Pastor Mike Stevens’ journey from skepticism to faith has been shaped by moments of faith, unexpected challenges, and a commitment to serving struggling communities.
Raised in an atheistic household in suburban Illinois, Mike remained skeptical of God until he had a life changing experience at age 19. While working at an outdoor theater in 1988, he met his future wife, Tranette, a devout Christian. Her father shared the gospel with him, planting seeds of faith. That summer, while driving home late one night, Mike prayed for God to reveal Himself and had a vision. “I saw two hands appear in the sky and then open [towards me],” he recalled. This moment solidified his faith, setting him on a new path.
By 1990, Mike and Tranette left Illinois and moved to Bemidji, Minnesota, where he pursued a philosophy degree while deepening his faith. Feeling called to ministry, he began taking Bible courses and in 2000, earned his credentials with the Assemblies of God. That same year, he became interim pastor at Menomonie Assembly of God and planted a church in Bigfork, Minnesota. He pastored both congregations for a year and a half before committing fully to Bigfork where he continued to serve while working bi-vocationally.
By 2010, Mike and Tranette felt led to plant Good Hope Church in Cloquet, Minnesota. Over time, the church grew beyond its original location. It expanded into Duluth, Lakeside, and Alborn, with each community presenting its own unique challenges and needs.
After more than two decades in ministry, Mike took his first sabbatical in 2023, a much-needed time of rest. However, his return was anything but smooth. On his first day back, he walked into a devastating flood at the Cloquet church, caused by a break-in, forcing the congregation out of the building for 11 weeks. In a remarkable demonstration of community support, a local Lutheran church opened its doors, allowing Good Hope to hold services in their space until repairs were completed.
Managing four locations proved to be an immense responsibility. Mike recognized that another shift was necessary. After discussions with his son, Pastor Daniel, they decided that Mike would transition into the founding and senior pastor role, overseeing Good Hope Church. Daniel became the lead pastor of the Cloquet campus.
Looking back on the rapid changes of the past year, Mike encourages other pastors to remain faithful and adaptable. He recalled a powerful piece of advice from a fellow pastor: “Sometimes in ministry, it feels like you’re leaning into the wind, pushing against constant resistance. But when the wind shifts, you need to put up as many sails as possible and catch it.” His journey stands as a reminder that through both trials and triumphs, God is always leading the way.
