Leadership and Staff

My mother used to say to me, “No one is better than you Steven, and you are no better than anyone else.” This has instilled in me a sense of equality, acceptance, and teamwork. I love this congregation because there is not one person more important than the next as all are called to Seek God and Serve Others. The staff, congregation, and community empower me to be the pastor Abiding Presence and I am honored and blessed to serve.

At the center of my life is God, and while not perfect I strive to live my life according to God’s will. I seek God’s will one day at a time in prayer, mediation, and study knowing that I can start my day over at any time. I believe that everyday tasks, words, meals, and encounters can become sacred events that focus on the wellbeing of others and the world.

I love my wife Becca, who is amazingly talented and brilliant. She inspires me daily to be a better husband, father, and child of God. Our daughter Eli loves art, theater, and music, especially the tuba! Our son Sam loves making people laugh, being together as a family, and challenges us in math and logic puzzles that sometimes go way above my head. We have two dogs, Lucy and Charlotte who complete our happy home.

On a personal note, I love singing, playing guitar, preaching God’s word, and the Dallas Cowboys. Please feel free to stop by anytime. My door is always open for prayer, conversation, a cup of coffee, or a jam session. All are welcome!

As a life-long Lutheran, I have always “known” the emphasis on “saved by grace through faith,” but I don’t think I fully realized what that meant until serving in congregations and learning that we are all a bunch of beloved people, each with our own quirks, baggage and gifts. Not only does God love us, God loves ALL the parts of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly! So, as a pastor, the most important work I do is get to know people, listen to their stories, and love them for who they are…because the Lord loves me, just as I am!

I am blessed to be wife to Mark, a remarkable person and outstanding high school teacher, and Mom to Hannah and Alex, who bring me the greatest joy in life. As a family, we love watching movies and playing games together. And, we are home for a menagerie of animals, plus the adventures that come with them!

Besides people, my other passion is nature. I am the director of a non-profit called Red Hawk Ranch, an environmental education organization. Our purpose is to draw people into relationships with creation and remind them that we are not just stewards of creation, but an interdependent part of creation itself. I love the outdoors, camping, hiking, all God’s creatures, and simply drawing strength from the presence of the Holy Spirit in nature.

I’d love to hear YOUR story! Come see me or call me! Let’s grab some coffee and chat!

My love for youth ministry and faith formation began in my own middle and high school years in the Houston area. Being involved at my home church inspired me to share these faith building experiences with others. I love walking with young people in their faith journey – answering questions, debating different points of view, going on retreats, summer camp, and mission trips. I believe a church should provide a safe space for youth to grow in their faith. I am proud to say that APLC has been shaping compassionate youth throughout my 21-year tenure.

In my free time I enjoy playing golf, fishing, barbecuing, and traveling with friends and family. I am a huge sports fan and sort of fanatical about the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and the San Antonio Spurs. I am blessed to have my parents and sister living close by in Seguin, Texas.

After a short trip to San Antonio in August of 2020, I decided to make Texas my home. I have 3 beautiful daughters. My oldest, Stephanie currently lives in Montana, my youngest, Samantha and my son-in-law, Shaun, live here in San Antonio and my middle daughter, Shelby, she is my guardian angel. I was raised in California with 3 sisters, of which I am the oldest and I am still lucky to have my Pops around along with the rest of my family.

I, like my predecessor, Sue, also came to Abiding Presence through a temp agency. I am right where I am supposed to be at this time in my life. There are jobs where you MUST go to work and there are jobs where you WANT to go to work.

Thank you for allowing me to become a part of this special place and want to come to work.

I started my teaching career in Mexico City, where I spent six years learning just how amazing it is to work with young kids. After moving to San Antonio, I found a new home at Abiding Presence—and I’ve been here for the past 12 years doing what I love.
I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where kids feel safe, happy, and excited to learn. I love building strong relationships with our families and working with an awesome team that shares the same passion.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and cheering on our two grown kids, who are now pursuing their own adventures after college. Family means everything to me, and they continue to inspire the work I do every day!

I am a proud graduate of Judson High School and a devoted parent to two wonderful children who mean the world to me. In addition to my role at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, I’m also the owner of 5th Quarter Food Truck, specializing in smoking briskets and BBQ, sharing my passion for great food with the community.

When not working or running my business, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially fishing and traveling to new places. Family and friends are important to my life, and I cherish the moments spent with them.

I’m dedicated to providing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for the students and staff at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, and I take pride in making a positive impact in the school community.

I am so blessed to be part of the team. I taught middle school science for nine years before taking time off to have children. We enrolled our first child at APLC Day School in 2013 and loved the warm and caring environment immediately! All three of my children ended up attending the Day School over the years. I am very passionate about education and I am thrilled to be back as a part of the Day School team. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children. We love to go to the beach and pool whenever we can. I love to read and craft in my spare time.

I grew up in the Lutheran church, the daughter of a pastor. I have also been a musician nearly my entire life. When these two paths converged, and I began in my role at APLC as Music Associate, it felt like such a blessing! I grew up in San Antonio and am a graduate of MacArthur High School and Trinity University, where I received my Bachelor of Music and Masters of Education degrees. I previously taught middle school orchestra for three years and elementary music for 14 years. I am a piano player, but have also played organ, violin, bass, and harp.

I have a musical family-my husband is a high school band director and our daughter plays clarinet and piano. We enjoy doing all things music together! I also enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with family.