35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
John 13:35 (AMP)
Pastor Steve Zuk
Watch Tribute Video
Steve Zuk was undoubtedly a man who showed love and unselfish concern for others. During his thirty-seven plus years as a member and Pastor at Redeemer (formerly Mt. Zion Ministries), Pastor Steve’s kindness and sense of humor were outstanding and ever-present elements of his ministry. He was a man of the word and a man of prayer.
Pastor Steve was born in Papenburg, Germany on July 18, 1946, the son of the late Mychajlo and Melania Kudluk Zuk. The family immigrated to the United States where he attended Herkimer schools and graduated from Herkimer High School.
Steve was saved under the ministry of Dr. Eldon Wilson who at the time had a church in Ilion. Marilyn was saved during a youth meeting at Herkimer Pentecostal Church under Pastor Nick Welch. Steve and Marilyn met and were later married on August 31, 1974, in Herkimer Pentecostal Church; no one could know how history was in the making during those early years.
They became part of the original Mt. Zion group who began meeting in the home of Joanne and Papa Joe Servello. Along with them were Pastor Mike Sr. and Barb Servello, the Fedeles, Schillings and other members, some who still attend the church today almost forty years later. Those early foundational days with Pastor Mickey Mingo set the vision for the Mohawk Valley and the work the Lord was calling the church to do. It would take commitment; it would take selflessness; it would take servants.
No one would question Pastor Zuk’s concern and care for others. If you ask old-time members, they will all have a story. One couple commented that the Zuks ministered to them early in their marriage by spending time with them and being examples of how to live out their married lives and love each other. Another shared how in the middle of the night when she was having a medical emergency, Pastor Steve came out and prayed with her. Kindness and prayer coupled with his love of the word of God brought the love and power of the Holy Spirit into his ministering to others.
Pastor Steve blended the word of God and could speak into situations spiritually and naturally. Time and again church members when asked used the word example noting you could trust Pastor Zuk to speak the truth because he walked it out. In his later years, Steve was employed as a manager for Compassion Coalition in Utica, New York. Even at work, his witness of the love of Christ was present. One co-worker commented that Pastor Steve made time for people. That may not on the surface sound very dramatic, but in today’s world stopping and sharing a kind word, a prayer or even a joke could brighten and encourage others. He made a difference daily.
Pastor Steve went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was a friend, and encouragement to many; a witness to all. Pastor Steve you are missed but lovingly remembered and honored.