Biographical Sketch - Stephen R.
Strader
Stephen
R. Strader is the International Missionary Evangelist of Carpenter's
Home Church, Lakeland, Florida. The name of his ministry is
Ablaze International. He travels extensively throughout the
United States and Internationally, igniting, fanning, and reviving
revival fires.
Stephen R. Strader
was born again at the age of 8 and was baptized in the Holy
Spirit and called into the ministry at the age of 12. He entered
the ministry at the age of 18. He married his lovely wife, Janice,
in August 1977. He has worked as an associate pastor at the
Carpenter's Home Church, in Lakeland, Florida, since 1978. Stephenís
father, Karl D. Strader, is the Senior Pastor of that church.
In January 1994,
Stephen, along with his wife, Janice, and their four children,
Jordan, Marcus, Austin and Alexis, took a leave of absence from
the church to travel with Missionary Evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne
as his assistant. Stephen assisted Brother Rodney in over 300
meetings. It was during this time that God began to burn the
revival fire in him.
Stephen and his
family began traveling across the United States & internationally
spreading the revival fire. The basic doctrines of the church
are emphasized: Salvation, Water Baptism, Healing, Holiness,
Stewardship, and the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. Signs
and wonders, and unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit confirm
the Word preached. His mission: spread this revival fire everywhere.
Stephen has a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry & Bible from the Southeastern
College of the Assemblies of God in Lakeland, Florida. He was
ordained in the Assemblies of God in 1978.
Stephen has held
many extended revivals across America. He has also ministered
in the Ukraine, Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama, the Virgin Islands,
the Philippines, Ghana, Guyana, Nicaragua, and India. People
are testifying of miraculous transformations in their lives
and the lives of their families. Particularly noted is the number
of children and young people that are being touched by the anointing
of God.
Signs and Wonders
are following the Word of God being preached. This is truly
a great day for a miracle!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Stephen has his
undergraduate degree in Bible and Pastoral Theology. He feels
called to "Five Fold Ministry" as a Pastor. God has placed on
him a "Apostolic / Prophetic Mantle" that often "flows" in his
services.
While doing graduate
studies at Oral Roberts University in 1977, Stephen was hired
to work on Oral Roberts' television crew. During that time,
Stephen became increasingly interested in Christian Television.
He returned to Carpenter's Home Church in 1978 to take over
the Television Operation as an Associate Pastor in charge of
Pastoral Care. After wearing the dual hats for nearly five years,
Stephen went "full time" in Christian Television. He produced
many types of videos for the church and "outside" production
clients including: Coca-Cola Foods (training video), Regal Boats
(regional commercials), Century Communities (promotional), Larnell
Harris (concert), Todd Farley (mime concert), Greg Buchanon
(harp concert), Ballet Magnificat (ballet concert), and Word
records (music videos).
Since 1995, Stephen
has been full time associate pastor at Carpenter's Home Church
in charge of Pastoral Care; Missions, and Outreach. He travels
about half his time throughout the USA and Internationally.
When he is home, he coordinates all visits to the hospital,
sick at home and in the nursing homes; "off the street" counseling,
"special needs" counseling; and coordinates the bereavement
situations including counseling the family, doing the funeral,
and having food or assistance for the family. He gives oversight
to the benevolence department including a food pantry that gives
out over 80 tons of food each year. He also gives oversight
to the Home Group Ministry and all Outreach Ministries under
the covering of the church.
Stephen's weekly
responsibilities include preaching the 9:30 am service each
Sunday. This service is a one hour "Sunday School / Worship
Service" that has about 400 - 450 in attendance. He also has
total responsibility for the Wednesday evening mid-week-revival
service. Approximately 400 - 450 adults attend that service.
Stephen serves
on the Service Committee that coordinates all of the services
and master calendar of the church; the Administration Committee
which handles the "nuts & bolts" of the total Carpenter's
Home Church operation including the church, radio station, TV
production company, and Evangel Christian School that has over
500 students in daycare through 12 grade; and the Operations
Team which sets policies, and gives direction and vision to
the church.
Stephen has been
appointed by the Senior Pastor and ratified by the congregation
as the "Senior Associate." In this capacity, he is responsible
to know the total operation of the church and to be available
to become Senior Pastor in the event that the Senior Pastor
is unable to fulfill his duties for any reason.