Stephen McAlpin

Stephen McAlpin - Stephen McAlpin 2Responsibilities:
I am responsible for helping with the personal and professional needs of the lead pastor, Darrin Patrick. This will enable him to focus on his strengths in ministry, which will result in the growth and success of the church in St. Louis and beyond. I operate as his Sunday assistant, read and research for sermons, organize and schedule writing projects, make sermon slides, organize and coordinate any travel or speaking requests, manage projects and meetings, and run various errands. Essentially, I'm learning how to pastor a church. This internship is not just about accomplishing tasks, but also about developing in my character an ability to lead others. I'm also being mentored and invested into by Mike Duncan, and I'm discovering exactly what it takes to be a lead pastor.

Family:
I have two parents, David and Nanell, who have lovingly raised me to the best of their abilities. I also have a brother, Benjamin, who inspires me with his strength to endure through life's difficulties. 

What The Journey Has Meant To You:
I have discovered this church to be a place of belonging, and it has empowered me to pursue my dreams. Our common love for the LORD has connected me with its people, and the pastors have embraced me into their fellowship. The innovation, beauty, and truth of its design have helped me to better understand the true purpose of the Church. At The Journey, I have been set free in a community of faith, hope, and love.

Quote Or Advice:
"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love" - Henry Scougal

What You Enjoy:
Art, poetry, reading, writing, psychology, theology, movies, sports, exercise, traveling, and coffee.

Where You Grew Up and What You Did As A Kid:
As a kid, I grew up in the church as the son of a pastor. It was a unique experience. It also meant that our family was always moving. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee but really grew up in Orlando, Florida. Our neighborhood was pretty much the ‘hood. Unfortunately for everyone, I was quite the troublemaker as a kid. Our family eventually moved to Saint Peters, Missouri. I played sports and kept to myself. I knew religion, and church life, but I didn't know God. I struggled to adapt with the changes in my life, and I experienced much difficulty on my own...but I eventually found my way. Through reading the Bible, I eventually found God. Well...to be honest, God found me. In the midst of all my brokenness and despair, I discovered that the LORD was indeed real. Of course, this discovery meant that my entire life had to change. By grace, I began to love God and realized that he was calling me to care for and lead his church. One night, alone in the wilderness, I fell down on my face and dedicated my life to serving the LORD as a pastor. In order to pursue my calling, I attend Liberty University and graduated with a degree in Religion - Youth Ministry. I'm now serving as an intern at The Journey, where I'm further exploring my calling into ministry. All of my life has led me to this place, and I'm excited for what the future holds.

Favorite Reads or Films
Books:

Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer; The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer; The Cross of Christ, by John Stott; Soul Cravings, by Erwin McManus; The Barbarian Way, by Erwin McManus

Movies:

Gladiator; Fight Club; Top Gun; Scarface; A River Runs Through It; Legends of the Fall

Hope For The Journey:
It's my hope that we might influence our culture and transform lives, all for the sake of Jesus Christ.