About Me
Rev. S†efan A. Munker, M.Div., M.A.R., Pastor
Grace to you and peace!
I feel privileged to use my pastoral gifts as a pastor to share the invitation for everyone to meet and follow Jesus.
My passions in ministry are in the areas of worship, teaching, discipleship, evangelism and social ministry.
Personally I enjoy a variety of music, nature walks, gardening, science fiction, photography, bicycling, golf, going to concerts and plays, visiting museums, and traveling with my wife.
Cindy and I have a cat named Dexter.
"But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace."
(Acts 20:24)
My Mission
I am a follower of Jesus, who believes in God's gracious gift of love that enables all people to live free, and gratefully serve God's plan to share the hope of abundant life now and forever.
My Background and More
Ministry Photo Gallery
Church Steeples
Contact Information
Personal
My Website : sites.google.com/site/stefanmunker
Facebook : www.facebook.com/stefanmunker
Insights for Ministry
E-mail : inspiredministry@gmail.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/insightsforministry
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
103 N Main St. | Hillsboro, IL 62049 | www.wideopen.church
Past and Present Life
I was born and raised in the city of Fürth in Southern Germany. I was baptized there at St. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Poppenreuth, where I confirmed my faith in Jesus and his promises in 1986. Prior to that I had accepted the invitation to a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior at a Christian youth camp.
I began my theological education in Germany and participated in an exchange program with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA. My wife Cynthia and I met as seminary students in Washington, D.C. After our wedding I moved to the United States where I completed my training with CPE, internship, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
In 2004 I was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament after receiving my first call as associate pastor to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Burbank, IL. Between 2010 and 2017, I served as pastor at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect, IL. In 2017, I accepted a call to minster with the people of St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Hillsboro, IL.
Cindy grew up in the Detroit suburb of Saint Clair Shores, MI. She had a career as an educator before being called to serve God in word and sacrament ministry in the church. Cindy served congregations in the Chicago area, including as a trained interim pastor, and has led churches in Litchfield, IL. She is currently on leave from call, while serving as acting conference dean.
A Jedi Clergy
In 2019 I donned an Obi Wan Kenobi costume for a special Star Wars themed worship experience in my congregation. Since then I have assumed the identity of Jedi master under the pseudonym Arno Ker Nafets. I continue to bring references to the galaxy far, far away to my ministry as a pastor.
I identify with the science fiction order created by George Lucas in that they believe in the Force, work to restore and maintain balance, and fight the dark side. As a nerdy fan I also take on other cosplay roles for fun, to convey the message of hope, and encourage others to action for good.
More about my Star Wars Fandom: Data File