Our Pastors
The Lord has blessed Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church with faithful pastors who are called to preach His Word, administer His Sacraments, and care for the souls entrusted to them. We give thanks to God for the men He has placed in this office among us.
Rev. Ronald Stephens
Pastor -- Installed January 26, 2023
Pastor Stephens was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, in 2004, where he met his wife, Becky. The Lord has blessed them with five children: Evie, Lily, Ava, Lizzie, and Ronnie.
Formation and Ordination
Following his undergraduate studies, Pastor Stephens pursued his theological formation at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During his seminary years, he served his fieldwork at New Hope Lutheran Church in Ossian, Indiana, and completed his vicarage at St. John's Lutheran Church in East Moline, Illinois. He received his Master of Divinity degree in May 2008 and was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry on June 15, 2008.
Ministry
Pastor Stephens has served the Lord's Church in a variety of congregations:
- Associate Pastor, Historic Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana (2008--2009)
- Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Garfield, New Jersey (2011--2017)
- Vacancy Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Garrett, Indiana (2018--2019)
- Pastor, Historic St. John Lutheran Church, Aurora, Indiana (2019--2022)
- Pastor, Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Bend, Indiana (2023--present)
Theological Interests
Pastor Stephens has a deep love for the Divine Liturgy, sacramental theology, Christology, early Church history, and confessional Lutheranism. His preaching and teaching are shaped by the conviction that Christ is the center of all Scripture and that the Sacraments are the means by which the Lord delivers His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation to His people.
Personal
When he is not studying, preaching, or visiting parishioners, Pastor Stephens enjoys spending time with his family. He is a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, appreciates a good craft beer, has a fondness for superhero films (especially Batman), and enjoys video games and television. He welcomes conversations about the faith -- and about the Packers -- anytime.
Contact: RStephens82@aol.com
Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch
Pastor -- May 1996--present
Pastor Stuckwisch has faithfully served at Emmaus since 1996, shepherding this congregation through nearly three decades of ministry in South Bend.
Full biography forthcoming.
If you would like to speak with one of our pastors, please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (574) 287-4151 or by email. Our pastors are happy to meet with you, answer your questions about the Christian faith, or simply visit over a cup of coffee.