Alan Cowley is a pastor, artist, musician, and labyrinth designer based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. He has served as pastor of Michael Church (London, UK), The New Church at Boynton Beach (Boynton Beach, Florida), and as pastor and school director at Oak Arbor Church and Montessori School(Rochester, MI). He is currently leading worship music at The Lord’s New Church, teaching middle school religion at Bryn Athyn Elementary, preaching occasionally at New Church Live, and working to build community with the labyrinth, art, and music.
Keywords
grief, creativity, art therapy, labyrinth, spirituality, ministry, personal growth, community, change, healing
Summary
In this conversation, Alan shares his journey through grief and creativity, exploring how art and the labyrinth have played significant roles in his healing process. He discusses the importance of vulnerability in relationships and the challenges of ministry, emphasizing the need for personal growth and community support. The labyrinth serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, highlighting the significance of embracing change and practicing heaven in everyday interactions. Alan expresses excitement about his future endeavors in ministry and the integration of creativity into his work.
Takeaways
Grief can create barriers to love and connection.
Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
The labyrinth offers a unique spiritual experience that contrasts with traditional worship.
Personal experiences shape our understanding of spirituality and ministry.
Embracing change is essential for personal and communal growth.
Practicing heaven involves creating safe spaces for exploration and vulnerability.
The labyrinth symbolizes the journey of life, emphasizing that there are no wrong turns.
Community support is vital in navigating life’s challenges.
Creativity can enhance ministry and foster deeper connections.
The New Church is about living into our spiritual journeys together.
Sound bites
“I needed a space to process.”
“I can’t sell this; it’s sacred.”
“Life is a labyrinth, not a maze.”
“There’s a fun to almost every aspect of my life right now.”
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief and Creativity
03:10 The Healing Power of Art
05:43 The Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool
08:32 Exploring the Role of Ministry
11:44 The Labyrinth vs. Traditional Worship
14:42 Understanding the Journey of Life
17:51 Embracing Change in Spirituality
20:34 Practicing Heaven in Community
23:22 The Role of Personal Experience in Ministry
26:23 The Future of Ministry and Creativity
Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com
