
Stephen is a graduate of Baylor University where he earned the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance. He has appeared as tenor soloist with the San Antonio Symphony in performances of Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Requiem, and Bach's Cantata No. 172 and with the Austin Symphony in performances of Mendelssohn's Elijah. Stephen has appeared in "Three Tenors" concerts with Boca Symphonic Pops in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is also the former Minister of Music with the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, where he was a featured conductor for the Florida Philharmonic and New World Symphonies. His youth and adult choirs have appeared in concert for Church Music Conferences at the local, state, and national levels. Stephen convenes sessions in workshops focusing upon church music education in a 21st century church landscape, and also presents as youth choir specialist. He recently completed 22 years as Associate Pastor of Worship and Music at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio in May of 2012.
Stephen celebrates 30 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jamye Mott Carrell. Jamye is a graduate of Baylor and is a former "Lady Bear" basketball player for the university. She is a Physical Educator and has also served as Chaplain of the WNBA San Antonio Silver Stars from 2003-2012. Her skills reach beyond the athletic fields, as she possesses gifts in interior design and décor, and in hosting and coordinating seasonal events.
He and his wife, Jamye, have three daughters, Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel.

