Mike O’Dowd – Senior Pastor
Mike originally hails from Bergenfield, New Jersey and is married to the lovely and former Lucia Harkey from Killeen, Texas. Lucia and Mike have been married since 1990 and are the proud parents of two young adult children. Ben lives in Georgia with his wife Tori and they have a son named Emerson, while Jessica lives in Cornwall-on-Hudson. Mike and Lucia live in the Town of Newburgh nearby the church and came to the Hudson Valley after relocating from Dallas, Texas in the fall of 2015 in answer to the call from Leptondale Bible Church to serve as pastor. The road to full-time vocational ministry for the O’Dowd’s was a long one, coming after Mike’s 24 years of service as an Air Force Officer culminating in his retirement in the grade of Colonel at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia in January 2010. During his tenure in the military, Mike served primarily as an A-10 pilot and was blessed by the Lord with the privilege and opportunity to finish his career as the commander of the 23rdFighter Group—the renowned Flying Tigers of WWII fame. During his Air Force tenure Mike served in 7 combat deployments between 1990 and 2009 in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Mike began his formal preparation for pastoral ministry in January 2010 and completed his studies graduating with a Masters of Theology degree with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary in the fall of 2015. In addition, Mike has recently taken up writing and his first book, “The Gospel: A Redemption and restoration Story,” is scheduled to enter into publication through Deep River Books in 2021. Mike’s favorite bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” May this passion be the mark of the life for all who call Him Savior and faithfully follow Him as Lord!
Bruce Baker – Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Bruce is our pastor that brings great insight and direction. Pastor Bruce served as senior pastor for five years starting in 1995. Having also been a leader in Christian Service Brigade and camp director for the Northern Frontier Camp for many years, he has proven to be a great mentor and servant in the church today.
Doug Marcantonio – Administrative Assistant
Doug is office administrative assistant who greets people with a smile. He manages all the traffic that comes through the office.
Cynthia Pinter – Bookkeeper
Cynthia is the church bookkeeper who makes sure the finances are in order. She keeps the numbers in line.
Martin King – Facility Manager
Martin works together with our Trustees to maintain the church facilities and grounds so that the church’s onsite ministries can be conducted safely and effectively.