First lady of the IPHC

Stephanie Price Gardner

Stephanie Price Gardner’s journey in ministry began as a freshman at Emmanuel College, now Emmanuel University, where she met Talmadge, a student in the School of Christian Ministries. While visiting the library together, a young woman approached them and shared that God had given her a prophetic word for their lives from Ecclesiastes 4:9–12. That Scripture—reminding them that “two are better than one” and “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”—became a foundation for their life together. Through every season of marriage, family, and ministry, it has remained a treasured reminder of God’s faithfulness and the first of many reassurances they believe He has given them along the way.

After serving at Emmanuel in Georgia, the Gardners followed God’s call to Oklahoma and the IPHC Headquarters, now the Global Ministry Center. Together, they are celebrating 45 years of marriage, 42 years of ministry, and 39 years of service at the Global Ministry Center.

While raising their three children and supporting Talmadge’s ministry, Stephanie built a meaningful career in education. She taught Pre-K through fifth grade, developed new programs, helped start new schools, mentored teachers, and returned to school to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. She later served as an assistant principal and ultimately retired as a principal.

Stephanie’s commitment to service has always extended beyond her professional career. In her local church, she served as nursery director, children’s pastor, activities director, youth sponsor, girls’ ministry director, and even as a member of the building committee. Her pastor once joked that she had served in nearly every position except associate pastor. For Stephanie, however, it was never about the position—it was simply about being willing to serve wherever she was needed while keeping her children and family rooted in the church.

One of Stephanie’s deepest passions is showing compassion, encouragement, and empathy to those serving in Kingdom ministry. Through traveling internationally alongside her husband, she developed a deep love for the global IPHC family and continues to treasure the relationships they have formed around the world.

Today, that same heart is reflected through Ministers’ Wives Fellowship. Stephanie desires to create a place where ministers’ wives and women in ministry feel seen, supported, and encouraged—a community for fellowship, prayer, connection, renewal, and strength as they faithfully pursue God’s calling on their lives.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11