Iron Range Vineyard Pastors
Josh & Justine Dowdy
Josh & Justine gave Jesus their full “yes” and life not long after High School.
Josh, son of a Pastor, grew up in El Paso, Texas on the border of Mexico. He spent ten years in Los Angeles in film & television, and has spent time in India as a missionary. God has wired him with a heart to disciple and teach. He is also always looking for an opportunity to summit a mountain, climb, or dive deep into a book or word study.
Justine grew up at the literal opposite end of the country, in Minnesota. Justine spent many years in mission work overseas, spanning many continents and countries. God threw her a curveball and moved her to Los Angeles to be a light to the Entertainment Industry, where she and Josh met, and were married. Justine comes alive most pouring into and encouraging people.
Through a wild two year journey, God brought Josh and Justine to the Iron Range where they bought the house Justine’s Dad was raised in. Their desire is to see a body of people walk in the fullness of what Jesus died for: to know His love and walk intimately with Him, to walk in His character and power, and to display His glory and nature to all people and nations.
Mike Socha
The son of Eastern European immigrants, Mike was born and raised in Duluth MN. In 1979, at the age of 17, Mike experienced a dramatic life change. He has been following Jesus ever since.
He and his wife Stacey have lived in Virginia MN more than half of their lives, where they raised their 5 children. They purchased a home in 1991 after responding to a desire in their hearts to serve the people of the Iron Range. Mike has worked in church leadership and youth ministry since 1983. Three of those years were dedicated to bringing Jesus to a lock-in facility for young men in Buhl, MN (Mesabi Academy).
While doing ministry, Mike has supported his family doing work in various capacities: banking, industrial plumbing distribution, and the airline industry. In 2016, he self-published a book, Vera, a true-life story about his mother. Mike enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with family and friends. His strongest passion is encouraging people to follow Jesus.