St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Troy, Missouri, is known for two distinct Sunday worship gatherings: contemporary worship at 9:30 a.m. and traditional worship with hymns, liturgy, and a choir at 11:00 a.m. The 9:30 gathering includes THE MAX, the church's children's worship ministry, and both services are available through a live stream.
The church is at 101 St Stephen Lane. Coffee and cookies are available from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Two Sunday Worship Rhythms
The 9:30 gathering uses a contemporary worship format. During that service, THE MAX gives children a worship space of their own just before the sermon. Visitors who cannot attend in person can join the live worship at 9:30 or 11:00.
The 11:00 gathering centers on hymns, liturgy, and choir. A worship service typically lasts around 60 minutes and includes sacred music and prayer, engagement with Scripture, seeking Jesus' wisdom for life, and listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Time is also set aside for personal reflection, and kneeling rails are available. Tithes and offerings are part of the service.
Dress is intentionally relaxed: Sunday best and the most comfortable attire are both welcome. The overall Sunday rhythm combines worship with fellowship, including coffee, cookies, and time for families to connect before the service.
A Child-Centered Visit Through THE MAX
THE MAX welcomes children beginning at age three and continuing through elementary school. The children's ministry is designed as a safe setting where children learn about Jesus through worship, creative methods, Godly Play, and an opportunity to make friends. A snack is part of the children's experience.
On a first arrival, families stop at the Kid's Check-in kiosk near the connection center. A team member registers the child and gives the family matching name tags; the child wears one tag while the parent keeps the other. Parents may register children ahead of time as well.
During the service, a children's ministry partner escorts the child to the designated worship space. Children can move and settle down, hear a story from sacred Scripture, and reflect through sacred listening. If the ministry team needs to reach a parent, it can send a text message. Afterward, the parent presents the matching tag to collect the child.
Before worship, children and parents can visit the cafe, where children have hot chocolate and cookies while adults have coffee and cookies. Parents can talk with one another or with other families as the morning begins.
Discipleship, Conversation and Prayer
The mission of St. Stephen is to make disciples for the transformation of the world. Its rule of life is expressed through four values: worship that helps people connect with others and Jesus Christ, partnership with families, education and lifelong learning, and time together to grow in Christ, build friendships, and create community.
Coffee with Pastor Christopher is another entry into church life. These conversations focus on finding a place in the congregation, a discipleship pattern for spiritual growth, and building connections through small groups, volunteering, or family events. The church's discipleship pathway moves through Visit, Connect, Baptism, and Discipleship, and baptism celebrations are planned with the person and loved ones.
- Monday Morning Madams meets Mondays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Room for Christian book study and conversation.
- Cafe Conversations About Spirituality meets Mondays at 5:00 p.m. in the St. Stephen Cafe to discuss spiritual disciplines, formation, and growth in Christian faith.
- Cafe Conversations About Sacred Scripture meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the cafe for discussion of Old Testament typology.
- Pathfinders gathers Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. in the Conference Room to explore the Bible in conversation.
- Praying Together meets Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the cafe for prayer in a supportive community.
- At The Table gathers Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the cafe for candid discussion of biblical texts and group prayer.
- Spiritual Conversations: Theodicy meets Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room for a course lasting six weeks and exploring suffering, evil, and God's goodness through Scripture and Methodist theology.
- Bell Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by Chancel Choir at 7:30 p.m.
Youth, Preschool and Family Life
Student ministry is designed for both junior high and senior high students. The St. Stephen Youth Group welcomes students in grades five through twelve for faith, fellowship, and fun from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. every Sunday at the 80's Arcade. New students are welcome, and the church prepares each young person for the gathering through preregistration.
St. Stephen Christian Preschool is part of the church's ministry and is directed by Sarah Gramanzini. The church treats education and lifelong learning as core values, a priority reflected in its Christian preschool and children's ministry.
The church also maintains a monthly family and community rhythm:
- Lunch Bunch meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second Monday of each month.
- Game Night begins at 6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
- Men's Breakfast Club meets at 7:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month.
- Sunday Brunch is held at 10:45 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month.
Serving, Prayer and Leadership
Ministry partners are invited to join the work of serving at St. Stephen. The ministry team pairs worship, hospitality, outreach, youth, children's ministry, family ministries, and prayer with the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Christopher Wisener. Rev. Wisener is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church and earned his Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology with a specialization in Wesleyan Studies.
Ben Beussink leads modern worship, and Stacey Lemke leads traditional worship. Krista Kruithoff directs children's ministry, Joe Costa directs youth, Stephanie Boothe directs family ministries, Sherri Heckman directs outreach, Angela Beamer directs hospitality, and Barb Smythe directs the prayer team. Financial support for the church's ministries is available through giving via Pushpay.
Together, these ministries connect the sanctuary, cafe, Conference Room, preschool, youth gathering place, and monthly events around St. Stephen's mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world.