Jim and Jean Stephens have pioneered and pastored churches in the USA and served as missionaries in Jamaica and inner-city London.
In Jamaica, they were involved in developing the Whole Life Ministries Bible Training Centre in Kingston. Whole Life Ministries Bible Training Centre continues to flourish and has added second and third-year degree courses.
Jim and Jean Stephens moved to London, England from Jamaica in 1992 to open East London Bible Training Centre and the following year opened Newham Bible Training Centre in Plaistow, East London. Additional Bible Training Centres were opened in local churches in London – in Camberwell, Finsbury Park, and Ilford. East London Bible Training Centre past student, Justice Ekuban opened Accra Bible Training Centre in Ghana, using the methods and materials developed at East London Bible Training Centre. Another Bible Training Centre opened in Ghana in March of 1997 in Kumasi.
Since 1999 over 500 pastors and leaders in Central and East Africa have been trained in the use of the Foundation for Christian Service course and provided with complete sets of the Foundation for Christian Service material.
Jim and Jean now live in Bend, Oregon, USA where they have served at Westside Church for several years and continue to mentor and encourage pastors and leaders. Both Jim and Jean write daily devotionals that are widely read. Jim published a book of devotions in 2011.
Jim and Jean Stephens will have been married for 59 years on 17 August 2022 and have two married daughters. Both daughters have participated in short-term missions in Central America and Africa.
Stephanie, married to Philip Smith, lives in Tacoma, Washington, USA. Melissa, married to Colin Blackett, lives in Bend, Oregon, USA.
