In this week’s sermon, we look at Paul’s illustration of the practice of grafting to describe the work of unifying the church, even in the midst of cultural distinctions. As the early church was running into deep cultural divisions among Jewish and non-Jewish believers, Paul used this agricultural analogy to explain why and how we become a unified body of Christ.
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Before he joined us here at Redeemer, Steven has worked as a farmer, pastor, and educator in Austin, Texas, living and working at a tiny-house community for the homeless. Ordained as a deacon the week before COVID shut down the world, Steven has a passion to bring the Church and the poor into deeper relationships with one another. For several years Steven had found a long distance mentor in Bp. Alan Hawkins, and in 2021 this friendship led to an invitation for Steven to bring his ministry to Redeemer.
As our Farm Director, Steven is excited to be overseeing the care and growth of New Garden Farm. As a site for restorative Edenic homemaking, the Farm can become a laboratory for radical hospitality, where Redeemer members can grow in deeper relationships with God, with one another, and with the stranger in our midst.
When Steven is not casting giant visions, he is fiddling around in his organic garden and playing with mud and straw as a natural builder. Steven is joined by his wife and fellow maker, Dr. Bethany Bear Hebbard, daughters Pearl and Goldberry, and son Caedmon.
