Dustin Bower serves as a Social Change Specialist at the enCourage Advocacy Center in Hastings, Nebraska, where he has been instrumental in providing Domestic Violence Intervention Programming for over two years. A former pastor, Dustin holds a three-year certification in leadership ministries from Conter College of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). His work in leading personal and social transformation began at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Hastings, where he advocated for egalitarian values and progressive social changes during his more than nine-year tenure.
Dustin's commitment to social justice has been a consistent thread throughout his career. While at the church, he led disaster recovery and humanitarian relief efforts, and engaged in public dialogue about the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, consistently advocating for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Transitioning from pastoral work to a full-time role at enCourage, he has dedicated himself to challenging the societal norms that perpetuate violence, with a particular focus on involving men in the movement to end gender-based, sexual, and domestic violence.
His work is driven by a desire to create a society where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued. Outside of his professional life, Dustin is a devoted family man. His partner is a nurse, and together they parent four sons. They share a passion for music, nature, and cuisine, enriching their family life with creativity and exploration.