Dr. Gary Downing is our primary preaching pastor and staff leader who also addresses the pastoral needs of our congregation. 

Gary attended the US Naval Academy, the Hebrew University, and Bethel College.  Gary earned his M.Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary and his D.Min. from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and continues his studies here and abroad. Gary has served with Young Life, Youth Leadership, Inc., Colonial Church of Edina, MN and Faith Covenant Church of Burnsville, MN, where he also served with World Servants Inc. and the Lakeville Family Center. Gary is a private pilot who likes to travel and watch nature on Lake Zumbro. He and his wife Kathy have four grown children and two grandsons.
 

Pastor John's ministry to our families includes parent and marriage classes, family consultations and crisis intervention. John developed and oversees our Youth Ministry Residency Program and participates in the youth ministry leadership of our denomination. John continues to partner with our youth ministries staff to lead our youth in developing their relationships with God and each other.

John's BA degree was earned from Northwestern College and his M.Div. degree from Bethel Seminary. Certifications include Youth Professional from Youth Leadership and Marriage Works Consultation through American Association of Christian Counselors. Prior to coming to Rochester Covenant  John served as Youth Minister at Maple Grove Covenant Church in Maple Grove, MN. Besides spending time with Mary and his daughters, his loves include a number of outdoor activities and participating in triathlons.
 

Pat gives focus and oversight to our worship and directs the Sanctuary Choir and both handbell choirs. She developed our choir school program, which teaches children music skills, a love for singing, and the joy of ministry. Pat earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College. Pat volunteers in the school district and is active with area Worship & Music Directors.  She enjoys camping, travel, reading and biking. Pat and Ray have two teenage children.

Becky loves children and is their champion here at Rochester Covenant Church.  She oversees the children's ministries from birth through 5th grade with our Sunday School, Nursery, Sports Camp and Splash 'n' Dash programs. Becky graduated from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN with a BS degree in Christian Ministry.  She enjoys swimming, reading and being with her grandchildren.  Becky and Rich have two grown daughters and three granddaughters.
 

Rosella loves to help people. She helps visitors and regular attendees become integrated into our congregation by visiting with them to find their needs and their passion for ministry and then networking what she learns. Rosella earned diplomas from the California Lutheran Bible School and from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing. She enjoys relationships with friends, music, flower gardening, and grandparenting. Rosella and Don raised two sons and have seven grandchildren.

Susan directs our two children's choirs, coordinates our children's choir school program, and assists the Visual Arts Committee in creating and overseeing the visual arts for our church. Previously volunteering in both these areas, she joined the RCC staff in 2004. Susan has a BS in Art Education from UW–Stout with continued studies in graphic design, music and directing. She also enjoys her volunteer time at the Civic Theater.  Susan and her husband Paul have three grown children and one new grandson.

Sarah coordinates the informal worship service (including leading worship teams) and accompanies Sanctuary Choir.  Sarah also coordinates the "Harmony for Mayo" concert series at the Mayo Clinic. Sarah attended MSU-Mankato where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Applied Piano.  She enjoys the outdoors, reading and spending time with family/friends.  She and her husband Trever share their home with their two dogs.

Steve has been working with the youth here at RCC for the past three years.  During that time he has been a volunteer counselor at Lake Beauty Bible Camp, chaperoned youth events, and been a part of the Confirmation teaching team. He works at Century High School in the Center Based Autism program as well as helps in several programs that focus on awareness of the special needs population. Prior to moving to Rochester, Steve worked with at-risk youth in the Cass Lake Public schools.  Steve and Nola make their home with their daughter. 

Amanda graduated from Crossroads College in 2007 in Christian Education and has a variety of experiences working with elementary age children.  She loves working with Children's Church, VBS, Sports Camp and just being with the kids.  She will be concentrating on a ministry to children in K-5th grade.  Amanda is from Duluth and attended Lakeview Covenant Church while there.  She is full of ideas and energy and enjoys playing volleyball.