Rev. Michael Downey

Mike is a 1977 graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in History Education and minors in political science and economics. It was during his time as a government high school teacher in West Liberty, he realized the need for a Christian education in order to make a difference in lives of young people. In 1985 he earned a M.Div from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL & served as a youth pastor at the Crystal Lake (IL) Evangelical Free Church for 10 years prior to coming to Charles City in December, 1994. Mike faithfully and compassionately cares for the church families and has contributed to the broader Charles City community by being a part of Habitat for Humanity, FOCUS and other community boards.

Ever since being discipled by the Navigators at ISU, Mike’s greatest joy is making disciples, teaching, encouraging and challenging them to grow in depth of their knowledge and insight of the the Lord. Knowing others are continuing to walk with God years after being discipled, is truly fulfilling and humbling.

Mike is married to Colleen and together they have 5 children and 3 grandsons. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, finding new bike trails, gardening, and is currently a docent at the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt House (Nineteenth Amendment Society) in rural Charles City.