The Stephens Christian Trust Story
A Sacred Land
Centuries of mineral flows and erosion carved the limestone bluffs along the Cumberland River, a striking testament to time’s patient hand. These formations intrigue geologists who study their mysteries and naturalists who explore their winding trails. This ancient landscape shaped the fertile soils of the Nashville Basin, nourishing row crops and lush pastureland. Today, it sustains over two million residents and powers a thriving economy enriched by agriculture, advanced manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. It welcomes thousands each year with its southern charm, offering culture, cuisine, and natural beauty to all who visit.
Exalted in the Earth
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”—Psalm 46:10
The land is at the center of Stephens Christian Trust story. Purchased for ten dollars an acre in the early days of the Great Depression, the property that is Stephens Valley once supported livestock and yielded crops. Where furrows once lined the earth, homes now rise to form a thriving community.
Bill Stephens, a man deeply acquainted with the rhythms of the seasons and the land, served as its steward for decades. Working the land instilled in him an appreciation not only for its farming potential but also for its deeper commercial value. As the CEO of W.E. Stephens Manufacturing Company, Inc., an apparel company founded by his father that created clothes for work and sport, Bill developed a keen understanding of how businesses create value. Throughout his life, he used his business acumen to develop resources to advance the Kingdom of God. The Stephens Christian Trust, established in 1958, became the cornerstone of his mission to serve the Kingdom.
A Vision for Christian Causes
Over time, Bill devised a plan to unlock the “stored value” of the land for a greater purpose: to heal, teach, and spread the Gospel. As Nashville grew, Bill prepared the land for residential development, ensuring proceeds from its sale—and a portion of every property transaction—would support the Stephens Christian Trust. Yet, even before this pinnacle dream took shape, the Trust was already actively supporting Christian causes.
Philanthropy was a natural extension of Bill Stephens’s faith. Through Stephens Christian Trust, he generously supported Christian universities, global broadcasting efforts, and other mission-driven causes.
Over the years, the Trust has played an important role in advancing transformative initiatives across education, evangelism, and benevolent work. An early example of its educational mission was the establishment of the J.P. Sanders Scholarship Fund at Pepperdine University. It also provided substantial support to Lipscomb University, including the creation of the Batsell Barrett Baxter Chair of Preaching and committed $10 million toward the development of the Brewer Campus of Lipscomb Academy.
The history of the Trust includes significant contributions to the World Bible Translation Center, funding Bible translations and their distribution in multiple languages; supporting World Christian Broadcasting and their short-wave radio blanket of the entire globe from their transmission towers in Alaska and Madagascar. Other ministries receiving support from the Trust include Nashville Inner City Ministry, Continent of Great Cities and their urban church-building projects throughout South America, Healing Hands International, Herald of Truth, numerous Christian schools, organizations serving the needs of underprivileged youth, the elder population and other entities which focus on the Trust’s dedication to the pillars of its mission.
Bill and Neika Stephens, alongside President Randy Lowry, signed an agreement to provide their support for Lipscomb University.
A Test of Faith
Bill’s resolve to follow what he believed to be a God-given path, was challenged many times throughout his life. As just one example, the National Park Service sought to route the Natchez Trace Parkway through Stephen’s land. The scenic 444-mile corridor, rich with history, threatened to consume over 300 acres of Stephens’ property. Resolute, Bill fought for concessions, preserving 19 hills that remain in the Trust’s care. Though frustrated by the modest compensation offered through the process of eminent domain, he came to see the parkway as a blessing, driving development and increasing the value of the remaining acres. Bill’s perseverance confirmed his deep belief that God is sovereign. This land was gift for him to steward.
In life, nothing tested Bill more than his search for a cancer treatment for his ailing son, Ed. Despite Bill’s tireless efforts, traveling the world in search of a viable treatment, Ed ultimately lost his battle—a heartbreak that tested Bill’s faith yet failed to diminish it. Even in grief, Bill continued funding advancements in healthcare, holding fast to hope and to God’s love. Today, the Trust emphasizes healthcare initiatives in memory of Ed.
Strategic and Adaptable
Since its founding in 1958, the Trust has continually adapted to meet the challenges of changing times while staying true to its core values. Shortly before his passing, Bill outlined a set of guiding principles rooted in his deep commitment to providing health services, educating young people, and meeting human needs—all as a means of sharing the Good News of Jesus. Instead of imposing strict directives, he entrusted future trustees with the flexibility to adapt while remaining focused on four foundational pillars: education, healthcare, agri-missions, and evangelism.
Years after Bill’s passing, his vision continues to bear fruit. The Trust’s governance has evolved, reflecting continuity and adaptability. The current board of trustees—Rhonda Lowry (Chair), Neika Stephens, Walt Leaver, Greg Hardeman, and Kate Rosenthal, Ernest Clevenger, and D.J. Farris—uphold the principles established by Bill. They emphasize collaboration, transparency, and strategic thinking to ensure that the Trust’s resources are used effectively and faithfully.
The trustees, especially his wife Neika, understood Bill’s intentions and shared in his vision that the resources yielded through the Trust would serve future works yet to be revealed by God.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”—Hebrews 11:8-10
Inspired by the biblical practice of the sabbatical, the trustees have instituted a discernment process to reassess priorities, ensuring the Trust remains impactful and aligned with its mission.
“The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest.”—Leviticus 25:1-5
Every seventh year, Stephens Christian Trust will pause its regular cycle of reviewing and awarding grants to assess the impact of its work in advancing the Kingdom. During the sabbatical year, the Trust will convene conferences and workshops, bringing together theologians, church leaders, missionaries, and frontline service providers to discern how God is moving in new and transformative ways. The insights gained will be compiled into a comprehensive white paper, offering findings and recommendations to guide the Trust’s focus for the next six years. Throughout this process, the Trust will remain steadfast in its commitment to its four foundational pillars.
A New Beginning
Stephens Christian Trust stands at a pivotal moment—the threshold of a dream becoming reality, a legacy taking shape, and the fulfillment of a life’s work. This is a critical phase where final preparations are underway to gather the resources essential for advancing its mission. While the day will come when the Trust begins awarding grants to support Christian causes, today’s focus remains on completing the work Bill Stephens began, securing the full measure of resources that will empower the mission of Stephens Christian Trust in perpetuity.
