Spirit of Truth, St. Paul, Minnesota

Spirit of Truth Prepares to Speak the Truth in Love

“We originally planned to begin worshiping in October, but rescheduled to take time to teach long-term relational skills,” said the Rev. Grant Stevensen, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, St. Paul, and Spirit of Truth’s mission developer.

Stevensen partners with Pete Marincel, a community organizer compensated by the ELCA, Saint Paul Area Synod, and some St. Matthew members.

“I believe strongly in my community work,” said Marincel. “However, I can get exhausted. I have longed for a spiritual community where I can be grounded, energized, and look to God for guidance. Spirit of Truth is that Christian faith community.” 

Stevensen and Marincel work primarily with un-churched and under-churched people active in community causes—whom both believe often live faithful lives, but don’t have language describing that, or affirmation that they are doing God’s work.

“We hope Spirit of Truth gifts the church by inviting people who haven’t found places inside traditional congregations,” said Stevensen. “Un-churched people often feel that the church doesn’t care for them or their work. Spirit of Truth is here to change that.”

To help, e-mail grantstevensen@yahoo.com