Our Pastor and Staff

Michael Ware, Senior Pastor
pastormike@victorydenver.com

Pastor Michael Ware is the founding pastor of Victory Church in Denver, Colorado.  This thriving church of over 2,000 members continues to grow each year with an expanding local and global vision.  Pastor Ware is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received his B.B.A. degree in Accounting and Business.  He has also earned a Degree in Ministry with Greek, and his Masters of Theology. 

Pastor Ware is also a founding member of the Association of Life-Giving Churches and works directly with John Maxwell, EQUIP, and the Million Leader Mandate to train and equip one million leaders globally.  He serves as a Presbyter and Overseer of numerous churches throughout America.

Pastor Mike's humor, as well as his relevant, practical, and down-to-earth messages help him connect with any person from any background.  His spiritual insights, as well as his business experience have made him a unique and respected leader in both fields and throughout the community.

Matthew Ware, Executive and Worship Pastor
matt@victorydenver.com

Wife: Erica Ware
Children: Juliet Ann, 1 year
Birthday: March 28
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Favorite food: ice cream, coffee, steak, seafood . . . most everything.
Hobbies: Travel!  And just about everything outdoors; golf, running, mountaineering, shooting, and doing some home improvement projects.
Education: Bachelor of Theology at Vision Christian Bible College and Seminary

Matt joined our staff in September, 2008, as the primary worship leader and director of all the worship ministries.  In April, 2009 he also assumed the responsibilities of Executive Pastor.  Matt has worked at several churches in various capacities in his ministry career, and thrives on seeing churches become healthy and effective.  He loves his wife, his daughter, world travel, the outdoors, and leading people in worship.  Matt believes he can accomplish more at a coffee shop than at the office, so you might find him there. 

Gary Washington, Care and Counseling Pastor
pg@victorydenver.com

Wife: Sammie, married 31 years
Children: Daniel Clayton (29), Mary Abigail (25)
Birthday: October 30th
Birthplace: Annapolis, Maryland
Siblings: 1 Brother, 1 Sister
Hobbies: Playing golf, reading
Favorite Food: Coffee
Favorite Bible Verse(s): Hebrews 4:9-11
Been with Victory: On staff for 21 years

Called by Pastor Mike, our "wise old sage", Pastor Gary is the longest standing member of the staff having served Victory for twenty years.

Pastor Gary, affectionately known as "PG", is also a PGA golf pro holding that credential for many years.  He enjoys studying history and knows the Word of God like none other.  His wisdom, timely prayers and counsel have helped everyone on the staff and many in the church at one time or another, and is cherished amongst all.

Steven Bowen, Student Ministries Pastor
steven@victorydenver.com

Wife: Megan Bowen
Children: Benjamin, 1 year
Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, snowboarding, camping, basketball, football, eating, traveling, missions.
Education: BA in Theological Historical Studies from Oral Roberts University
Favorite Food: Popeye's Fried Chicken

I was raised in church and have known the Lord since I was very young. I thank God for His saving grace. My passion is to see young people who have a biblical world-view, know the nature of their Savior, and desire to live out a Christ-centered life in all areas of their life.

Jim Fiske, Facilities Manager
jim@victorydenver.com

Wife: Betty Brooke Fiske, for two years
Children: Shelby Renee Brook Fiske, age 8 
Birthday: March 24th
Hobbies: Anything outdoors and spending time with my family.

Short History: I was saved at 19.  I backslid for twenty years and was widowed in May of 2000.  I lived in self-pity, hopelessness, and drug addiction for about a year and a half.  One morning, in the midst of a cocaine overdose, I promised God that if He let me live, I would start coming to church.  So, I started looking and another backslidden friend showed me Victory Church (God's not particular about who He uses).  I started coming and through godly counsel, fellowship (Small Groups, Small Groups), and putting the Word of God into practice, I broke free of addiction, and have found hope in Christ Jesus.  I am now currently leading and co-leading several Small Groups.  I also get to do something I love, taking care of God's house!

Jeanne Ware, Ladies Ministry Director, Admin. for Victory Montessori and Childcare
jeanne@victorydenver.com

Husband: Mike (Pastor Mike), married since 1974
Children: Matt (wife Erica), Rebecca
Ministerial Experience: I've been a pastor's wife since 1984.  I've actively been involved with Ladies Bible Studies since 1988.  Prior to being in full time ministry I was an officer in Woman's Aglow.  I have been ministering to women and women's issues since 1982.  During our early - married life we (Pastor Mike and I) were Sunday school teachers for young married couples in the Baptist Church.                                                 

Hobbies: #1 KEEPING UP WITH MY HUSBAND (physically, mentally, and spiritually).  Horses, cross stitch, reading (historical fiction), and my home.
Favorite Foods: Mexican food and steak. 
Store: Wal-Mart Superstore Flatirons or Brighton (be sure you stop and tell me hi if you see me), Dillard's and Coldwater Creek (outlet store - online!).

