What is your full name?

Stephen Mark Estep

What is your profession?

Lead Pastor, Grace Church of the Nazarene and adjunct professor at Nazarene Theological Seminary

Where are you from originally?

Paden City, WV

How long have you been in Clarksville? What brought you to Clarksville?

I came in January of 2008 because of the unmistakable call of God to come to Grace Church of the Nazarene.

Tell us about your family.

My wife is Michelle and we will celebrate 20 wonderful years together in November. She’s an elementary teacher and an amazing mom to our three kids. Brandon is the oldest. He graduated from Rossview High this last May and will start college at Trevecca Nazarene University next month. Our daughter Brooke will be a sophomore at RHS and Blake (the 3rd of the killer B’s) will be an 8th grader at RMS. We also have a Boxer named Bo.

What do you like most about Clarksville?

Doing life with the people at Grace. I really enjoy the diversity in Clarksville too. This is the first time I’ve ever lived in a military town and I love it. I like the southern hospitality and the fact that there is sweet tea in every restaurant .

If you could have any other profession/dream job what would it be?

Tough question! I really can’t imagine myself doing anything else but before accepting God’s call to preach my plan was to either coach high school or college football, or be a physical therapist.

What is your favorite meal?

Steak, pizza, seafood, sushi, Michelle’s lasagna, and just about any dessert ever created.

What is the easiest and most difficult part of your job every day?

The easiest part of my job is working with a great staff and incredible lay-leaders who are passionate about following God and making a difference in our community and around the world. It’s also easy to celebrate the things God is doing in and through the people at Grace. The most difficult part is living with the frustration that no matter how much I get done in a day there is always more that could have been done.

What do you drive?

750 Honda Nighthawk or a 2005 Ford 500

What’s your favorite movie or TV show?

The Bourne movie series, Secondhand Lions, Criminal Minds, NCIS

Who do you look up too? Who is your role model?

I look up to my dad. He has always been a great role model for me. He taught me how to be a man, love God, and be a good dad and husband.

What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

For the most part I’ve had life pretty easy but this last March while we were on a cruise my wife was in a head-on collision. She was driving a moped and hit a bus. What was supposed to be one day stop in Nassau became a 5 day stay in the hospital that included a major surgery. I’m grateful for the way God sent us a lot of loving and supportive people through that whole ordeal. It was His grace that is carrying us through as Michelle continues her recovery. I think it’s always a bigger challenge to see someone you love suffer than it is to endure suffering yourself.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now? How would you like your life to look 10 years from now?

Ten years from now I hope to be serving as the lead pastor at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Clarksville and telling people about Jesus. By that time my kids will all be out of the house and we will be in a new stage in life. There’s a pretty good chance that I’ll be a grandpa by then which is pretty crazy. I hope my life looks a lot like it does now and I’m continuing to experience the fulfillment that comes from being right where God wants me to be, and doing just what He wants me to do.

Have you ever been issued a speeding ticket?

Yes but I’m not going to say how many.

Why did you choose your current profession?

I didn’t really choose it, it chose me. In John 15:16 Jesus said, “You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit - fruit that lasts.” I never wanted to be a pastor and wouldn’t have chosen it for myself, but I’m glad God chose me and am humbled every day that I get to do this.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I went to Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in Mt. Vernon, Ohio for a B.A. in Religion, Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City for an M.Div, and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago where I completed a Doctor of Ministry in preaching.

When and to where was your last vacation?

Last week to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby?

Hanging out with my family, hunting, riding motorcycles and jet skis, watching football, and going out with my wife. I also absolutely love being the chaplain for the RHS football team and working with other pastors in the Clarksville Area Ministerial Association.

What advice can you give others juggling a family and career?

Whatever field we are in we should strive to be the best, but never at the expense of our family. Your wife has one husband (or your husband has one wife), and your kids have one dad (or mom). Other people may be able to do what you do at work, but no one can take your place at home. God first, family second, everything else next.

How do you start your day?

Prayer, time in the Word, and some good coffee.

What are you passionate about in life?

My relationship with Jesus, my family, preaching, prayer, and raising up the next generation to love and serve God with all their might. I’m passionate about unity in the Body of Christ, helping men become spiritual leaders, and leading a church that blesses our city by living out the Gospel.

What is something most Clarksvillians wouldn’t know about you?

I have an identical twin.

If you could leave one message to the Clarksville community what would it be?

I’m going to steal some words from the apostle Paul: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:3-5) Love God. Love people. Live for something bigger than self.



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