Churches across North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad are mourning the sudden loss of a longtime pastor and ministry leader who dedicated decades of his life to serving the church and strengthening Christian families.
Robert Steele, executive administrator of Triad Baptist Church and Triad Baptist Christian Academy in Kernersville, died Sunday evening, March 8, after suffering a medical emergency at the church. He was 62.
Church leaders shared the news in a message to their congregation, describing Steele’s passing as a profound loss to the church community.
“It is with deep sadness that we share that Robert Steele, Executive Administrator of Triad Baptist Church and Triad Baptist Christian Academy, tragically passed away yesterday evening,” the church wrote in a statement.
First responders were called to the church after Steele suffered a medical incident. Leaders said the official cause of death has not yet been determined.
“While the official cause of death has not yet been determined, it is believed that Robert passed peacefully and has entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior,” the church said.
A Life of Faithful Ministry
Steele had served at Triad Baptist Church since July 2023 and quickly became a respected leader within both the church and its academy. Colleagues described him as a steady and encouraging presence who poured himself into ministry.
“Robert was a dedicated pastor and faithful servant who generously gave of his time, wisdom and tireless efforts to the ministry of Triad Baptist Church and Academy,” the church said. “His leadership, encouragement and steady presence have been a blessing to countless people over the years.”
His ministry extended far beyond one congregation. Steele served in pastoral leadership for more than 30 years and worked with Energize Ministries, a ministry that supports pastors and ministry leaders.
Over the course of his career he served churches in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Texas. Among those roles were senior pastor at New Salem Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, senior pastor of The Church at Stonebrook in Dallas, Georgia and senior pastor of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. He also served as executive pastor at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina for 14 years.
Steele held a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctor of theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.
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Devoted to Family and Community
Church leaders and colleagues said Steele’s greatest priorities were his faith and his family.
He and his wife Jennifer were married for 40 years and often taught marriage and family classes together. The couple shared four adult children and 15 grandchildren.
“Beyond his ministry work, Robert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his love for his family and for the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life,” the church said.
Pastor Rob Decker of Triad Baptist Church shared a personal tribute to his colleague and friend.
“Robert was a special friend to me, and I am thankful for the work he did for both our church and for the Lord,” Decker said. “Please be in prayer for Jennifer and their children Hannah, Andrew, Sarah and Rebecca.”
A Community in Mourning
The loss has been deeply felt across the Triad region where Steele spent many years serving pastors, churches and families.
In a message to the congregation, church leaders acknowledged the grief many are experiencing.
“Today is a heavy day, and many are grieving,” the church said. “Over the coming days, our church staff will walk together through this time of sorrow while remaining faithful to the mission God has given us to advance the Gospel through our worship of our sovereign Lord and our continued outreach to our community.”
Triad Baptist Church said it remains grateful for Steele’s faithful service and the lasting impact he made on the church, the academy and the wider community.
A celebration of life service will be held March 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point.
As the church and community mourn his passing, believers are encouraged to pray for Steele’s wife Jennifer, their children and grandchildren, as well as the Triad Baptist Church family and all those whose lives were touched by his faithful ministry.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
