Meet the Team
Our pastors love the Lord, the Word of God, and the community in and around Bethany Baptist Church.
Meet the Team
Our pastors love the Lord, the Word of God, and the community in and around Bethany Baptist Church.
OUR PASTORS
ABE STRATTON
Senior Pastor
My parents named me Abraham. A big name, a unique name, and quite a name to live up to. Most people call me Abe, though. In the spring of 2023, God brought our family to Bethany where I serve as the Senior Pastor. I love to study the Bible and to talk about it with others. In it, God uncovers the riches of His kindness to people like me. That kindness comes through His Son, Jesus. So I love to see more of Jesus and talk to others about Him.
Before moving to NC, I served as one of the pastors at a church in Greenville, SC. My education includes an undergrad degree in general studies, a masters degree in public speaking and performance, and a master of divinity degree.
My wife, Liz, and I were married in 2006, and we have five children: Asher, Adelaide, Jianna, Lanelle, and Lena. Our family enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading, and watching movies together.
Since I grew up in Ohio, I’m an Ohio State fan, and we like to watch Buckeye football and basketball. I also love books. My dad read to my siblings and me when we were growing up, and that gave me a love for reading. I enjoy books of different kinds, and my most relaxing vacation would be reading on the beach, by a pool, next to a fire, or on a porch swing.
King David wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). That’s an invitation I love to offer to people: “Come and experience the goodness of God.” He transforms lives. He has changed me, and He does it for all who follow Him.
PAUL WHITT
Associate Pastor
My name is Paul and I’ve been a pastor here at Bethany since 2015. I serve as the Associate Pastor and enjoy teaching and preaching opportunities, Bible and book studies with our members, and administrative tasks to serve our church family. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to help others grow in their knowledge of and love for Jesus through His Word, and be mutually strengthened and encouraged by them along the way!
I’ve been married to Christie for 33 years, and we’re blessed to have three adult children, a daughter-in-law, and two beautiful grandchildren.
Before arriving in Brevard I served in ministries in northern Wisconsin and in the Atlanta, GA area, and managed to visit 19 foreign countries along the way. So it’s safe to say we’ve been around! But we love living and serving in this western NC community we call home.
My education includes an undergrad degree in journalism and a masters degree in pastoral studies. I enjoy yardwork, playing golf, and coaching basketball at Brevard High School. I cheer for the Alabama Crimson Tide (where I grew up), Green Bay Packers (where we lived), and the Atlanta Braves.
My life verse is Psalm 90:12 because it constantly reminds me to strive for Biblical wisdom in our numbered days in this brief journey we call life.
OUR DEACONS
Rein Allweil
Andy Anglea
Pat DalPorto
Brad Guenter
Dave Lasseter
Mac McKendree
Barry Smith
Mark Steuerwald
Andrew Stoner
Rick Stoner
OUR STAFF
Sharon Steuerwald
Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Sharon, and I’m the administrative assistant here at Bethany. My husband and I have been at Bethany for over 30 years. I’ve served in my current role for 18 years, and I love working behind the scenes with the leadership of our church to care for our members. I love people, and I love serving in this position! Every day is different because people’s needs are different every day. It’s a joy to be the “air traffic controller,” helping direct people to where they need to go.
I love riding along with my husband while he plays golf, studying God’s Word, sunrise on the beach, fall in the mountains, visiting family around the country, and baking chocolate chip cookies!
My favorite verse is Psalm 19:14—a wonderful goal to pursue each day, but one I rarely accomplish.
