Pastor Steve Sindelar
Youth Pastor
Director of Administration
"I grew up in a loving home, but a home that was torn apart by alcohol, arguing and tempers. When I was 13, my parents went through a divorce. I was devastated because I wanted to have a “normal” family. I was embarrassed, betrayed, and alone. My mother and teachers became concerned when I refused to talk about what was happening to my family—I tried to ignore the pain and hurt. Growing more concerned, my mother dragged me to a few local psychologists. With each visit, I put up a bigger and thicker mental wall.
"But then I was introduced to Jesus Christ, right here at Grace Church of Mentor. I realized that Jesus Christ came into the world for people just like me (1 Tim. 1:15-16). He came to comfort those who are hurting, alone and betrayed. He came for me and He came for you.
"I was shown from the Bible that Jesus, God's perfect Son, died so that I could go to heaven (Rom. 5:8; 6:23). I grew up thinking that Mass (the church), Communion, and Penance would gain me access to Heaven and that Hell was a place for only the bad—not people like me. But the Bible says that my good works are not sufficient to save me (Eph 2:8-9). I thought not doing bad things would earn me Heaven. But I soon realized that I am a sinner, and every sinner deserves or “earns” Hell (Rom. 3:23). I finally understood that my greatest need was the way of salvation only Jesus can offer (John 14:6 ). When I trusted in Jesus Christ to save me from my sins (Rom. 10:13), He truly met every need I had—spiritual, physical, and emotional.
"Though my family was shattered, God gave me a new family—His family. He provided no shortage of loving role models and genuine mentors. The family God provide me at Grace Church of Mentor helped me navigate through my teen years, giving me deep spiritual roots so that I could flourish during my college years.
"Perhaps you're hurting, or you have a child or teen that is hurting? Please e-mail, call or stop by; I would love to share with you more how Christ changed my life."
Pastor Steve grew up in Mentor, OH attending both public and Christian schools. He graduated from Bob Jones University with a bachelor of arts in Bible and a masters of arts in Pastoral Studies. Before joining the staff at Grace Church, he was the assistant to the president at Bob Jones University.
Steve has been married to Charla since June 2009. Together they are preparing for the ministry opportunities and family God may provide in the future. Steve is passionate about God's transforming work in souls and especially loves to see God's work in the hearts and minds of young people.
You can e-mail Steve at Steve Sindelar.