we are. Our goals, our values, and what we bring to students—that’s what’s stable. Maybe we’re the stability in the chaos.”

A Community That Endures

As the seminary looks toward its next chapter, Lynn leaves behind a legacy not only of hard work and institutional memory, but of heart.

The Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo, the first President of the newly formed Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation, reflected on Lynn’s indispensable role in shaping its earliest years:

“The Federation would never have materialized without Lynn’s patience, courage, and good humor. And I never would have survived that first presidency without her care, personal guidance, and uncommon common sense. It was a privilege to be her colleague for those five challenging years.”

His words echo the gratitude shared by generations of students, faculty, and staff who have experienced Lynn’s steadfast kindness and quiet strength.

“Despite our remoteness, community will always be the biggest factor,” Lynn says.

“We can do community like nobody’s business. If only we could figure out a way to hug people online, that would be the best thing in the world!”

Her words capture what so many feel about her ministry: she has helped hold the Bexley Seabury community together—one student, one conversation, one moment of grace at a time.

A Full Expression of Christian Love and Support

The Rev. Dr. KyungJa (KJ) Oh, doctoral alumna and Emerita Professor in Practical Theology, reflected on Lynn’s impact in words that speak for the entire community:

“I have witnessed Lynn’s mindfulness as she worked to provide an environment of abundant hospitality and support for our students, the faculty, Board of Directors, and anyone coming to an event of our community. For me, Lynn Bowers models for us—and particularly for our students—a full expression of Christian love and support to which all disciples are called. Lynn happens to listen carefully to the Spirit and carefully follows. We have been so very blessed.”

Giving Thanks and Looking Ahead

The Rev. Dr. Jason Fout, Interim President and Seabury-Western Class of 2001, offered this reflection:

“Lynn has been a point of continuity for us through some challenging transitions. She has worked hard, served faithfully, and offered encouragement to so many. We give thanks for her long ministry among us and wish her every blessing in what comes next—which will likely involve dogs!”

After more than two decades of service marked by kindness, humor, and devotion, Lynn Bowers has earned both the deep gratitude of the Bexley Seabury community and the joy of a well-deserved retirement.

Please join us in giving thanks for Lynn’s faithful ministry, her deep compassion for our students, and her many contributions to the life of this seminary.