Senior Pastor

Steve and Debbie Fawcett

Steve grew up in southwestern Minnesota where he loved to play golf, repair and ride bicycles and where he earned his pilot's license.  Steve attended Moorhead State University where he earned a BS in Earth Science.  He met his wife Debbie while at Moorhead.  Debbie was attending a nearby nursing college and was a guitarist for a weekly college worship fellowship.

After they were married they both served with Campus Crusade for Christ doing campus evangelism and discipleship in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Steve received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago.  He then served as a pastor for 13 years.

Steve returned to Minnesota where he attended Bethel Seminary in St. Paul earning his Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership with an emphasis on spiritual growth.  While in seminary Steve started and led a missions and training ministry.  Steve started Pathways Community Church in 2002.

Steve enjoys running, hiking, wood carving and playing disc golf.  Steve and Debbie have three adult children, an english setter and a cat.

Associate Pastor

Russ and Julie Benson, daughter Kaelyn

Russ and Julie have been married almost 37 years.  They have two children: Aaron, 23 and Kaelyn, 15.  They've lived in Coon Rapids most of their lives.

Russ has a Masters of Divinity from Bethel Seminary and is a licensed, ordained minister.

Russ served as youth pastor at Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church for 25 years.  In July 2008 Russ accepted the associate pastor position at Pathways Community Church.

Russ is involved in a variety of ministries at Pathways; middle and high school youth, men's Bible study and prayer group, praise and worship team, choir and church outreach just to mention a few.

Julie is very active in many ministries too.  She plays piano and organ for the praise and worship team and is active in women's Joy Ministries.