Pastor: Rev. Dr. Mark Dowell

Rev. Dr. Mark Dowell is the senior Pastor for Church of the Savior, Austin, TX as of July 2023. Mark and his wife Brenda of 33 years were already recent members. Mark was ordained by the United Church of Christ and was granted privilege of call in the South Central Conference by the SC Heart of Texas Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science Psychology from William Carey College in Mississippi, Master of Divinity Theology/Church History from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Mark has had 20+ years of successful ministry in Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Besides being a father to 3 grown daughters (Caitlin, Cansas, Charis), he is now a grandfather to 3 lovely grandbabies.

Email: pastor@COTSAustin.org

Instrumentalist: Darlene Hello

Darlene has been the instrumentalist for our worship services at COTS since 1986. Her predecessor, Mary Pryal, was the founding instrumentalist at COTS.  Darlene has accompanied worship services the majority of her life–beginning at Hutto United Methodist as a young teen, and later at Hutto Baptist Church. She last served at First United Methodist Church of Taylor before moving to COTS. Additionally, Darlene served behind a desk with our COTS founding pastor, Joe Phelps, when they were both on staff at our mother church, Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin. Darlene says, “Music is a very important facet of worship for me. I love being able to use my gift of music for my church family at weddings, funerals, and worship services!” Darlene lives in Cedar Park. She and her husband, Jack, are active members of COTS.

Email: dhello@att.net

Worship Leader: Cansas Dowell

Cansas Dowell serves as the Worship Leader for Church of the Savior. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music from Berea College. Cansas is a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, leading worship through singing, guitar, and piano. She brings a heart for ministry and community. Growing up in a pastoral family, Cansas developed a deep appreciation for the role music plays in connecting people to God and to one another. She says, “I love using music to create meaningful worship experiences that help our church family grow closer to God.” Beyond her musical pursuits, Cansas enjoys writing novels and exploring creative ways to express faith through the arts. Cansas is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Mark Dowell and lives in Austin.