Current Position
Since 1998 Stephany has served as Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa. Her duties include "preaching, teaching, administration of the church, development of programs, worship planning and leadership, member visitation and counseling, work with area and regional congregations and institutions."

Career Path
Stephany holds a Master's in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY, and a certificate of studies with one year in residence at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. She has also completed 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, Libertyville, IL and Sioux City, IA and is a certified leader for Healthy Congregations program, nationally.

Stephany has been a pastor since 1987.

"Part of the career path in denominational ministry is the extra-congregational work in which you participate, i.e., judicatory committees, offices, membership on Boards or work with institutions. Currently, I am: Secretary of the Board of Bethany Lutheran Home, Council Bluffs, a nursing home/independent living complex with approx. 200 residents; Facilitator for the Western Iowa Synod Lay School of Ministry, teaching assistant for program training lay leadership for the congregation and synod; Chaplain of the Council Bluffs Conference of the synod, charged with encouraging collegiality, programming, and some administrative duties.

"Previously, I have served as: Secretary of the Western Iowa Synod, 2 terms, including ex officio membership on the executive committee, communications committee, Assembly Business and Counsel Committee, chairing the Minutes Committee and responsible for archives; members of the Stewardship Committee, Social Ministry Committee, Communication Committee, Pastor's Convocation Committee (chair for 2 years); trained as project leader for the Evangelism Congregation Initiative and Congregational Social Ministry Program within the synod."

Grinnell Experience
At Grinnell Stephany completed an independent major. What extracurricular activities helped in her later career? "Possibly support groups and workshops are most obviously applied, as they teach about group interaction and leadership; women's organizations were invaluable inasmuch as they show a way of thinking and deciding at variance with the 'official' patterns which are taught academically."

How She Can Help
"I would be eager to interact with students in some way. Shadowing or summer internships are probably more logical than a semester-long internship; more specific programs and focus can be set up during that time. Other activities providing career information are also welcome, from interviews or panel membership to assisting with a specific class project or mentoring a student."

Contact the Career Development Office if you wish to get in touch with her.