Elders
Matthew Statler has been the teaching elder at Sierra Vista Baptist Church since September 1, 2019.
About Matthew Statler:
I was raised in Senegal, West Africa. My parents were missionaries (supported by Sierra Vista Baptist Church, among others), so I was exposed to the gospel early in life. I attended a missionary kid school in the city where my parents worked, and I graduated in 2003.
After High School, I joined the Army as a Cavalry Scout and deployed to Iraq for four tours. My deployments and life choices led me to a very dark time in my life. I rebelled against the Lord and lived as I wanted to. This led me down a road of drunkenness. While battling with drunkenness and a diagnosis of PTSD and depression, my life spiraled out of control. Eventually, I was medically retired from the Army after ten years of service.
During this process, God drew me to Himself in a saving way. God used my life circumstances to establish me in His purpose for my life. He pursued me relentlessly, and eventually, I submitted to a calling to ministry. I attended the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, graduating with a degree in Christian Ministry. I also attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where I received an Mdiv with a concentration in Biblical Counseling. I am certified by The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
God’s love never ceases, and His grace abounds. He placed me here as a Pastor of Sierra Vista Baptist Church. My passion is equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and walking with veterans and first responders through the trauma-related trials they face.
I am married to Jessica Statler, and we are blessed with four children: Edward, Silas, Charlotte, and Samuel.
Here at Sierra Vista Baptist Church, we would love to have you become part of our church family.
Deacons