Rev. Taylor comes to Trinity from Covenant UMC in Greer, SC where he was Senior Pastor for the past twelve years.  He has previously served Beulah UMC in Pelzer, Brown Swamp UMC in Conway and Augusta Road UMC in Piedmont, SC.

Stephen’s ministry has emphasized discipleship, congregational and leadership development, and missions.  He provides Church Growth and Re-Vision consultations to churches, and serves as a mentor to new pastors through the Annual conference Residency Program.

His mission activity has included leadership in Salkehatchie, a summer youth program, and mission trips through the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission program (UMVIM).  

Stephen is married to the Rev. Cynthia Taylor, pastor of the Salem and Timmonsville U.M. Churches.  Cynthia, formerly a Certified Rehabilitation Nurse, recently completed Candler and was ordained for ministry as an Elder at this past Annual Conference.  Together they represent generations of ministry.  Cynthia’s father, the Rev. Dr. W. T. Cooke (deceased) was a United Methodist minister in the S.C. Conference.  Stephen is a third generation minister, following in the footsteps of his father, the Rev. Houston D Taylor, Sr., and his grandfather, the Rev. O. E. Taylor (deceased).

Stephen and Cynthia have two daughters.  Lauren recently graduated from Clemson with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Business.  She works at as a Youth Director at a Methodist church in Isle of Palms, SC.  Kelsey is a junior at Sumter High School. 

Music, travel, golf, photography, and time spent with family and friends are some of the things Stephen and his family enjoy in their free time.