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Who We Are

Meet Our Leaders

Leadership Rooted in Service

Meet the executive staff and Board of Directors who help guide the mission, vision, and faithful stewardship of Nehemiah Works for Life. Each leader brings wisdom, experience, and a shared commitment to serving churches, families, and individuals through Christ-centered counseling, coaching, training, and restoration-focused care.

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Bob Lehnig

Dr. Bob Lehnig an Evangelical Christian who holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Colorado Theological Seminary. Licensed with National Christian Counselor Association (NCCA) as a Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Certified Pastoral Temperament Counselor, Certified Member National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA) Licensed # 2512, Certified Member International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC)), Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Grief, and Disaster Recovery. Dr. Bob is an Ordained Christian Minister and a USAF Veteran

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pastor Stephen McAbee

Steven W. McAbee serves as Pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Hunt County, Texas. Born and raised in East Texas, he has led churches across the Southwest ranging from small congregations to churches of several hundred people. He and his wife have eight children and three grandchildren. In addition to pastoral ministry, he serves as president of an NGO mission organization involved in humanitarian aid and Gospel ministry in Uganda, Senegal, the Philippines, India, Peru, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Steven joined Shady Grove as pastor in May 2023, where he provides leadership, Gospel-centered oversight, and pastoral care for the church and community.

Chairman, board of directors

Brantley Burns

Brantley Burns is an insurance professional with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, where he has served since 2011. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce and has built a life of service through his professional work, civic leadership, and commitment to his community.Brantley has served as Secretary of the Greenville Kiwanis Club since 2015 and as Board President for CASA for Hunt County since 2021. Through these roles, he has demonstrated a steady commitment to supporting local families, children, and community-focused causes.Beyond his professional and civic involvement, Brantley is a devoted husband of 14 years and the father of four children. His life and service are guided by his faithful devotion to Christ and His works.

CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ehren Beckwith

Ehren Beckwith is a website designer and internet marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience helping businesses, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations build a stronger online presence. As the founder of EffectMedia, he provides website design, digital marketing, content creation, and practical technology solutions.

Ehren is especially passionate about helping churches and ministries communicate clearly, reach more people, and share messages of hope, faith, and service. Beyond his work, he is a devoted husband to Carrie, father to Noah, and a follower of Christ.

chief financial officer

April Jones

April Jones serves as Treasurer for Nehemiah Works and holds both a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University-Commerce. With more than 18 years of accounting experience, she has faithfully volunteered as treasurer for several nonprofit organizations and currently enjoys serving as the Audit Team Lead at Bull Creek Cowboy Church.

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OUR MISSION

Equipping churches with Christ-centered counseling, coaching, and training for healing and restoration.

Our mission is to establish Christian Pastoral Counseling, Christian Counseling/Coaching, and Training support for our partner community of churches and their missions by providing cooperative relationships and resources to bring restoration to the body of Christ through “gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance”. 1 Corinthians 12:27

All that we do flows from our calling to empower our body of churches to provide Christian counseling to all regardless of circumstance. To teach, encourage, and guide Gods children. To equip them with His truth, knowledge, His love in a Christ-centered ways. By following the example of Nehemiah we can provide thoughtful leadership, loving service, and heart felt prayer for our churches, our community, and our people.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong."

1 PETER 5:10

HEAR FROM OTHERS

Stories of Healing & Restoration

Hear from individuals, families, pastors, and ministry partners whose lives have been touched through the counseling, coaching, and Christ-centered care of Nehemiah Works for Life. These testimony videos offer a glimpse of the hope, healing, and restoration God continues to bring through this ministry.

A SIMPLE FIRST STEP

What happens after you reach out?

As Christian Counselors, we specialize in guiding individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their God-given purpose. Whether you are facing personal or professional challenges, we are here to help you create positive and lasting changes in your life. Through prayer, Biblical principles, and practical strategies, we can work together to align your life with God’s plan.

Request a Consult

Reach out privately

Call or send a message with a few details about what you are facing.

Schedule a free consultation

Talk through your situation, your goals, and what kind of support may be most helpful. There is no charge for this first meeting.

Begin the work of restoration

Move forward with prayer, Biblical guidance, practical tools, and caring accountability. We'll work

FOR PASTORS AND CHURCHES

A trusted counseling and training partner for your ministry.

Churches often carry needs that are bigger than one pastor or ministry team can handle alone. Nehemiah Works for Life can serve as a supportive resource for counseling, coaching, training, and restoration-focused care.

Partner with Nehemiah Works

FROM THE BLOG & PODCAST

Biblical wisdom for real-life growth.

Explore helpful articles, conversations, and teaching from Nehemiah Works for Life designed to encourage your faith, strengthen your relationships, and help you walk through life with greater clarity and hope.

Whether you are seeking personal growth, supporting someone you love, or serving others in ministry, these resources offer practical, Christ-centered guidance for the journey.

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