Stephen Clark

 

Title: Senior Pastor Telephone: 305.238.8121 x.306 Email: stephen@ocpc.org Staff Member Since: 2007 Birthday: July 26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About me:

For the past two years I have been the Senior Pastor of Old Cutler, coming to Miami from the Washington DC area.  It’s been a bit like coming home having grown up in Jamaica and discovering myself in a church with at least three peers who went to the same high school in the mountains of Jamaica!

My wife, Olivia, and I grew up in Christian homes and on farms just ten miles apart in the mountains of Jamaica. A decisive turning point in our spiritual lives was coming to an understanding that Christ is our righteousness and that we are not only saved by grace, but must live by grace. We are best friends who believe in being open, honest, and transparent in our walk with Christ. We have been blessed with three wonderful children, two of which just happen to now live in Florida, one in Miami. Now that we are empty nesters we find ourselves enjoying the extra time together which is often spent in the garden.

Despite my academic training, and having opportunities to teach in Seminary, my first love has been the sharing, explaining and applying of God’s Word to the lives of those in whom His Spirit is at work. I delight to do this in conjunction with the love, care and nurture of God’s children in the Body of Christ. I am above all a pastor, and I understand that the Lord’s desire for his church is that it be a loving, joyful community which celebrates His glory and goodness, and in which the people of God reach out and serve both the world and one another out of the overflow of God’s love for them.

Olivia and I are very aware of God’s providence and care in our lives. We are genuinely excited at the prospect of sharing our lives with you at Old Cutler. We pray that His blessing will be given to us all in a fresh, new and wonderful way.

What I do:

I work with the elders and the staff to take the spiritual pulse of the church and our community, casting a vision for our ministry and making sure that we are meeting the real needs around us.  Of course I plan worship, do things like hospital visitation and counseling, but also build relationships designed to strengthen others and help them become a vital part of what God is doing in Miami. In the end, my first priority is preaching the Word of God, helping all who hear to understand how great is God’s grace, and what it is like to live our lives in gratitude for his love.

Best part of my job:

Teaching the word of God to a receptive congregation, enjoying the love of God’s people, and serving those who are in need.

The first job I ever had:

Working as a clerk in a Savings and Loan Credit Union.

What I do on my free time:

True to our roots growing up on a farm, Olivia and I love to garden, and to travel – just about anywhere that we have not been before.

Favorite Bible verse:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

Favorite TV Shows:

Any and all news channels

Favorite Movies:

Babette’s Feast, Out of Africa, All Passion Spent

Favorite Miami restaurants:

Scotty’s Landing, Titanic, Blue Parrot

Random fact:

I grew up on a farm in Jamaica.