Pastor Stephen was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He earned a BA in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University, a MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a PhD in Evangelism, Missions, & Church Growth from Newburgh Theological Seminary.  Pastor Stephen married his wife, Carrie in 1976 and have two children, Sarah and Jonathan. He has served almost his whole life in church ministry. Pastor Stephen is also a very talented musician with the keyboard.