“Sharing Jesus in New & Living Ways”
Crown of Hope
Stephen E. Gardner celebrated 36 years of ministry in August 2011. During his ministry he served as a church elder, itinerant evangelist, and senior pastor. In May 1999 he was ordained an apostle and has functioned in this capacity since. He embraces a personal philosophy that the church was ordained to impact the community with programs and services as an expression of the gospel they preach. To this end, Stephen has directed several key initiatives that reflect his personal philosophy: Project Restore, an effort initiated by the Governor’s Office of Faith & Community Initiatives, which implemented training among faith and community leaders to address the needs of Katrina evacuees relocated to Arizona. Project Restore collaborated with state agencies, FEMA, church and other community organizations in providing basic needs assistance, spiritual care, psycho-social services, and stabilization of the 2005 Hurricane Evacuees. Bridging the Gap, a health initiative of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Foundation located in Indianapolis. This project was partially funded with a $450,000 matching grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to increase HIV counseling and testing in communities of color; expand outreach to provide care coordination for individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Antioch Christian Academy, an outreach of Antioch Community Church located on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. The Academy provided low income families an affordable childcare, and a K-9 Christian School, which used computer technology to achieve its curriculum goals, and nearly $100,000 in tuition assistance grants for parents. Stephen founded and served as its President/CEO from 1998 through 2004. Stephen holds a Master of Arts in Urban Ministry Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies; both degrees are from Martin University in Indianapolis. He is a Doctor of Education candidate in Organizational Leadership at Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, AZ., and is expected to graduate in May 2013. He holds memberships with the Society of Biblical Literature, the International Honor Society in Education, and the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO). Kathy S. Gardner was first ordained to the ministry in August 2007, and later ordained an apostle in October 2010, after completing seminary. Her passion is to see individuals saved, healed, and pursuing their Kingdom destiny. She was the daughter of a pastor/evangelist, and has a family lineage of ministry leaders. She served in the ministry of helps several years before accepting God’s call upon her life in 2006 to continue her father’s legacy. She has combined her professional skills as a Chaplain and a Social Worker to enhance her approach to community ministry. Kathy is the founder, and CEO of the Women of Valor Foundation (WOVF), which is a public charity that was created to be a bridge within the community. WOVF provides spiritual and emotional support, urban renewal through education, life skills training, family support, and leadership training for youth. She is a graduate of Liberty Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ottawa University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Organizational Leadership) from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona. She holds professional memberships with the National Association of Social Work (NASW), American Association of Christian Counselors, American Counseling Association, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Association of Professional Chaplains.
About Us

  1. BulletSpread the gospel in a variety of locations throughout Phoenix Metro by establishing bible studies in strategic areas for evangelism and discipleship.

  2. BulletExpand our outreach world wide by using the Internet e.g., social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, etc.

  3. BulletEstablish a Compassion Center that focus on needs relevant to urban populations.

  4. BulletEstablish a new central Worship Facility where the Sanctuary, Administrative Offices, Education Center, Youth and Family Center are located.

  5. BulletEstablish a Child Care and Christian School (K-12), which is affordable for all families.

  6. BulletEstablish an Elder Care outreach program and a Assisted Living Facility for those in need.

  7. BulletWork with other congregations in areas of common interest.

Our Goals