Steve Poe, Lead Pastor of Northview Church in central Indiana, got his start in ministry at Caring First Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he pastored for 13 years. After coming to Northview Church in 1999, Steve has led with a passion for the unchurched, especially professionals and white-collar workers.
Steve started his career in the business world, first opening three restaurants and franchising two others. He also was part owner and operator of a radio station, which soon became a Christian radio station. His third business investment was to open a financial planning firm, as well as a commodity trading group. Although he loved the business world, he sensed God calling him into full-time ministry, a calling he had heard on his life since he was 16.
Steve’s background in business gives him a distinctive understanding and heart for professionals. Under his leadership, Northview Church has grown from one campus, in Carmel, Ind., to soon-to-be nine campuses, located in Carmel, Fishers, Lafayette, Westfield, Indy North, Anderson, Kokomo, New Castle Correctional Facility and Miami Correctional Facility, and the list continues to grow.
One part of Northview Church’s mission is to help people connect with God and with others. Serving others is a key element of this; so important, in fact, that once a year, Steve cancels services as the entire church goes out into the community to serve individuals and organizations.
Known to his friends and colleagues as a leader, teacher and visionary, Steve has served for 17 years as Lead Pastor of Northview Church. Under his leadership, the church has grown in attendance from 500 to over 8,500. His ability to lead people forward has played a key part in the addition of Northview Kids, a children’s wing, North Beach, a youth facility, Capstone Café & Bookstore and a new 2,000-seat, state-of-the-art Auditorium.
Steve and his wife, Sandy, whom he refers to as “his best friend,” enjoy traveling together and going to movies. They spend time with their two children—Ryan and Jenni—and their seven grandchildren.