Hey there! I’m Pastor Mat Bowen. I’m all about keeping things Christ centered here at Upper Room Bible Church. I’m married to my amazing wife, Elizabeth, and we’ve been blessed with two incredible daughters, Ada and Eden. Our home is filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of faith.

I’ve been on quite the journey, starting from the small town of Catlin, Illinois, where I grew up, to diving deep into philosophy at Purdue University Northwest, and then exploring theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. It’s been a ride filled with ups and downs, but every step has led me to a greater understanding of what it means to be a shepherd and servant of Christ Jesus.

At Upper Room Bible Church, my role as a pastor is something I approach with utmost reverence. Here, I strive to pastor with a heart full of love, leading our community in worship, study, and service. My faith is the cornerstone of all I do, influencing how I interact with my family, my congregation, and the broader community. While I have interests in areas like golf and finance, these are secondary to my primary mission of fulfilling the calling God has placed on my life. The essence of my life is to serve, to teach, and to love as Jesus did. Through every sermon, every counseling session, and every community outreach, I aim to reflect the light of Christ, fostering an environment where faith grows, and lives are transformed.