Leaders
PASTORS
In the New Testament Scriptures, the leaders of the local church are variously called elders, pastors, and overseers. The words are used interchangeably in Scripture (see Acts 20:25-32; 1 Peter 5:1-2) to show that the leadership of the church should be a single-layer structure of godly men, accountable to each other, the Scriptures, and, of course, ultimately to God. Together this "multitude of counselors" (Proverbs 24:6) shepherd the flock of God, spiritually and practically.
This means that elders are pastors and pastors are elders, though some are paid for their time given to the church and some are not (1 Timothy 5:17); some are paid by the church and freed from external jobs, able to devote full-time work to the ministry, and some juggle full-time jobs with their shepherding responsibilities. Some elder-pastors will serve in more prominent roles (such as the teaching ministry), while others will serve less in less visible areas. With a variety of gifts, each elder offers a unique contribution to his specific area of ministry. Regardless of each elder's role and prominence, the New Testament models a plurality of equal leaders.
DEACONS
In the New Testament Scriptures, there are two offices in the local church: pastors (or elders) and deacons. The deacon is a "servant" office (this is what the Greek word "deacon" means, and what we see in Acts 6 with the first proto-deacons). However, it is also a managerial office: deacons lead others in an area of service. In Acts 6:3 "the seven" (deacons) were put "in charge" of a task. The seven of Acts 6:3 may have helped to manage around three thousand in the church at that time.
In Acts 6 we see areas that require some form of leadership, such as problem-solving and peace-making, related to an area that starts in the material realm (in this case, taking care of the needs of widows). Again, deacons give attention to more practical needs of the body. This frees up elders for the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). Though the needs that deacons respond to often start in the material realm, the ministry often mingles physical and spiritual needs. For example, "complaints" are handled (Acts 6:1), Stephen preaches (Acts 7), Philip preaches (Acts 8), and deacons "hold fast the mystery of the faith" (1 Timothy 3:9).
CHRIST CHURCH STAFF
Nathan Sherman | nathan@christchurchabq.com
Nathan has lived in Albuquerque since 2012 when he came to serve as the Pastor of Youth and Families at Desert Springs Church. After completing a Bachelor’s of Journalism (The University of Texas, Austin) and a Master’s of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY), he served as a church planting resident at Providence Church (Austin, TX). He is currently researching and writing about the social realities and theological convictions of early English Baptists as a part-time, international Ph.D. candidate at the University of Leicester. Together, he and his wife, Marcie have four sons. They love soccer, movies, and the people of Albuquerque.
Kyle Stevens | kyle@christchurchabq.com
Kyle has lived in Albuquerque since 2010, when he moved back to New Mexico after spending 2 years with his wife Michelle on the mission field sharing the gospel. He spent the next 11 years sharing the gospel and discipling college students at the University of New Mexico as a collegiate minister. Kyle received his BA of Communication Studies from New Mexico State University and received his Masters of Theological Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Kyle served as a deacon for 4 years before he became an elder in 2020. He came on as a full time pastor for Christ Church in April of 2021. Kyle has a deep love for Christ, people, discipleship, and counseling. Kyle, Michelle, and their 3 children love the outdoors, music, pizza-movie nights, friends, and the city of Albuquerque.
Jordan Rivera | jordan@christchurchabq.com
Jordan has lived in Albuquerque since 2018. After completing a Bachelor’s of Theological Studies at Rio Grande Bible College (Edinburg, Tx) and working as a Youth Pastor at his local church, he came to serve as the Music Leader of the Spanish Ministry of First Baptist Rio Rancho. Jordan served as a ministry resident for 3 years before he became an elder in 2023. He is currently finishing a Master’s of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as he is raising up a Spanish speaking church plant with Christ Church members. God willing, they will be sent to plant this church in August of 2024. Together, Jordan, Debi, and their daughter love to sing, play instruments, eat good tacos Friday nights with friends in Albuquerque.
Sophia Lester | Ministry Assistant
Matt Jones | Music Minister
Jordan Rivera | Ministry Resident
Laural Stapleton | Children’s Director
Mark Scott | Audio/visual technician