Chris Bowater

Many consider British born Christian songwriter and worship leader, Chris Bowater, to be a Father of the modern worship movement. Coming to prominence in the Charismatic renewal of the late ‘70’s and early 1980s, his songs include “Reign in me,” “Here I am Wholly Available,” “Jesus shall take the highest honour,” “Holy Spirit we welcome You” and “Lamb of God” and “Faithful God”. His songs have been translated into many languages and used in churches all over the world. He has regularly led worship at major events including Spring Harvest and Grapevine Celebrations. His ministry has impacted many nations. He has trained and mentored generations of worship leaders. He is the co-founder of Worship Academy International and is Senior Pastor of New Life Church Ministries in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, UK.

Chris & Lesley
Chris and Lesley are immensely grateful to God as the family grow and are blessed. Rachel and Paul, granddaughters Lydia and Eve; Daniel and Jennifer and grandson Leon; Mark and Becca; Hannah and Sara all lead exceptionally full and fulfilling lives and are truly an inspiration and joy to us. We continue to pray that is Christ is central in all things they will pursue Godly dreams, serve with joy, love life and love people and become complete in every facet of their lives.

A Drop In The Ocean
From small beginning! Well, it felt like that. The truth is, back in the 1970’s, I wasn’t seeking a ministry as such, and Praise and Worship was not a concept widely experienced or understood. Hymns and choruses were the order of the day. Neither am I knocking that. We loved singing and were the fore runners to the ‘happy clappy’ brigade! However, when God turns up, well! I belonged to a great Pentecostal Church that got turned over, upside down and inside out by the Holy Spirit. Ironic really, when you consider that Pentecostals felt they had cornered the market on all things ‘Holy Spirit’! And so it was.

The message ‘Let my people go that they may worship me’ ignited a spark that grew into an amazing flame. Songs simply flew out of heaven. Did I write them? No, I caught them! The preacher preached, the prophets declared, the intercessors prayed and I channelled it all into song. The Church began to become a new generation of worshippers. There was immense Joy. Salvation’s occurred during Praise and Worship times. Healing and deliverance were common place. All just a beginning! For me it eventually took me to 52 nations, and counting. Hundreds of songs, training programmes, conferences, recordings, radio and TV ensued. Just one small drop in an ocean! Can’t wait for the next 30 years! (I think I am supposed to write lol after that!)

Bowater, C. (2012). Chris Bowater Bio. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from Chris Bowater website: http://chrisbowater.com/bio/