Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary
The Reverend Steve Talmage celebrates 40 years of Ordination on Sunday March 9 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa (1525 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85205). All are invited to attend as the celebration begins at 10:00 in the Center of Compassion. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Stephen Talmage was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He was confirmed and married Barb Janzen at Calvary Lutheran Church in Tucson. In 1981, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at The University of Arizona in Tucson. Stephen attended Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and received a Master of Divinity in December of 1984.
Stephen was ordained at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona on March 10, 1985. He was installed as Assistant Pastor at American Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona on March 31, 1985. Five months later, he became the pastor, after the unexpected retirement of the senior pastor. In August 1990 he accepted a call to Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, Arizona where he served as pastor for sixteen years. The church grew from 200 members to 1,200 members under his leadership. Two building programs were completed, and two mortgages were burned. Peace Lutheran became a strong example of shared lay leadership, exceptional generosity beyond the walls of the local congregation, and deep relationships were formed.
In May of 2006, Stephen was elected to an initial six-year term as bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, serving as the third bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA. He assumed office on August 1, 2006. He was reelected for a second term in May of 2012. He faithfully served the synod with a passion for mission and outreach, discipleship and stewardship. He served on various committees and boards throughout the greater church and seminaries. Many challenges occurred during his time as bishop, but he remained faithful to the synod and the greater church to make Christ known.
After eleven years as Bishop, Stephen felt the call to return to parish ministry. In August of 2017 he began his ministry at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona. He has served as Senior Pastor for over seven years. During his time as one of the pastors of Love of Christ, the congregation has had two interns, called its first female pastor, made stronger connections with the both the synod and Churchwide organization (ELCA), navigated the flooding of church offices and the Sanctuary, ministered through a pandemic, and was able to pay off the 1.8-million-dollar mortgage that was in place when he was called. His greatest joys have been serving alongside Pastor Nanette Christofferson and current Intern, Kevin Anderson, the faithful and hard-working staff, along with all the members of LoC. The church has been a wonderful example of Christ’s light and love in the community and in the world. His passion for discipleship continues at LoC sharing in the preaching, providing Bible Study, offering pastoral care, and being a non-anxious presence in times of great change and uncertainty. Both Barb and Stephen feel incredibly blessed to be part of the LoC community and are grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Stephen and Barb have two children: Craig (39) and Meghan (36) and her husband Todd, andare blessed with two grandchildren: Benji (9) and Lucy (4).