The Reverend Steven M. Balke

As Rector, Steven is responsible for inviting and empowering the people of St. Stephen’s to explore their relationships with God, with each other, and with the world outside our doors. He leads the vestry and the staff in their work for the community, serves on behalf of the Bishop for the pastoral needs of the people, and is the primary planner and presider over worship. Steven also serves as an important liaison with other faith communities and with All Saints School.
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Prior to St. Stephen’s, Steven served as a Curate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas, College Missioner at Baylor University, and Deacon at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Washington, DC.

His studies include degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary and Indiana Wesleyan University as well as additional education from Christian Theological Seminary, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of the South’s Education For Ministry. Before becoming a priest, Steven worked as a teacher, and he remains passionate about the importance of education as a ministry of the Church. His training in Holy Scripture, theology, restorative justice, family systems, preaching, and parish administration equip his work as Rector well.

Steven and his wife Katie have two sons, 4-year old Elliott and 1-year old Owen. He loves cooking, reading about cooking, watching cooking shows on TV, and going to celebrity chef restaurants. He especially enjoys experimenting with new dishes and playing host to dinner parties. He enjoys playing handyman around the house/church/school, fixing broken appliances, furniture, plumbing, and electronics. His wife is teaching him how to become a football fan, though he grew up watching ice hockey and continues to be fascinated.  Return to Staff Page.