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Pastor Stephen never had any plans to become a pastor.
God on the other hand, did.
The big picture of Stephen’s journey can be found in Luke 15:11-32, The Story of the Prodigal Son. Stephen grew up in a Christian home where he and his family faithfully went to church every Sunday.
Stephen became a Christian at a young age and for the most part lived a Christian life. However, in his twenties, he began to live the life of the Prodigal son. And while his belief in God never wavered, he certainly wasn’t living a life pleasing to God.
One day in 2008, Stephen found himself in tears at the end of his bed praying to God. He realized he was desiring the “slop of the pigs” and so he came running back to God, who welcomed him with open arms. At this time, he clearly heard God whisper in his heart… “Are you done trying to do life your way? Are you ready to do it my way?” His answer was an emphatic “Yes!” That night, Stephen rededicated his life to Jesus and committed to follow him no matter what the cost.
Over the next 6 years, God began a mighty work in Stephen’s life that took him from living a life that was not pleasing to God to being a pastor at a small church in Nashville. Stephen continues to grow, learn and change as God works in his life.
In 2008 Stephen and his wife Sarah met on Eharmony and on January 4th, 2009, they had their first date at Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, TN. Both Stephen and Sarah came armed with the excuse of having choir practice later that night in case the date didn’t go well. Neither one found a reason to use their excuse. Two and a half years later, they were married and the rest is history. In 2018 Stephen and Sarah adopted their beautiful daughter Nikki.
Sarah once swore that she would never marry a pastor and Stephen once said he never wanted to be a pastor… Now they have learned, never say never… especially where God is concerned.