Local Business Spotlight | Pastor Steenbock
NAME
Benjamin Steenbock
COMPANY
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church & School
POSITION
Pastor
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
We truly welcome everyone. Certainly, it helps for our guests to have a sincere desire to investigate the Bible's teachings (which Zion promises to proclaim) and thoughtfully consider them.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
After graduating from the University of Washington I spent eight years in the software development industry working for Microsoft's video game and Xbox divisions. During this time I was encouraged by one of my pastors to investigate the pastoral ministry. While I initially declined, my pastor kept encouraging me. Eventually, I decided that is the direction I wanted to take. After some time building up a nest egg to go back to college, I went back to Pre-Seminary College (2 years) and then to Seminary (4 years). At graduation I was assigned to a congregation in the southern suburbs of Atlanta, GA. After three-and-a-half years there, I received a call to serve at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in Hartland, WI and decided to accept that call. I have been serving as a second pastor at Zion since January 13, 2019.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE think THEY KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Television and media portrayals of pastors/priests are often deeply negative. Such fictional characters are often abusive, hypocritical, or simply bumbling, unaware fools. It's true that some men in the ministry have not upheld their office, but most pastors are deeply convicted, caring, and compassionate. Furthermore, good pastors do not check their brain at the door of the church, nor ask their congregation to do so, either. Rather, the Christian faith is founded on facts and employs deep thinking and reason.
One thing I hear from my congregation is that they think I'm super busy all the time. It's true that I have lots to do, but I sincerely try to live by this maxim: I'm never too busy for people.
NAME ONE THING THAT YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Pastors today wear dozens of different hats, and this can be very difficult. A pastor's primary calling is to preach and teach God's Word. However, oftentimes just to effectively clear the way for that task, a pastor is asked to be a manager of people and projects (leading volunteers), a marketing expert (making the community aware of his church), a financial analyst (at least knowing details about the church budget, if not actually writing it up), a counselor (e.g., for marriages or youth), an office admin (preparing print materials), something like a "managing director" (analyzing which ministries to focus on and rallying people behind them), and many other tasks. Oftentimes this is on top of taking special pains to be a worthy example to the congregation as a husband and father. The motivation and the goal of all this is the sincere care and compassion for immortal souls. What pastors really need today, with all the work they are asked to do, is support, encouragement, and eager helpers -- not because it's about the pastor, but because it's about helping as many people as possible.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Proclaiming forgiveness and the promise of life everlasting to people who every day are beaten down by worries, struggles, stress, and the knowledge of their own wrongdoing and failings.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Pastors need their own pastors. Find a trustworthy man to be your spiritual shepherd and mentor. In addition, have a robust personal Bible study and prayer habit.
WHAT IS THE ONE BOOK THAT YOU THINK I SHOULD READ RIGHT NOW?
Religion on Trial by Craig A. Parton. It's 96 pages (so I'm giving you something easy!) and essential reading for non-Christians and Christians alike.
CONTACT PASTOR BEN HERE:
WEBSITE:
PHONE:
262.367.3617
EMAIL:
bsteenbock@zionhartland.org
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
The Christian faith is founded on facts, not a blind leap into the unknown. At Zion our interest is not in money or in making some grand name for ourselves. The people and pastors of Zion are interested solely in bringing people the true message the one man--Jesus--who lived, died, and rose again to secure for you life everlasting.
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