Steven G. Bechtold, Pastor

The Rev. Steve Bechtold has served as pastor of the Butler United Methodist Church since July of 1998.  Prior to his appointment to Butler, he served the United Methodist Church in Branchville, a parish of five small churches in Warren County, and on the conference staff as the Resident Director of Aldersgate Center in Swartswood, the camp, conference and retreat center for the United Methodist Church in northern New Jersey. 

He is a graduate of Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, and has earned the Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from The Theological School, Drew University in Madison.  He is also a graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, a two year training program in Spiritual Direction.

Pastor Steve is a curriculum writer for Daily Bible Study, a publication of the United Methodist Publishing House, He has also written and published Sunday School materials for older elementary grades, as well as devotional materials for youth and adults. 

He is married to the Rev. Ellen Mearns Bechtold, who serves as pastor of the Milton United Methodist Church.  They have two grown children, Sarah and Seth. 

You can reach Pastor Steve at 973-838-2026 Ext. 11 -or- email umcbutler@verizon.net
Click here to view archived Sunday Morning Sermons.

Lourdes Matos- Santiago, Assistant Pastor

A native of Puerto Rico, Lourdes brings with her a deep faith and rich background that will serve our Hispanic ministry well. She is currently a member of the Mendham United Methodist church where he husband, Rolando, serves as the pastor. They have a 10-year-old son, who is also named Rolando.

Lourdes has been a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church and has been trained as a missioner through the United Methodist National Hispanic Plan. While this will be her first pastoral assignment, she has served with her husband in the Freehold United Methodist Church Hispanic Ministry, and was an active member of the Simpson UMC in Perth Amboy. She was previously employed with Catholic Charities in Perth Amboy where she served as a family caseworker. She has completed the Local Pastor’s Licensing School, and is currently enrolled in the Course of Study program at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary, one of our 13 United Methodist seminaries.