Meet Our Lead Pastor
Shepherding our community with wisdom, compassion, and dedication
Pastor Stephen Lohoefer
Lead Pastor
Stephen is the founding & lead pastor of The Grove and has served the congregation since its founding in 2017. Before that, he was on staff at Highland Park United Methodist since 2006. Stephen is married to Paige and has a stepdaughter, Lizzie. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, taking walks with Paige and their dog, Sadie, and playing board games with his family, where he proudly remains undefeated in Monopoly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know for your first visit
How long does service last?
Here at The Grove, you can expect a friendly and welcoming environment with services that last about one hour.
What kind of music do you play?
Our music is a contemporary mix of today’s worship songs with the occasional hymn woven in. It’s designed to be both heartfelt and approachable, helping you connect with God in a meaningful way.
Is there a dress code?
The dress and feel is casual - you will find some people in shorts, some in suits, and everything in between.
Do you have service for kids?
Grove Kids is an amazing environment for kids ranging in age from birth up to 5th grade. Our littlest members of Grove Kids are shown love and care during our 10 AM service. Our preschool and elementary classrooms are led by experienced teachers and volunteers. Through age-appropriate curriculum, kids learn about God's Big Story and their role in it!
Where do I park?
Parking at The Grove is easy! We have tons of parking space in our main lot, just outside the front entrances with lots of accessible parking for those who need it! Our families with smaller children find it easier to park in our west lot, closer to the Grove Kids building, though the kids building is accessible from both parking lots. Running late or coming on a busy Sunday? Park along Rickover or Twin Post for easy access to street parking!