Steven has pastored congregations in Sacramento, CA, Los Alamos, NM, and Penfield, NY and most recently served as the Associate Professor for Christian Ministries at Northwest Christian College in Eugene, OR. He has extensive experience with worship and church programs, including education, youth and family, and missions (leader/speaker for 27 short-term mission experiences since 1980) and is the co-author of the book, Teaching the Bible Creatively.
A wide variety of education informs Steven's theology and living. He holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA and a B.S. through The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. As a life-long learner, Steven esteems Eric Hoffer for stating, "In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."

Both native Californians, Steven and Marta married in 1981 and together have two children, Kaylinda at age fourteen and Sam at age six. They returned to California late in 2003 to extend live-in care to Steven's elderly Mother whom doctors had declared terminally ill. After the family arrived (complete with dog, cat, two rats and a tarantula) Mom stabilized. When Steven returns to ministry his sister will become the primary caregiver.

Their family supports one another's activities, activity being the operative word. Sam plays soccer and takes lessons in judo and gymnastics. At his request he will begin piano lessons soon. Kaylinda retired after eight years of gymnastics and now contemplates cross-country running and martial arts. She plays a little violin and guitar and loves reading, traveling, and drama, working as background talent in the movie industry whenever she can. Marta charms wild birds and flowers into living close to the family by nurturing her outdoor setting. She loves her family and friends and enjoys good wine and conversation. Steven plays guitar, reads, and loves hearty exercise including bicycling, swimming, and hiking. They all enjoy each other, traveling, camping, reading together, hiking creeks, playing on beaches and in oceans, and, in general, exploring life on our wonderful world.