Leadership

Follow me as I follow Christ

 

Abide Church Elders

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:1-5

We take the charge to watch over souls seriously because we know we will stand before God and give an account. We break down our commitment to you into four parts as taken from Alexander Strauch’s work, Biblical Eldership. Strauch makes a biblical case that Elders and Pastors are to Feed, Lead, Care for, and Protect the flock.

Feed

  • We will remain centered on the Bible and teach it to the church
  • We will equip the church for the work of the ministry
  • We will replicate ourselves in all aspects of the ministry
  • We will develop the church to lead

Lead

  • We will prayerfully provide vision and direction for the church
  • We will prayerfully set goals for the church
  • We will prayerfully create and steward culture

Care For

  • We will listen to your questions and concerns
  • We will have hard conversations with you for the good of your soul
  • We will call you to repentance
  • We will cry with you in times of trouble
  • We will support you in times of need

Protect

  • We will guard sound doctrine
  • We will watch for wolves trying to enter the flock
  • We will put unrepentant people outside the church (Matthew 18)
Joey Powers

Matt Steltenpohl

Matt has 5 years of vocational ministry experience as a missionary/multiplier at Resonate Church. In 2018, he moved on a church plant to Pocatello in Idaho where he eventually became the worship leader. He and his wife, Courtney moved to the Tri-Cities in 2022 to be a part of Abide. Together they have three children and are passionate about making disciples.

Joey Powers

Robbie Steltenpohl

Robbie served bi-vocationally for two years as the Children’s Pastor at Crossview Church before joining Abide Church with his family in 2024. After a year of faithful membership, he was installed as an Elder in 2025. Robbie is passionate about the preaching of God’s Word and the building up of the local, multigenerational church—from the youngest to all whom Christ calls to Himself. He and his wife, Emily, have four children.