Steven Henson

For most of my life, I have lived in Gloucester. I was born and raised here, with the exception of a short time when I lived in West Virginia. It was actually during that time, as a young child, that I had my first experience learning about Jesus through a church program.

After moving back to Gloucester, I didn't have much exposure to church. However, I was fortunate to have a mother who faithfully lived out her faith. Her life was filled with many curveballs and difficult seasons, but through it all, she remained faithful and obedient to Jesus. Watching her walk through those challenges with faith had a lasting impact on me.

In 2015, my dad passed away. Not long afterward, my mom asked me to give my life to Jesus as we both realized just how short and precious life really is. We went to visit family in West Virginia and attended church while we were there. It was during that trip that I gave my life to Jesus.

Looking back, though, I realize I didn't fully understand what that decision really meant. It wasn't until I started dating my now-wife, Ashley, and began attending church regularly with her that I truly began to understand what it meant to follow Jesus.

At that time, I was going through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. It was tremendously hard, and the only way I was able to make it through was because of Jesus. Ashley and I found a church that quickly became home to us. I was baptized there alongside my stepdaughters, and it was truly a special day that I will never forget.

Through that church, I gained friendships that very quickly became like family. I never realized how much I needed people like them in my life, and I am so grateful that God placed them there when He did. God was turning my life around. He put me in the right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people.

Those friendships carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life, as well as some of the very best. After about two years at that church, we all experienced church hurt. But by sticking together and continuing to lean on God, we were able to move forward together.

And that brings us to where we are today—planting 4041 Church.

I went through a hard 40 to get to my 41. But through every difficult season, God was preparing me for this new chapter. Now, we have the opportunity to spread the Gospel, make disciples, serve our community, and help people discover the hope that can only be found in Jesus.

I love the opportunities God gives me to serve both in my church and in my community. He continues to work on me and grow me every single day. Since giving my life to Jesus, I have been transformed in ways I never could have imagined.

One of the things I love most is having conversations with people who may not know Jesus. I know what it is like to hear about Him without truly understanding who He is, and I know what it is like to experience His transforming power firsthand.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share what God has done in my life and in the lives of my children. My story is a reminder that God can take even the hardest seasons and use them for His purpose.

I am excited for this new season and honored to be part of what God is doing through 4041 Church. My prayer is that we would faithfully spread the Gospel, make disciples, serve our community, and point people to Jesus.