Leadership & Staff

Pastors | Elders

  • Ben Dowdy | Elder
    Lead Pastor of Living Hope Bible Church

    Ben spent 34 years in El Paso in far West Texas. After completing his degree in Religious Education from Prairie Bible Institute, he worked as a missionary specializing in children’s evangelism and discipleship for 26 years, served as pastor-teacher at Grace Bible Fellowship for 19 years, and completed a one-year church planting residency at Redemption Bible Church. Ben is married to his favorite person, Marcia, and together they have six children and seven grandchildren. Besides spending time with their grown kids and young grandkids, Ben and Marcia enjoy working out and having people over. They are excited to explore the many delights of Austin and the Hill Country in the coming years.

  • John Olgeton | Elder

    Pastor of Living Hope Bible Church

    John grew up as a military kid (Air Force) in lots of places around the world - Japan, Oklahoma, England, and Texas. He works as a home inspector and also has over 15 years of ministry experience where he has served in a variety of ways: from leading men’s ministries and teaching children’s classes, to cleaning the church after service. John loves hiking with his wife, Chris. His most important ministry is his family: firstly, encouraging his wife’s sanctification, and secondly, teaching their grown kids and grandkids biblical truth. John believes his life calling is to be God’s "utility man" by serving in whatever capacity God chooses.

Staff | Positions

  • Tyler | Worship Director

    Tyler grew up in College Station, where he was saved as a child. While growing up in a family of eight, he taught himself guitar and piano. Tyler has been a registered nurse for two years and has always had a passion for worship music. He is married to his best friend, Danielle, and they recently had their first child Jane. Tyler is excited to continue to lead unashamed, passionate, Vertical Worship at Living Hope Bible Church.

  • Amy | Administrative Assistant

    Amy grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, has a master’s degree in Vocal Performance, and sings opera professionally. She and her husband, Duncan, have been married for ten years. They moved to Austin after living in Michigan, then California. While in California, she worked as a Secretary at Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church, learned how to utilize her administrative gifts in the church, and loved the amazing opportunity it provided to serve people. As a member of Living Hope, she serves regularly on the Promotions, Productions, and Worship Teams.