Reverend J. David Stephens, and his wife Joyce
J. David Stephens began ministry in Virginia as an evangelist. Upon graduating from Lee University in 1972, he married a lovely young lady from Monroe, Michigan, Joyce Petree. Shortly thereafter, they accepted the challenge of planting a new Church in historic Stafford County, Virginia. Over the course of their tenure as pastor, land was purchased, a building constructed, and the congregation grew into a morning worship attendance of over 200 people.
In 1976, J. David and Joyce were invited to serve as the State Youth and Christian Education Director of Arizona. For the succeeding twenty years, they dedicated themselves to this specialized ministry serving the Pacific Northwest, Indiana, North and South Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
The Stephens have two children, Brent and Jeanna, both of whom are in ministry. Brent and his wife Sarah have planted a church in Ackworth, Georgia. Jeanna and her husband, J.J. Chiara, serve as director of the Georgia Mission, a Church of God discipleship ministry for young adults in Cleveland, Georgia. The Stephens' have four precious grandkids, which complete this beautiful family...James David, Abbey, Bryar, and Ava Claire.
J. David [Jim] appreciates a rich legacy in the Church of God. His grandparents on both sides were active church members. His great uncle, Reverend John L. Stephens, was an aggressive pioneer. And, his recently deceased father, Reverend James A. Stephens, was a veteran leader in this denomination for 40 years. Bishop Stephen's father was his personal hero and mentor throughout his life.
His heritage is augmented by a clear understanding of today's post modern culture and challenges facing today's church. He comes to Florida with a decade of successful state leadership...two years as State Overseer in Tennessee (2008-2010) ,six years as the Overseer of Kentucky [2002-2008], and four prior years in Northern New England [1998 to 2002].
Joyce is an energetic and personable partner in this team. She serves beside her husband focusing primarily on women's ministries. Sister Stephens was the State Coordinator for Girls Clubs in several states as well as State President of Women's Ministries, and was very active as a member of the International Women's Ministries Board 2000-2008.
Bishop Stephens received a B.A. from Lee University, and a M.A. in Church Ministries from the Church of God Theological Seminary. He served as a member of the International Youth and Christian Education Board,(1982-1990), International Board of Education, (1992-1996), and the General Assembly Cabinet, (1992-2000). He was elected by his peers to serve on the Church of God Executive Council from 2004-2006, 2006-2008, and again at the recent 2010 General Assembly.
Our Administrative Bishop is committed to the mission of the church. His goal is to formulate and expand relationships with ministers and members of this state, so that the State Office will be better able to serve and resource local churches. He is passionate about engaging pastors in a communal process of spiritual nurture, personal accountability, and leadership development.
It is our prayer that Bishop Stephens will be greatly used of the Lord to move our state forward to new victories and greater blessings. We believe that God has brought this couple to lead us in these exciting times for the Kingdom.