About Us
LEAD PASTOR
Dave Choutka
Dave Choutka is a passionate, visionary leader with a heart for serving people and a desire to see lives transformed by the love of Jesus. Dave has dedicated the ministry of his life to creating welcoming and vibrant communities where individuals can grow in their faith and intentionally live out God’s purpose for their lives.
Known by others for his down-to-earth preaching style and relational approach, Dave is committed to helping people know Jesus, serve Jesus, and share Jesus in all aspects of their lives. Under his leadership, Shepherd Church will actively pursue building authentic relationships, fostering spiritual growth and making an impact for the gospel both locally and globally.
In addition to his pastoral experience, Dave is the author of Walking Through The Valleys. After walking through a very real "valley" season of life, the Lord prompted Dave to write a book that would encourage readers to find hope and strength during difficult seasons. He also serves as the Chaplain for the Carmel Fire Department, providing spiritual care and support to first responders and their families.
Dave has been married to his best friend, Dawn Choutka, for 25 years. Together, they have three amazing children: Jackson, who is attending Purdue University, and daughters Avery and Mya, who both attend Biola University and Noblesville High School respectively.
In what spare time remains, Dave loves spending time with his family, kayak fishing on the White River, and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He believes in the power of genuine connection and strives to make Shepherd Church a place where everyone feels like they belong.
worship & associate pastor
Matt Siewert
Matt Siewert grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but has lived in Indiana as an adopted Hoosier since 2006. Surrounded by friends and family that modeled whole-life ministry through music, community and serving the local church, Matt found that worship and song were vital pathways to connecting with God in his daily life. After picking up guitar in elementary school, he also latched on the storytelling outlet of songwriting it afforded him (though it primarily started as a convenient way to gain the attention of his lady friends).
Having served in church plants, mega churches and everything in between, Matt’s heart beats most for simply walking alongside everyday folks in gospel community and creating space for the people of God to encounter the presence of God. After studying worship leadership in college, He joined a Christian band for several years and has also released music under his own name. He does his best to follow Jesus’ example of seeing people as someone to love and not just a soul to save and believes music is a powerful vehicle to experience the love of God.
Matt has been married to the love of his life, Kassidy for 6 years. They have an incredible son named Walter and the world’s sweetest dog, Valley. In his day to day life, Matt enjoys making some mean espresso, hiking new places with his family, riding his motorcycle and smoking meat for his friends.
Matt sees the chance to be a part what God is doing at Shepherd Church as one of the biggest blessings of his life and is eternally grateful for all the mentors, coaches, colleagues, friends and family who have poured into him over the years. He clings daily to the truth that, in the words of Martin Luther, "We are all simultaneously saints and sinners."
