Stedford E. Sims Sr.

A native of Grand Rapids, Stedford Sims has over 25 years of leadership experience working in corporate America. Stedford is an ordained pastor credentialed through the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship and is currently attending Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1999 Stedford launched Step of Faith Ministries, which works to bring together churches, schools, suburban and urban area organizations to positively impact the urban community.

Stedford and his wife Hazel are currently planting a local church (Step of Faith Church) and establishing a non-profit organization called Grand Rapids S.T.E.P. (Sent To Empower People), serving African American families on the southeast side of Grand Rapids in the Baxter Community. “We envision a multi-cultural leadership team serving African American families in an urban context. We are working to raise up indigenous leadership within the black community. Our mission statement is "Building healthy people, healthy families and healthy communities.” Stedford also serves as Pastor Of Congregational Outreach for Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church.

Stedford has served with other national and local organizations in the city of Grand Rapids: School-to-Careers Progressions serving youth in the Public School, West Michigan Promise Keepers, and Convoy of Hope. Stedford also served as co-chair of Heritage of Faith Marriage conferences. Stedford launched a year around After School Program for Abundant Life Ministries that has served over 300 youth in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Stedford also served with the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) initiative, working to establish a set ofstandards for area after school programs.