Worship leader and songwriter Steffany Gretzinger is urging pastors and ministry leaders to return to the heart of their calling: pursuing Jesus above everything else.
In a newly released conversation with Jesus Image founder Pastor Michael Koulianos, Gretzinger reflected on her upbringing in the church, the influence of her parents' faith, and why she believes the future of the Church depends on leaders cultivating a genuine relationship with Christ rather than relying on programs, strategies, or ministry formulas.
The discussion, titled "The Church Jesus Desires," serves as a preview of the upcoming Jesus Image Pastors and Leaders Conference and offers an intimate look into the experiences that shaped Gretzinger's life and ministry.
During the interview, Gretzinger recalled growing up in Nazarene and Wesleyan churches where prayer, worship, and Scripture were woven into everyday life. She described waking up to hear her father praying over the family, watching her mother spend hours worshipping at the piano, and witnessing firsthand the transforming power of God in local church ministry.
"I would wake up often to the sound of prayer," Gretzinger shared, describing a childhood where faith was not limited to Sunday mornings but lived out daily in the home.
She also recounted how her father became involved in deliverance ministry after crying out to God for answers as he watched believers repeatedly struggle with the same spiritual bondages. According to Gretzinger, God began moving powerfully in unexpected ways, resulting in lives being transformed and people finding freedom.
Despite growing up in a more traditional church environment, Gretzinger said she encountered profound expressions of worship and the presence of God that continue to shape her faith today. She credited both her parents and the local church with teaching her to value God's presence above personal ambition or public recognition.
One of the central themes of the conversation was the importance of authenticity in ministry. Koulianos and Gretzinger expressed concern that many Christian leaders are attempting to serve God without spending meaningful time with Him, leading to burnout, discouragement, and misplaced priorities.
Rather than focusing on church growth metrics, financial pressures, or public perception, Gretzinger encouraged leaders to seek Jesus first.
"Come looking for Jesus," she said. "Everything else we have tried is not working. He is everything."
The conversation repeatedly returned to the idea that ministry flourishes when it flows from intimacy with Christ. Gretzinger argued that leaders who remain close to the Good Shepherd will find the strength, wisdom, and provision they need to navigate the challenges of ministry.
She also spoke candidly about staying committed to the Church despite disappointments and failures within Christian communities. Because of the foundation laid by her parents and church leaders, she said difficult seasons have never caused her to abandon her faith or walk away from the body of Christ.
The interview concludes with a passionate prayer for pastors, worship leaders, and ministry workers around the world. Gretzinger prayed that God would restore hope, deepen hunger for His presence, and unite believers around the person of Jesus.
The conversation comes as Jesus Image continues preparations for its annual Pastors and Leaders Conference, a gathering designed to encourage pastors, church staff, worship teams, volunteers, children's ministry workers, media teams, and Christian leaders from around the world.
Scheduled for June 4-5 in Orlando, the event will feature Michael and Jessica Koulianos, Steffany Gretzinger, Brother Yun, Tiffany Hudson, Banning Liebscher, Dr. Corné Bekker, and the Jesus Image Worship Team. Organizers say the conference is intended to refresh leaders spiritually through worship, biblical teaching, prayer, communion, and fellowship centered on the presence of God.
For Gretzinger, the message is ultimately simple.
"Find the love of Jesus and love Him back," she said. "He's all that's needed."
