Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens serves as the Director of Vital Congregations for the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. In this role he walks alongside congregations and leaders to explore the next faithful steps in increasing vitality so that making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world can happen with greater capacity.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Bouwens served as pastor at Wolcott Faith UMC, Cortland First UMC, and Liverpool First UMC. While serving in those congregations Aaron had opportunity to serve in mission to Uganda, Haiti, Columbia, as well as in Maine and New York. In each of the congregations he served there was an increase of hands on mission with the people in the community and around the world.

Rev. Bouwens holds a B.S. from Houghton College in Outdoor Recreation and Psychology, an M. Div. from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew Theological School specializing in 21^st Century Leadership. In 2009 Aaron was a Lewis Fellow with the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

As a companion to his work with the Upper New York Conference, Dr. Bouwens is an adjunct faculty member at both Northeastern Seminary and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Aaron lives in Homer, New York with his wife Sarah and their three children Rachel, Leah, and Hannah. When not traveling for ministry opportunities he can be found on the golf course or spending time in the Adirondack Mountains.