Jeanne brings a voice to the church that when she talks, people listen!  Jeanne has been married to Pastor Mike for over 30 years, and their marriage is a wonderful blessing and an example for the entire staff and church to follow.  Jeanne is the head of our ladies ministry and speaks an encouraging word before every service.  She loves ministering to women one on one and in groups.

Erica Ware, Human Resources Director and Graphic Design
erica@victorydenver.com

Husband: Matthew Ware, married since May 2007
Children: Juliet Ann, 1 year
Hometown: Colorado Springs
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, golfing, most sports (watching and playing), music, traveling, reading a good book, movies, games, and (most of all) hanging out with friends and family!
Education: Bachelors of Science in Family Studies from John Brown University in Arkansas
Favorite Verse: "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

I grew up in a wonderful Christian home and accepted Jesus as my savior when I was very young. I am extremely passionate about the Word of God and seeing people grow and mature in their faith.  I have an extensive background in Human Resources and have been recently attending school for Graphic Design.  As the newest member of the Victory Church staff, I hope to use my skills and experience to help strengthen the church and bring us to a higher level of excellence in all that we do!

Jody Casagrande, Children's Ministry Director
jody@victorydenver.com

Husband: Jeremy, married for 13 years
Children: Noah (7), Corban (6), Cambria (4), Bryson (1)
Birthday: February, 11th (yeah...not going to put the year!)
Grew up: Lancaster, California (45 minutes from Los Angeles)
Siblings: 1 older sister, 1 younger brother
Hobbies: Spending time with my hubby and kids, drinking coffee, decorating our house or any other space I can, drinking coffee, watching HGTV and the Food Network, drinking coffee!
Favorite Foods: Any food!
Education: Bachelor of Science, Child and Adolescent Studies from CalState University, Fullerton and Elementary Education Teaching License from CalState University, Fullerton

Jody has taught several different elementary grades in the California public school system for almost 10 years, and was a teacher and assistant director for Victory Montessori and Childcare Center for nearly three years. As if that's not enough, she and her husband are raising four kids all under the age of 7. We believe her heart for children and her desire to see a strong children's ministry developed at Victory will really propel this area of ministry into the future. She can't wait to grow "a community of kids doing it God's way" and to create a children's ministry where it's not just information but transformation!

Rebecca Dorsey, Executive Assitant and Office Manager
rebecca@victorydenver.com

Megan Bowen, Student Ministries Administrator
megan@victorydenver.com

Husband: Steven Bowen
Children: Benjamin, 1 year
Hometown: Reno, NV
Dog: Oreo, the cutest Shih Tzu you've ever seen (in my opinion)
Hobbies: Traveling, missions, practicing Spanish, reading, anything at the beach, snowboarding, scuba diving, hiking, camping, shopping and hanging out with my hubby.
Favorite Chapter in the Bible: Hebrews 11 - Oh, you MUST read this chapter out loud with passionate excitement and urgency to get the true picture the author intended.
Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 - Notice the significance of the "therefore" in my favorite scripture. It encompasses the entirety of my favorite chapter.
Job Prior to Victory: High School Math Teacher

I absolutely love to travel...missions and vacations! My country count is at 15, and I've got many more on my wish list. I also love ministering to young people and helping them develop a passionate and biblically-sound relationship with their Savior and Almighty God. My passion in my own relationship with the Lord and for others is that we would be consumed with having a right understanding of who our God really is! I can be shy at first, but once you get to know me, I'm loud and very silly.

Bobby Harness, Student Ministries Worship Leader
bobby@bobbyharness.com

Amy Wojtowicz, Missions Coordinator
amy@victorydenver.com

I desperately desire to see the Great Commission fulfilled, that all people, everywhere would have the chance to hear the life-changing Gospel of the love of Christ.

Liz Crocker, Kid's Rock Administrative Assistant
liz@victorydenver.com

Marsha Randall, Administrative Assistant
kim@victorydenver.com

Rick Keahey, Facilities
rick@victorydenver.com