Meet The Pastor: Stephen Mitchell

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The Severna Park Voice is helping the community learn about the pastors at the many churches in the area. This month, we got to know Stephen Mitchell from Trinity Bible Church.

Q: How long have you been at Trinity Bible Church?

A: I’ve been at Trinity Bible Church for almost 15 years. I originally came onboard as the youth pastor, but Pastor Martin (senior pastor at Trinity Bible Church for 26 years) sort of groomed me to be his associate pastor, and when he announced his retirement, the church voted me in to be his successor.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to be a pastor?

A: The funny thing is I really wanted nothing to do with being a pastor for many years. I was drawn to public speaking, and I felt a pull toward being a leader, but being a minister? No way! It was ultimately high school and getting deep into my faith and out of that, feeling a pull inside to help “shepherd” the spiritual walk of others that really cemented a calling I felt in my heart toward it.

Q: Was there a moment in your life when your faith grew?

A: Many moments. I must acknowledge the spiritual foundation my parents helped me have growing up that planted the seeds for it. At age 12, I personally trusted in Jesus Christ after watching a Billy Graham crusade on TV. My relationship with God began there, and through every chapter of my life since, my faith has grown in different ways.

Q: Do you cook? What is your favorite meal?

A: (Laughs) Sorry, I had to laugh. Me cook? Sure, store-bought spaghetti, or anything that takes 20 minutes. But my wife is an incredible cook. Thank God for her.

Q: If you're not at church or at home, where can we find you?

A: Well, I wish I were at the gym more; I sure need to be, but running errands, visiting people pastorally, etc. Ultimately, I have two full-time jobs, being a parent along with my wife to raise our two small children and being a pastor.

Q: Do you follow sports? What is your favorite team?

A: I love watching basketball and my favorite team is the Boston Celtics. I like football too and we are unfortunately fans of the Washington whatever our name is team.

Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?

A: I used to run three miles every day in high school. I really originally considered a career in law or a run for political office before following my calling to pastoral ministry. Oh, and sometimes I can be shy around people I don’t know.

Q: What is an item on your bucket list you have not checked off yet, but want to?

A: My wife and I would love to travel more, see more of our beautiful country and world. Honestly, though, I try to just enjoy every memory and moment God gives me.

Q: What is your favorite type of music?

A: I love a wide variety of music. From Christian contemporary to some mainstream, from old school hip-hop to ‘80s music and classic rock and even some oldies and disco. I love a little bit of everything.

Q: What is the best thing about Trinity Bible Church?

A: What I love about Trinity Bible Church most is that while many churches talk about being a loving church, Trinity is one. We preach the Bible to be sure, but we do it in love.

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