Pastor, teacher, shepherd to leaders

Staying in the Father's love when ministry wears you down.

I'm Matt Bachtold. I've spent more than thirty years teaching, pastoring and serving overseas, and I help worn-down pastors and missionaries stay anchored in the Father's love for the long haul.

Start here For leaders

Who I am

I came to faith at fifteen. At twenty I moved to Russia, where I spent ten years and helped plant a church in Ivanovo.

Back in the States, I pastored in Kansas for nearly seventeen years, the last twelve at Metro Christian Fellowship, known as Kairos Church. I stepped down in 2025, and my wife and I now live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Along the way I've seen how many good leaders burn out quietly. I've been in a long, hard season myself. What carried me was not a strategy. It was learning that God is a Father, and that I could live from his love instead of for his approval.

What I teach

The Father's love

Before we can serve God well, we have to receive his love. Everything else grows from there.

His presence

To seek God's face is to seek him, not just information about him.

Freedom and authority in Jesus

You are not a victim of your circumstances. Jesus' authority is for ordinary believers.

If you lead and you're tired

Support this work

I serve as a shepherd with Standing Stone Ministry, caring for pastors and missionaries. Friends and churches make that possible, and I'm grateful for them.

Support my ministry

If you'd like to help national leaders overseas, you can give through Be Missional. The two are separate. Standing Stone Ministry is for my own support, and Be Missional is for ministry overseas.

Beyond leaders

Be Missional

Inspiring Christians to recognize and reach the mission field where they already live.

Visit Be Missional

The Pass

A novel of the American West, and of fathers, sons, and the wounds men don't talk about. Coming soon.

About the book

Music

Songs and recordings by Matt Bachtold, on Spotify.

Listen