Steve Alder was ordained to the diaconate by the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish, Tenth Bishop of Utah, in June 2006. Deacon Steve began his spiritual journey with the Episcopal Church in 1974, having been reared in the Southern Baptist tradition. He also attended the Assemblies of God Church in high school. Just before moving from Maryland to California to attend Pepperdine University, Steve was introduced to the Episcopal tradition and fell in love with its liturgy, history and the rational, yet deeply reverent and respectful, study of Holy Scripture. Upon arrival in Salt Lake City in 1998, he began attending St. Paul’s and participated as a choir member, Eucharistic minister and visitor, small group leader, and organized our Caring Connections ministries. During this time, which included discernment for ordained ministry, the congregation voted to raise him up as a deacon in 2002. Further discernment followed, both within and outside the parish, then two years of study with the diocese’s local Formation for Ministry program which culminated in his ordination as a "permanent" deacon (meaning he is not transitioning to the priesthood). Deacon Steve serves as the facilitator for our Social Justice and Outreach Team which is specially tasked with carrying Christ's love into the world. |
