Stephen Schubkegel
Pastor Stephen Schubkegel first served as vicar at St. Mark´s in 1978–1979. After a brief absence, he returned in 1981 as Assistant Pastor, focusing on youth ministry until 1988.
His work shaped the spiritual life of young people through worship, programs, and meaningful relationships.
He served during a time of growing cultural and linguistic diversity within the church and played a key role in making St. Markus a welcoming and engaging space for the next generation.
From Vicar to Youth Pastor: Formative Years at St. Mark’s
Pastor Stephen Schubkegel grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His first training was at a Lutheran Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. He first served as vicar (intern pastor) at St. Mark´s, Vancouver in 1978 - 1979. In one of his first experiences he found himself assisting Pastor Erhard Schneider as they conducted a 3 week confirmation camp at Camp Luther, in which 22 young people from St. Marks were taught the principles of faith in Jesus Christ using Luther’s Small Catechism. This 3 week camp equaled a year’s study on Saturday mornings. The students received their confirmation ceremony a few weeks later at St. Mark´s and many of them joined the Friday night youth group activities and weekend retreats. As the years passed the December ski retreat became a big event, eventually moving location from Mt. Seymour to Tyrol Lodge in Whistler.
Pastor Stephen returned to Tacoma to finish his degree from fall 1979 to spring 1981. He returned temporarily in summer 1980 to help with that year’s confirmation camp at Thetis Island. In May 1981 he was invited by the congregation to return and continue his ministry at St. Mark´s as assistant pastor, English ministry.
The intensive summer confirmation camp experience made a deep impression on the youth for many years. Much preparation was required, but the social and spiritual bonding was an impressive result of the effort. Each year a new summer confirmation camp was created for a new group of young people. (See the many class photos.) Starting in summer 1980 and following the camp was held at Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre on Thetis Island.
In October 1, 2022 a reunion was held at St. Marks for these former confirmands and youth group members. We were delighted to see about 80 - 100 people attend, most of us looking considerably older!
Sunday morning services in these years (1980’s) were conducted by Pastor Stephen in English, scheduled after the German language service conducted by Adolf Gerber (starting 1982). Special church festivals such as Christmas and Easter services were conducted in both languages together. Pastor Adolf Gerber ministered in German worship services.
Pastor Stephen Schubkegel would like to say, “I am deeply grateful that God gave me the challenge and opportunity to work in ministry among the excellent and talented people at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. It was a unique and blessed experience for me. All praise and thanks to God and his Son Jesus Christ!”