Steven C. Nelson
July 17, 1947 – October 13, 2015
Steve Nelson, age 68, died of cancer on October 13, 2015. He was born in Fall River Mills, CA on July 17, 1947 to Wilbur and Ethel Nelson. He grew up in Salt Lake City, UT, where his parents pastored a church, ran a gospel radio ministry, and taught their children in the ways of the LORD.
Steve and his first wife Cheryl moved to Seattle, WA in 1969, where they had their only son, Nate. Steve loved worshipping Jesus and leading other people in His praise, and in 1986, he became the worship leader at Woodland Baptist church (later Grace Fellowship). While there, Steve constantly showed the love of Christ to people in the Ballard area, and became pastor of the church in 2001.
In 2007, Steve met, fell in love with, and married Jennifer Stoops Nelson, and the following year, the Lord blessed them with a son, Luke. As a pastor, Steve continued to 
grow in his commitment to trust the Lord and his son Jesus Christ in every area of his life, and to love every person he met as a creation of God. He lived according to Hebrews 10:35-36.
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
In July of 2015, in the midst of a three-year battle against cancer, Steve retired from Grace Fellowship and planned, with his wife Jen and son Luke, to move to Sequim, WA to begin a home ministry, teaching people about God’s grace through Jesus Christ. On October 13, Steve, like that Great Cloud of Witnesses before him, “died in faith, not having received the 
things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that [he was a stranger and exile] on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)
Steve’s love for others and the strength of his faith in God’s power and goodness continue to set an example for his family, his flock, and his friends.
Steve is survived by his wife Jen and his sons Nate, Jazz, and Luke. His memorial service will be at Calvary Ballard (410 NW 62nd St., Seattle, WA, 98107) on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2:00pm.
7 Responses to “Steven C. Nelson”
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I just found out.I am.so sorry to hear. He was such a kind caring man.I remember many hrs on the phone n he would just listen n pray for me. He always loved the Lord and helping ppl. I had met him on line and he was so kind to me.you will be greatly missed my friend. Will see you in heaven one day.
In the short time that I had come to know Steve, one thing became very evident, his love for Jesus and the gospel of the grace of God and the love he had in preaching and sharing the grace, mercy and love that he had experienced through his relationship with Jesus.
I just learned of Steve’s going to be with the Lord through Chuck Orestad. Steve was my best friend through high school and was my best man at my wedding in SLC. I plan to be at the funeral. I have been trying to get in touch with Steve for years, but there are just too many with his name! What a great friend. Alan Axtell
[…] Authors Note: This post was originally written in September 2014. Pastor Steve Nelson of Grace Fellowship Church passed away in October 2015. Steve moved to Seattle, WA in 1969, and became a parishioner at Woodland Baptist Church. In 1986, he became the worship leader, and in 2001 he became the pastor of the church where he served until his death. Additional photos and information about Steve available HERE. […]
I was thinking about Pastor Steve and decided to look him up, and found he has passed. This saddens me but I know he is in a better place. He was one of the most influential individuals in my life, without his guidance and leadership I wouldn’t be the person I am today. God Bless you pastor Steve until we meet again.
Dear Steve Nelson,sorry I never got to see you when you were ill with cancer.You made a huge impact on my life and really helped me.I remember when I cleaned the church for you. Yeshua was always their for me and talked loudly. I’m sorry you left all your loved one’s but I’m sure you are visiting with my parents and many family’s having a great time dancing and, Living in his glory; my friend your always in my heart forever.For the family sorry for your loss and to Luke your Dad is watching over you and everyone.I will listen to your tapes and hear my old pastor preaching.Wow did you know how to preach give Yeshua a great big hug from me forever your fried Jody Siciliano.+++
I am sad to read this so long after his passing and wish to extend to his family my condolences. His leading worship at Woodland Baptist was a wonderful experience and blessed the lives of many. He was a kind man, had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved the Lord with all his heart and all his soul. If anything can be said of Steve, he let the love of Jesus shine through him to bless others with the peace that passes understanding. May God shine his face upon you, Steve.