For the past 22 months, Chaplain Stephen Unger has served as the vacancy pastor for Messiah Lutheran Church in Setauket, New York. Leading people in prayer, praise, and worship takes a tremendous amount energy, buy doing this during a time of isolation and separation amplifies that difficulty a hundred-fold!

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the methods used to minister to the Messiah congregation had to change drastically. Even though virtual church services were available for their parishioners, Chaplain Unger knew many members would be struggling with isolation and separation from friends and loved ones. Along with the assistance of the elders, Chaplain Unger made sure each member of their parish received a personal phone call once every two weeks. This practice helped to build bridges of communications that allowed everyone to know they were cared for. Chaplain Unger shared, “When Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, knowing what He would be facing over the next few days, He asked for his disciples to stay awake with Him. We wanted the members of Messiah to feel the same way — that we are here for you, you are not alone.”

In addition to his position at Messiah, Chaplain Unger works for the Suffolk County Police Department. He helps train peer teams to work with those police officers who are having a difficult time dealing with their position. Because police officers experience many stressful situations that can be extremely difficult to process, Chaplain Unger makes himself available for all officers who may feel overwhelmed, need to talk, and those who have witnessed things no one should ever have to deal with. He does his best to bring them comfort and help them process their thoughts and feelings.

Chaplain Unger made it a point to keep in contact with more than 90 police officers who had contracted Covid-19. He also assisted with the distribution of more than 2,900 masks donated by the Atlantic District LCMS. These masks were given out to people in local communities as well as to the 2nd and 3rd Police Precincts.

In addition to working with police officers, Chaplain Unger has also been able to meet with people who have been arrested; during that time he is able to express the love of Christ to those whom may not know Him. Chaplain Unger is hopeful that if those who are arrested can trust him, they might be able to learn to trust Jesus Christ. He added, “Our baptism didn’t come with a promise of a joyful life. But what it does promise is that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us, and that we can look forward to His presence in our lives. People who are struggling with life really need to know this.”

Chaplain Unger has a deep desire to walk alongside anyone who is dealing with difficult situations. He is determined to provide care and compassion to anyone who may be hurting, and nothing — and not even the pandemic is going to stop him from his life’s work.