REECE BOWLING
Lead Pastor
Pastor Reece earned his Masters of Divinity from Oral Roberts University (ORU). Together with his wife, Sarah, they are an energetic and anointed ministry team with a passion for sharing God’s Word with everyone they meet.
SARAH BOWLING
Lead Pastor
Pastor Sarah earned a BA in German from ORU and an MA in Modern History from the University of Missouri. For more information about Sarah and her ministries, please visit marilynandsarah.org, savingmoses.org, and sarahbowling.org.
MARILYN HICKEY
Founding Pastor
An insightful Bible teacher, Marilyn loves seeing lives that are transformed through God’s Word. She believes in the power of God to perform miracles. For more information about Marilyn and her ministry, please visit marilynandsarah.org.
ELIPHAZ SALIK
Executive Pastor
Pastor Eliphaz was born in Kuwait to Pakistani parents. His father served as a minister for more than 40 years in Pakistan, Kuwait, and Colorado. Eliphaz grew up in a Muslim country and learned first hand what it meant to follow Jesus in the midst of adversity. After serving as a volunteer at Orchard Road Christian Center for over a decade, he joined the staff at Encounter Church in May of 2018. Upon the passing of his father in April of 2016, Eliphaz was installed as the lead pastor of the Pakistani Congregation in Denver. His heart is to help people come to know the love of Jesus and to teach them how to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PAT MAHONEY
Associate Pastor
Pastor Pat began working with Encounter Church shortly after his salvation in 1976. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they answered God’s call to launch into active ministry, and dedicated the last 30+ years to many different areas, including teaching and training, youth ministry, single’s ministry, inner-city evangelism, short-term missions, and church planting. Pat currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries. He and Sharon have two wonderful adult daughters and sons-in-law.
FRIEDA MACLEAR
Missions & Womens Pastor
Frieda was born and raised in a Christian home in Canada, and felt called to missionary work at an early age. After graduating from Briercrest Bible College, she proceeded to spend five years with Gospel Missionary Union in Panama. She taught in a Bible school and was in charge of local evangelism.
After she married her husband Jerry, she earned a BA in education from Portland State University. Later, she also earned her Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. She spent a number of years teaching in Christian schools and eventually became the director of World College.
Frieda has been on staff at Encounter Church as the Missions Pastor for more than 30 years, and she is committed to discipling and training students to spread the Gospel around the world. Frieda and Jerry have three adult daughters and four grandchildren.
STEVE MAESTAS
Student Pastor
Pastor Steve joined the Encounter Church Staff in May of 2019. Though he is new to our staff he has served for over 20 years in various ministries. Steve has been married to his beautiful bride Allicia for 20 years and have two amazing teenage children, daughter Morgan and son Sage.
Pastor Steve is passionate about teaching and leading students to know their Heavenly Father’s voice and know their identity as a son or daughter of The King.
CURT WOJTALEWICZ
Kids Pastor
Pastor Curt after being called into ministry, recieved his MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 1995 God brought Curt his beautiful wife Tracie, and together they have three lovely children: Lucas, Kasia, and Delila. Curt is passionate about the Word of God and wants both young and old to know it! He also would like everyone to experience the comforting power of the Holy Spirit and the saving love of Jesus Christ. He has a passion for teaching, evangelism and equipping the saints.
BRI GILES
Worship Pastor
Pastor Bri moved from Colorado Springs to join Encounter Church in the spring of 2020. She has served in worship ministry since 2008. She has a heart for people to experience the fullness of God’s presence in worship. You’ll probably find her humming or singing anywhere she goes!
LEX MARTIN
Young Adults Pastor
CHRIS OSBORN
Audio Visual Director
DEVYN HOLLAND
Executive Administrative Manager
Devyn desires to see God’s kingdom grow. She loves Jesus and loves people. She and her husband Kyle have two wonderful little boys, Logan who is six and Cooper who is three. It is her joy to get up and go to work every day as she gets to serve God through working at Encounter Church.
WYATT HANS
Administrative Assistant
PETIE PADILLA
Director of Accounting
NANCY BUCKNER
Executive Director Operations
ENSEL BENNETT
Director of Human Resources
STEVE PENNINGTON
Director of Facilities
The staff at Encounter Church wants you to know that we are here to meet your needs in a number of ways, including:
- Praying With You
- Talking With You
- Scheduling Counseling Sessions
- Making Introductions With Other Church Members