Leadership

Pastor James A. Downs, Sr.

Founder/President/Senior Pastor

For 34 years, I was lost in the depths of addiction—a selfish, self-centered, and hateful man who rejected God entirely. I wanted nothing to do with Him until His grace broke through my darkness. Through a personal relationship with Jesus, the weight of guilt and shame was lifted, and I was redeemed. Today, I am completely sold out for Christ because I know firsthand the power of His transformation. He not only saved me but gave me, James A. Downs, Sr., a vision and a mission: to establish RockHouse Ministries and Programs across America, rescuing lives and souls from addiction.

Pastor James & Marisol Downs

Co-founders of RockHouse Ministries & Programs

Pastor James and Marisol Downs are a dynamic husband-and-wife team, co-founders of RockHouse Ministries and Programs, a faith-based addiction recovery ministry dedicated to transforming lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Their journey together is a testimony to faith, obedience, and unwavering trust in God calling.

In 2017, James and Marisol walked across America, covering thousands of miles side by side, spreading a message of hope and freedom from addiction through faith in Christ. Their mission continued in 2019 with the Ride Around America, where they traveled to every state capital, speaking together about addiction recovery, faith, and the life-changing power of Jesus.

On August 1, 2019, following God clear command, James and Marisol arrived in Spring City, Tennessee, with only $139 to their nameâ€”but with hearts full of faith and a vision to launch RockHouse Ministries. What began with humble beginnings has grown into a life-changing ministry that provides men and women with hope, restoration, and a path to freedom from addiction through faith in Jesus Christ.

Together, Pastor James and Pastor Marisol Downs are leading a movement to radically revolutionize addiction recovery, showing the world that true freedom is found in Christ.

Maggie Morgan

House Manager/Intern at Rockhouse Ministries

Executive Assistant

Maggie Morgan serves as a dedicated House Manager and Intern for Rockhouse Ministries, a faith-based recovery program. In her role, Maggie works closely with women, guiding and supporting them on their journey to healing and transformation. She is passionate about leading others to Jesus, helping them embrace His love and grace as they recover and rebuild their lives.

Maggie’s heart is committed to seeing women find freedom from addiction, pain, and brokenness, offering them a place of refuge and hope in the faith-filled environment of Rockhouse Ministries. Through her personal experiences and faith, she brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to helping others navigate the challenges of recovery, encouraging them to embrace their identity in Christ.

As a believer in the power of redemption, Maggie is deeply inspired by the words of Psalm 107:2 (KJV): “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
This verse reflects her commitment to sharing the hope and transformation she has experienced through Christ, encouraging others to step into the new life He offers.

At Rockhouse Ministries, Maggie continues to serve with a heart full of purpose, leading women to a renewed life in Christ, and offering them the tools and guidance to walk out their faith with strength and courage.

Pastor Marisol Downs

Co-Founder/C.E.O./Pastor/Women’s Program Director

I am a survivor—a survivor of human trafficking, sex slavery, drug addiction, and years of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. But by the grace of God, I am no longer bound by my past. I am free, redeemed, renewed, and transformed by the blood of Jesus. He has washed me clean, as white as snow, and called me to be His hands and feet, reaching the lost and broken. The Lord has anointed me to bring the Good News to the poor, to set the captives free, and to shine His light in the darkest places. He has led me to RockHouse Ministries, where I, Marisol Downs, now walk boldly in His purpose—offering hope, healing, and the same freedom I have found in Christ.

Bryan Cornett

Assistant Men’s program director at Rockhouse.

After spending years in addiction, he has devoted his life to not only helping others to sobriety, but most importantly leading men to a closer walk with our Savior Jesus Christ.

Deacon Minister Michael Christiansen

Minister Michael Christiansen

Director of Operations/Men’s Program Director/ Deacon Minister

Vice President

For much of my life, I tried to do the right things—but in all the wrong ways. Frustration, failure, and self-disgust led me to a breaking point. Sitting on the side of a road, I looked up and cried out, “God, You need to show me something, or I’m done! Either send me help, or I quit!” That desperate prayer changed everything. From that moment on, God led me down a path of redemption—one that can only be described as a miracle. As a graduate of the FreshStart program and a devout follower of Jesus, I, Michael Christansen, now dedicate my life to guiding others through the same struggles I once faced, helping them find hope, healing, and purpose through Christ’s mercy.

