Many adjectives could be used to describe Stephen Todd Ely (better known as Steve or Pastor Steve). He was blessed to have a creative mind. One former co-worker said this about him, “Steve had 10,000 new ideas a day. The only problem was that every one of his ideas could cost $10,000 each.” He was very innovative, compassionate, committed, a “detail” person, a classic A-type personality who would get the job done with perfection, a problem solver, and a “go-getter.”
He was an excellent minister and pastor who loved people and would go out of his way, often taking money out of his own pocket to help them. He was an excellent preacher of God’s Word. Because of his creativity, he often used illustrated sermons to assist him in communicating his sermon points to the congregation. This type of preaching was very effective as the main speaker in youth camps, national youth meetings, retreats, etc. He and his wife, Julie, worked as a wonderful team in winning people to Christ, counseling, mentoring, and developing Christian character and true discipleship in the lives of others.
But more importantly, he was a committed family man who deeply loved his beautiful wife, Julie; his two sons, Tal and Devin; his two daughters-in-love, Kelley and Joely; and his two most recent blessings – his grandsons – Tatum Todd and Paxton Ford. He was a devoted Christian man who, through his daily life, intentionally ordered his priorities by placing God first, then his family, his ministry, and others. He was a wonderful son who always honored and loved his parents, and last but not least, he was a good brother.
Stephen Todd Ely was born on August 5, 1968, to parents, Bob and Edith Ely. He passed into his eternal home in heaven (cancer-free and pain-free) on January 31, 2026, at the age of 57. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Stephanie Ely Burchette, and his mother-in-law, Sue Willoughby Yeargan.
His survivors include his wife, Julie, of the home; son, Talmadge Ely and wife, Kelley, of Edmond, OK; son, Devin Ely and wife, Joely, of OKC; 2 grandsons, Tatum Todd Ely and Paxton Ford Ely; parents, Bob and Edith Ely, of OKC; father-in-law, Larry Yeargan, Sr, of Pauls Valley, OK; and brothers-in-law, Larry Yeargan, Jr, and wife Dana, and Stephen Yeargan and uncle, Jim Manning; aunt, Judy Spearman; and many cousins and a host of fellow ministers and friends.
Steve was dedicated to God on November 24, 1968. At the young age of six, Steve accepted Jesus as his personal Savior on May 28, 1974. He received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on June 12, 1980, and was baptized in water at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Apache, OK. His first job was as a paper boy for the Anadarko Daily News. He joined the Apache First PHC on March 24, 1985. In 1985, he joined the Conference Impact Team, a group of teenagers who traveled and sang together in local churches. Steve preached his first sermon at the Apache Church in 1986, titled “The Scarlet Cord of Redemption.” He attended Anadarko Public Schools and participated in baseball, wrestling, and cross country, placing 11th in the State cross country meet. He graduated as Salutatorian of his class in 1986.
Steve attended Southwestern College of Christian Ministries (later changed to Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK), graduating as Valedictorian in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He received his master’s degree from SCU Graduate School in 2006.
In June 1990, Steve moved to McColl, South Carolina, where he served as the Youth Pastor of the McColl Pentecostal Holiness Church. On June 22, 1990 Steve received his ministers license in the South Carolina Conference of the IPHC. It was then that Steve rekindled a long-distance relationship with a lifelong friend, Julie Yeargan. Julie was a bridesmaid and vocalist in Stephanie’s wedding, where she and Steve realized their love for each other. Six months later, on June 29, 1991, they were married at the Gospel Beams Church in Duncan, OK. After their honeymoon trip, they moved Julie’s things to McColl, SC, where Steve was serving as youth pastor. In 1992, they moved to Greenville, NC, where they served as youth pastors of the Greenville First PHC until 1998. Steve was ordained by the North Carolina Conference of the IPHC in June 1992. While living in Greenville, their first son, Talmadge (Tal), was born on August 13, 1997. In September 1998, Steve was hired as the campus pastor and admissions director for SCU, and they moved to Yukon, OK.
On August 3, 2000, Steve was installed as the National Youth Pastor for the IPHC Denomination. Their second son, Devin, was born on November 14, 2000. Steve’s first book, “The Hidden Hinges of Youth Ministry”, was published in 2003.
On August 26, 2007, Steve and Julie pioneered Passion Church with Steve as the founding Pastor and Julie as Worship Leader. In January of 2022, under Steve’s leadership, Passion Church opened Hope Center in Bethany – a residential place for men who were addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.
Steve and Julie resigned from the pastorate of Passion Church on July 9, 2023. Shortly thereafter, he became the Director of Clergy Development for the IPHC and Director of the Pastoral Care Initiative Grant Program. In 2024, his second book, “Climate Change,” was published.
Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer on December 19, 2024. During this difficult season, Steve and Julie’s first grandson, Tatum Todd Ely, was born on July 28, 2025. On September 5, 2025, their second grandson, Paxton Ford Ely, was born. These two boys were a gift from God for Steve and Julie. Each time the boys came to their home, Steve’s spirit was lifted! During Steve’s battle with stomach cancer, he wrote three books: “The Diary of a Cave Dweller”, “The Whisper of God”, and “The Gifts.” In addition, he developed the required courses for the IPHC ministerial credentialing program, working from home until two days before his death.
Steve passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and close friends. He is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. He is cheering for his family to finish their race well. He will be there to welcome them to a place of unspeakable beauty and peace whenever God says it is His Will and timing for them to enter their eternal reward!
Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Wednesday, 9am-8pm with family present from 5:30-7:30pm. Funeral services will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 5 at Victory Church with interment following in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. To share condolences, visit www.mercer-adams.com.
Memorial donations may be made to Hope Center Ministries by mailing a check to PO Box 271085, Oklahoma City, OK 73137. Please mark your check by adding “In memory of Steve Ely – Bethany Campus.”
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham expressed his thoughts about the life of Rev. Steve Ely: “The IPHC mourns the passing of Rev. Steve Ely. He was an outstanding servant of Jesus who served the Lord with passion, excellence, and determination. I had the privilege of serving with him from 2001-2005 as he led IPHC Youth Ministries. In the summer of 2023 Steve joined the General Superintendents Office as Director of IPHC Clergy Development. In these brief two and half years he brought to completion the Ministerial Credentialling Program (MCP), enhanced the Clergy Care department, led in the Pastoral Care Initiative from Lilly Endowment, and other significant service ministries to IPHC pastors and ministers.
There are not words to express our personal loss with his passing. But his commitment to Christ, his godly family, and his faithful service will also be in our hearts. We know Steve is with the Lord, and we continue to remember his dear family in prayer.”
Below is the obituary found on Mercer Adams , along with a tribute board and a place for donations.
