Meet Our Pastoral Team
Pastor Matt Powell
I began serving as Pastor at Holy Cross in July 2018. I serve in a part-time capacity as Redevelopment Pastor. I feel called to part-time pastoral ministry during this season of my life so that I might have additional time for the exciting and unpredictable vocation of parenting. I am from the Midwest—born and raised in Indiana, graduated college in Ohio, and seminary in Minnesota.
After my pastoral internship in Texas, I was ordained in 2001 and have served congregations in Maryland and Wisconsin before moving to Albuquerque in 2012 for my wife to accept a call to serve as Pastor at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church. We have a son who was born in 2008 and our family enjoys all of the outdoor opportunities available here in New Mexico.
The people of Holy Cross inspire me every day as their lives witness to a vibrant faith lived in the beautiful and messy places of our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and homes. At Holy Cross we are all at different points in our journeys of faith. None of us have our lives or our faith completely figured out.
Come and experience God with us, share your story, bring questions, and use your God-given talents to impact our neighborhood and the world with God’s grace!
Student Pastor Ben Bernstein
Greetings!
I am delighted to be serving as Student Pastor here at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and St. Luke Lutheran Church. As Student Pastor, I look forward to learning and serving alongside all of you.
I am a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Before attending seminary, I attended The University of South Carolina Upstate and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. I’m currently a student at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary where I aspire to obtain a Master of Divinity degree to become an ordained pastor in the ELCA.
In March of 2023, I married the love of my life, Courtney. Currently, Courtney works at St. Luke Preschool. When we are not working, we both enjoy walking and spending time with our dog Cooper. Things that personally bring me joy include youth ministry, watching football (Go Pittsburgh Steelers!), good food, grilling, and craft beer.
During my time here in Albuquerque, I look forward to getting to know as many people as possible and how God’s love and grace are being lived out in your lives. You can contact me by email at ben@holycrossabq.org. God’s peace be with you!
