John Gowdy was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1955 and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1973.  He then attended Ohio University - majoring in Business Administration.  He felt the call to preach and transferred to Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Bible and a minor in Business Administration.  John is currently working towards a Masters of Ministry degree in Pastoral Administration through Trinity Seminary.  He puts a strong emphasis on expository preaching and teaching of the Word.  His wife, Leigh (Summerlin) was born in San Francisco, California.  She graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1974 and has a Bachelors degree in English with a British Literature emphasis from Cedarville University.  Leigh is a 10th grade English teacher at Portsmouth High School. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading.  Their daughter, Elizabeth, graduated from Cedarville University in 2003 with a degree in Music Education and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree through Rio Grande. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her five cats.  Their son, Sean, is a student at Cedarville University and is majoring in Electronic Media/Film Production. He hopes to pursue a career one day in video production or film.

Pastor Gowdy obtained his Private Pilot's license while working at the Chattanooga Airport.  He has a life-long interest in aviator Charles Lindbergh.

The Gowdy family also spends some time at their farm on Rt. 776 beyond Minford, Ohio.