Our Shepherds
As a church, we are led by our eldership. While "elder" is one scriptural title, perhaps "shepherd" best describes the responsibility (1 Pet 5:2-4). They serve to guide us through teaching and direction (Heb 13:17), much as trusted shepherds do (Acts 20:28), following the direction of the Lord as the Good Shepherd (Ezek 34:15, John 10:14). We currently have three shepherds: Evan Casey, Brian Perry, and Jeff Souder.
Jeff Souder joined the Eastview family in 1999, along with his wife and sons. He and his wife Kim live in Pekin, Indiana. After serving as a deacon for several years, he took up the mantle of shepherd in 2012. Jeff takes special pride in leading in worship music.
"I am continually impressed by the prayers led by the men of our congregation, and how sincerely those sentiments are felt by all the members. And the congregational singing is done with smiles, enthusiasm, and joy! We are happy to be here, and we hope you can join us and experience the happiness of worshiping God with us!"
Evan Casey has been a shepherd at Eastview since 2019. He began worshiping with Eastview with his wife Lydia and their three daughters in 2014. His family continues to live in Salem, Indiana. Evan has been blessed with many years of preaching and evangelism across the Midwest, as well as in Budapest and Székesfehérvár, Hungary.
"My family was drawn to the Eastview congregation because of its friendliness, its stand for the truth, and its interest in preaching only from God’s word."
Brian Perry came to the church at Eastview in 2020 with his wife Stephanie and their three children: Whitney, Lillie, and Kason. Brian joined the team of elders in 2023, and handles financial decisions as Eastview's treasurer. He also has experience as a preacher of God's word in many locations.
“Our family started to worship at Eastview during a very difficult time in our country. The Eastview congregation looked out for one another and continued to do God’s work in this world. I feel that I have definitely grown a lot as a Christian in both grace and in knowledge.”