REECE BOWLING
Lead Pastor
Reece Bowling has a love for people and a passion to see them grow! His background and training have uniquely equipped him to understand the challenge of relating to God—a challenge we often have because God is Spirit, but we try to relate to Him with our natural mind. Reece’s desire is to see believers move beyond understanding God through logic and reason to a place of experiencing His presence and truly knowing Him.
Pastor Reece serves as the lead pastor at Encounter Church in Denver, Colorado. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri School of Science and Technology, and a Masters in Practical Theology from Oral Roberts University.
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.
Isabell Bowling
Student Pastor
Isabell Bowling is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher passionate about helping people live the full life Jesus promised.
Growing up in a multigenerational ministry family, Isabell developed a deep love for the Word and for people. Her desire is to continue her grandmother Marilyn Hickey’s legacy by inspiring believers everywhere to experience the joy of living in the Word each day.
Isabell holds a degree in Historical & Philosophical Theology and Modern Hebrew from Oral Roberts University, where she was named Outstanding Theology Student of the Year. In 2023, Isabell stepped into a powerful teaching ministry with her grandmother at Marilyn Hickey Ministries. In 2026, she joined the pastoral staff at Encounter Church.
CURT WOJTALEWICZ
Kids Pastor and Groups 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.
CHRIS OSBORN
Audio Visual Director
PETIE PADILLA
Director of Accounting
NANCY BUCKNER
Executive Director Operations
ENSEL BENNETT
Director of Human Resources
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
