Steve & Linda’s Ministry Experience

Steven Packer grew up in Michigan with “Pre-Christian” parents and five siblings. Both of Steve’s parents received Jesus the same week when he was seven years old and raised their children to know and serve Jesus. Steve graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Bethel Theological Seminary. He pastored 50 years as a pastor on staff, a rural circuit pastor, pastor with staff, and a solo pastor in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan with a brief six month recovery from a forced exit. His passion is to leave a spiritual legacy for his children and grandchildren while also serving with Linda to come alongside pastor’s and spouses, helping them to finish well in ministry.

Over the years, Packer experienced a variety of ministry opportunities that have resulted in an ability to identify with multiple pastoral positions. Serving on staff in Children’s, Youth, and Christian Education ministries allows Steve to be a “wounded healer” to those in a staff ministry position. Pastoring a rural circuit allows the same when walking with the rural pastoral family. Having served as a Senior Pastor of large churches with multiple staff pastors, allows the same when walking with those pastors. Serving as a solo pastor of smaller churches, allows the same “wounded healer” opportunities with those pastors. Having experienced a forced exit has also resulted in a healing ministry when walking with those who have been similarly wounded.

Steve and Linda will celebrate 49 years of marriage in September, 2024. They have four married children, two boys and two girls, who have blessed them with 12 grandchildren. Steve’s life verse is 3 John 1:4; “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” His priorities are clearly; God first, Family second, and Ministry third. Steve enjoys projects and day-trips with Linda, hunting, fishing, golf, yard games, and playing cards with family and friends.