Steve is was born and raised in central California in a non-Christian family. He was “born again” in 1970 at the age of 13 while visiting a church with his aunt. Steve was the first in his immediate family to come to saving faith in Christ, but in the next three years his mother, sister and brother would also become followers. Steve is a veteran of the US Army serving four years in the States and in Europe. During his Army service, he married his is high school sweetheart Patty. She too had been raised a non-Christian but like Steve was born again in 1970. Steve and Patty were married in 1977 and have two children and three grandchildren who too are serving the Lord.
While working full time in his own landscape business, Steve began a course of study at Sierra Junior College and then Capital Bible College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministerial Arts along with a Certificate in Christian Counseling. While attending Capital Bible College Steve was introduced to the Doctrines of Grace. This is the teaching that salvation is by God’s grace alone to give faith in Jesus Christ (being born again) and by faith alone in Christ alone a person is brought to salvation and eternal life for God’s glory alone. This is the central message of the Bible alone. Grace, faith, Christ, Scripture for God’s glory alone was a radical change in his understanding of God, man and salvation and this Doctrine of Grace undergirds all of Steve’s ministry.
In 1993 God called Steve and Patty to plant a church in Lincoln California where he preached and taught the central hope of the gospel and loved the people for three years. Then in 1997, Steve was led to accept a call to join the staff of Christian Family Fellowship in Santa Rosa as Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor. When the Senior Pastor left in September of 1999, Steve became the Interim Pastor and then on January 1, 2000 was called by the congregation to the position of Senior Pastor.
Steve has a passion for preaching, teaching and discipleship. His wife Patty is gifted in music, singing and children’s ministries. Steve loves, reading, especially military history, gardening, and riding his motorcycle.