What could this one man possibly have to say to former communist guerrillas in the jungles of Guatemala? And why would some of them name him as their greatest ally in transforming their villages after 36 years of civil war?
Why would pastors, just weeks after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, come to hear him speak? Why do corporate CEO’s call him for business advice, or ask him to perform their wedding ceremony?
Why would this cityslicker be sought after to connect hundreds of cowboys and ranchers in Central America, with their counterparts in the U.S.?
What would music legends like Garth Brooks or Randy Travis want to know from this man, and why would they answer his call?
How is this unassuming person connected with Super Bowl coach Jimmy Johnson and National Championship basketball coach Bill Self?
And why would this man spend months of each year with forgotten people in remote locations no one has ever heard of?
Hailed by some as the “Indiana Jones” of church planters, for over 20 years, Steve has traveled the globe helping people start innovative churches and ministries that reach people who would never dream of attending church services.
Several years ago, Steve founded Daybreak International, a missions organization dedicated to connecting people in hands on projects that target unreached people groups.
Whether riding the range with cowboys, or hiking through dense jungles with Kekchi Indians, or lacing up his leathers for a business lunch, Steve has an uncanny ability to make people feel at ease, listen to their deepest desires, and offer counsel that gets to the heart of the issue.
Steve is an internationally known speaker and author. His book, The Suffering Clause: a Leader’s Surprising Secret for Outlasting Tough Times, is now in Spanish, and is fast becoming a “must read” for those who have hit rougher waters in recent days.
Coming out this next year, Steve will co-author a book titled, From Stuck to Unstoppable: Turn Your Set-backs into Come-backs. In this book, Steve partners with corporate success coach and inspirational speaker, Charlie Baker, to take stories from some of their amazing friends in the sports, entertainment, and business worlds, and show how every one of us can make a great recovery from difficult circumstances.
Steve has been interviewed by radio, TV, and print media for many articles and reports, and he particularly enjoys his partnership with radio stations in several remote areas of Guatemala—broadcasting to people who don’t even have electricity!
Steve’s parents were missionaries when he was a child, and when they returned to the United States during his high school years, Steve used his soccer playing skills to become a sought after field goal kicker and punter.
Because of the reputation and persuasiveness of Jimmy Johnson, Steve decided to walk on to the football program at Oklahoma State University. However, in 1981, during a junior varsity football game in Lincoln, Nebraska, Steve got his knee bent backwards in a freakish collision with several Nebraska Cornhuskers, and thus began what has become a life-long quest for understanding how men and women bounce back from adversity.
Through his adult years, Steve has weathered many difficult circumstances ranging from the loss of loved ones, caring for chronically ill family members, and dealing with betrayal from a close friend and co-pastor who cost him his job and made him an outcaste in a church Steve had started. Yet, those who know Steve best have seen him flourish the most during his most difficult days.
Steve believes that we should not seek to be transformed in spite of our circumstances, but because of them. And his life is a shining example of how this can be possible. Much of Steve’s inspiration can be found in his book, The Suffering Clause. In fact, Steve says, “If anyone knew how many times I read my own book—they’d think I was an ego-maniac! But the truth is it really helps me.”
In spite of the enormous effort Steve puts into his books, he is more than just an author. Much more. He is in demand for personal appearances—often speaking to multiple audiences in the same city—on the same day. Corporations, associations, civic groups—even entire cities—have invited Steve to address their employees, clients, or members.
According to those who have witnessed what he does on stage, there are three things that differentiate Steve from any other speaker they have seen.
1) He is that extremely rare communicator who can hold an audience spellbound for as long as he remains on stage. Steve sometimes speaks for only an hour, but often for more than four as corporate clients demand his multimedia seminars—complete with music, movie clips, and corresponding workbook materials that he can provide for each member of the audience.
Frequently, groups continue to applaud long after he leaves the podium. Steve often returns to answer questions and always stays afterward to talk and shake hands. Because of Steve’s instant connection with people, it’s not unusual for him to be one of the last people to leave an event—talking and listening to folks until the last minute to get on a plane or travel to the next meeting.
2) Many who hear Steve insist that “He is not merely an inspirational speaker! He is a transformational speaker.” Steve gravitates to the things that create lasting change, and is committed to help people not get side-tracked by the latest fads and miss what is most important.
Many of Steve’s stories and principles are used to dramatically affect the growth of teams and small groups of people committed to making positive changes—both corporately in their work environments, and in their personal lives.
3) He is funny! Steve’s speaking style is notably filled with humor. And it should be. He is a local celebrity in several Kansas City churches—bringing the house down in performances as “The Church Lady.”
Steve jokes, “It just goes to show that I’ll do nearly anything if people pay me enough money, or ask me to wear a dress!”
Steve lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife, Nola, and their three sons and two dogs.
