One-Line Bio
I am a Presbyterian pastor.
Biography
After an experience as a counselor at the Presbyterian Church Camp on Lake Okoboji, Jim began to explore the possibility of becoming a Minister of Word and Sacrament. In 1994, he returned to the classroom at Dubuque Seminary graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1997.
Following his graduation from seminary, Jim was ordained on May 25, 1997 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE. The family moved to Fullerton, NE in June of 1997 where Jim had accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church.
In 2000, Jim accepted the call to First United Presbyterian Church. Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve of that year, the family moved to Winterset. Jim began his role as pastor on January 1, 2001.
Rev. Howland met his wife Joyce at Buena Vista College. They were married January 26, 1991. They have two sons, Christopher age 13, and Michael age 8.
Jim's interest in Transformation began in January 2004 when he was part of a group that attended the PCUSA National Transformation Conference in Charlotte, NC. Jim had always known that there was definitely something important missing in his ministry and in the ministry of the congregation and denomination that he served. After hearing the components of Transformation, he felt God calling him to bring this concept into his ministry and to those who he served. This began a journey of learning and reflecting that has led to this point.
