Today we’d like to introduce you to Tate Stephens
Hi Tate, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my career in the business world as a regional manager for a broadband company, where I oversaw four stores and more than 20 employees. During my time there, I turned struggling locations into profitable ones and developed strong leadership skills. While I enjoyed the challenges of managing teams and achieving business goals, I sensed a deeper calling on my life.
That calling led me to youth ministry in Fargo, North Dakota, where I had the privilege of helping build vibrant youth programs in our church. It was there that I discovered my passion for investing in the next generation and creating environments where young people could grow in their faith and find community.
After several years, God opened the door for my family and me to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, where I now serve as a Family Ministry Pastor. In this role, I oversee ministries for kids and students from birth to college, focusing on helping them discover their identity in Christ and live out their faith boldly. I’ve also been blessed to plant a youth group at another campus and grow ministries that impact families at every stage of life.
In addition to local ministry, I’ve embraced the power of social media to extend the reach of the gospel. Through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and TUVU, I’ve been able to connect with millions of people, sharing encouraging messages, biblical truths, and creative content that resonates with today’s generation. Whether it’s a 60-second reel or a longer podcast episode, my goal is to make people laugh, learn, and feel encouraged as they navigate life and faith.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how God has guided every step of my journey—from business management to ministry leadership to digital evangelism. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m passionate about continuing to serve, lead, and inspire others to know Jesus and make Him known.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve come to realize that the struggles are just as important as the victories because they’ve shaped me into who I am today. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing everything—family, ministry, and building an online presence. There have been moments when I’ve felt completely overwhelmed, questioning whether I’m doing enough or if I’m even making a difference.
Social media has been an incredible tool for ministry, but it hasn’t come without its own set of struggles. There have been times when burnout felt inevitable—juggling content creation, responding to messages, and keeping up with the ever-changing trends, all while staying true to who I am and the message God has placed on my heart. In those moments, I’ve questioned whether it’s all worth it and even considered stepping away completely.
But then, God shows up in those stories. Someone will reach out and share how a simple post, video, or reel spoke to them at just the right time or how it helped them take a step closer to Jesus. Those stories are what keep me going. They remind me that even when the road feels bumpy, God is using every part of this journey for His glory.
There have also been personal challenges along the way—moments of doubt, insecurity, and wondering if I’m equipped for everything God has called me to do. Yet, every time I’ve felt like giving up, He’s reminded me of His faithfulness. Whether it’s through the encouragement of my wife, my kids, or my church community, I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry the weight of this journey alone.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. Through the ups and downs, God has proven time and time again that He is faithful. He’s the reason I keep going, and knowing that He’s working through it all—even the hard moments—gives me the strength to press on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats in my work, but at the heart of it all is my passion for helping people grow in their faith and find their purpose in Christ. As a Family Ministry Pastor, I lead ministries designed to serve families at every stage of life, from young children to college students. My focus is on creating spaces where kids, teens, and young adults feel supported, challenged, and inspired to live out their faith boldly.
Outside of the church, I’ve developed a significant presence on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and TUVU. My content is a mix of encouragement, humor, and biblical truth, designed to meet people where they are—often in the middle of a scroll. It’s a way to take ministry beyond the walls of the church and into the everyday lives of people all over the world.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to blend my love for local ministry with a broader digital outreach. Whether it’s helping a student at church navigate their faith or hearing from someone online about how a piece of content changed their perspective, both moments remind me of the power of meeting people in their unique contexts.
What sets me apart is the intersection of ministry, leadership, and creativity. I’ve had the privilege of building programs from the ground up, turning vision into reality, and using digital tools to amplify the message of hope and grace. But more than anything, I believe in the power of personal connection and authentic storytelling. It’s not just about numbers or platforms—it’s about lives being impacted, one person at a time.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually the opposite of what you might expect from a pastor today. I didn’t follow the Lord as a kid, and I was a pretty shy, self-conscious kid just trying to find my place in the world. I grew up in South Dakota, where life revolved around family, friends, and being outdoors.
Sports were a huge part of my life. I played basketball, football, and baseball, and I even skateboarded whenever I could. During the summers, I traveled across the United States with a traveling basketball team, which was such a cool experience. It taught me a lot about teamwork and perseverance, and it helped me step out of my comfort zone.
When I wasn’t on the court or the field, I loved video games, drawing, hunting, and just being outside. Whether it was exploring, riding bikes, or hanging out with friends, I was always on the move, soaking up every moment. Being with my family was also really important to me—I loved spending time with them, and that sense of connection has stuck with me through the years.
Looking back, I was a mix of reserved and adventurous. I was quiet and shy in some situations, but when I was doing the things I loved—whether it was playing sports, skateboarding, drawing, or hanging out with people who mattered to me—I felt like I could really be myself. Those experiences helped shape me into who I am today and gave me a foundation to build on as I eventually stepped into my faith and my calling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtatestephens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tate.stephens.7/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtatestephens
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tate.stephens?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