Jake Downs

Men’s Program Director at Rockhouse

where he leads with a deep passion for helping others experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, he has been set free from fentanyl, meth, and marijuana, and his life is a testimony of Christ’s ability to redeem and restore. In addition to his work at Rockhouse, Jake is pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College to deepen his knowledge of God’s Word and better serve those in need. He dedicates his life to guiding men toward hope, healing, and freedom through the Gospel, combining compassion, practical tools, and Christ-centered principles to create a supportive environment where they can encounter Jesus, discover their God-given purpose, and embrace lasting transformation through His love and power.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” – Psalm 107:2 (KJV)

Peyton Ellison

Women’s Recovery Program at Rockhouse

Women's Program Director

I run the Women’s Recovery Program at Rockhouse Ministry because I am deeply passionate about empowering women to reclaim their lives and find healing. After witnessing firsthand the transformative power of faith and community, I am committed to providing a safe, supportive space where women can break free from addiction, trauma, and cycles of despair. Through compassionate guidance, practical tools, and a foundation rooted in hope, my goal is to help women rediscover their worth, rebuild their futures, and embrace the strength they already possess within. At Rockhouse Ministry, we are more than just a recovery program – we are a family walking together toward restoration and freedom through Jesus Christ

Kelsie Downs

The Executive Administrator at Rockhouse

After struggling with addiction for 9 years and multiple rehab stays, she found true deliverance from addiction through the power of Jesus Christ. She loves working at Rockhouse because it allows her to combine her skills with a deep sense of purpose. She takes pride in helping the programs run smoothly and loves working to support a mission that transforms lives and provides hope and healing to individuals struggling with addiction. Being part of a program grounded in faith adds an extra layer of meaning to her work as she gets to witness the power of Jesus transform the lives of others just as he did for her.

Alicia Fitzgerald

Assistant Program Director at Rockhouse Ministries,

where she plays a pivotal role in leading a faith-based recovery program. Having personally experienced the struggles of addiction, Alicia’s journey from being an addict to becoming a beacon of hope for others is a testament to the transformative power of faith. She is passionate about guiding individuals toward recovery, with the foundation of her work rooted in the healing and restoration found in Jesus Christ. Alicia draws inspiration from Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of the Lord’s anointing to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free—a message she embodies in her mission to help others break free from addiction and walk in the light of Christ.

Jeremy Sisson

Intern

I am a recovering addict who has been clean for over a year now by the grace of God. My past is marked by a long road of struggle, including time spent in prisons and jails across multiple states. For years, I was trapped in a cycle of addiction and destruction, believing there was no way out. But through surrender, faith, and the power of Christ, my life has radically changed. I’ve found freedom, purpose, and a new identity rooted in something far greater than myself.

I am now interning with Rock House Ministries, a faith-based recovery program that has played a major role in my transformation. I want to intern here because I believe deeply in what this ministry stands for—offering real hope to men who feel hopeless. My heart is to walk alongside others who are where I once was, to encourage them, and to be a living example that redemption is possible. This internship is not just a step in my recovery—it’s a calling to serve and give back to a community that helped save my life.

On August 1, 2019, following Godâ€™s clear command, James and Marisol arrived in Spring City, Tennessee, with only $139 to their nameâ€”but with hearts full of faith and a vision to launch RockHouse Ministries. What began with humble beginnings has grown into a life-changing ministry that provides men and women with hope, restoration, and a path to freedom from addiction through faith in Jesus Christ.

Together, Pastor James and Pastor Marisol Downs are leading a movement to radically revolutionize addiction recovery, showing the world that true freedom is found in Christ.

Kody Collins

Intern

“My journey to RockHouse Ministry was one of desperation, seeking hope and healing from addiction. But it was here I found my Savior, Jesus Christ, and a new path of freedom from addiction.

Today, I’m honored to work alongside the RockHouse Ministry team, serving those struggling with addiction and guiding them towards recovery and redemption. RockHouse has given me a second chance at life, and I’m grateful to pay it forward.

I’m proud to be part of this community, reflecting the heart of Jesus through compassion, kindness, and genuine care. I’m excited to see the lives of those we touch transformed by God’s love.”