By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran

 

Ed and Stephanie Newton pour their hearts into leading Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio, profoundly impacting our community. Ed’s passionate sermons inspire countless individuals, while Stephanie’s hands-on support in ministry helps create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Together, they’ve cultivated a space where faith, family, and service intertwine, ensuring every person feels valued and connected. Their dedication to spiritual leadership and personal involvement has transformed lives and strengthened bonds within the community, which is why we proudly call them a power couple and this issue’s Role Model and Guy to Know.

 

Role Model Stephanie Newton

 

 

A Life of Faith, Family, and Service

 

Stephanie’s life reminds us that true strength is driven by purpose and faith. “I don’t want to please anyone but Him,” she says humbly, and in doing so, she continues to inspire others to live with the same commitment to faith and love.

 

Stephanie Newton’s life is a testament to grace, perseverance, and faith. As a pastor’s wife, mother of four, and dedicated volunteer, she serves as a quiet role model for many. Now living in San Antonio, Texas, after years in Memphis and Orlando, Stephanie and her family settled here. “We love to call San Antonio home,” she says. But her journey here is more than just a relocation story—it’s a story of faith in action.

 

One of the defining moments in her life came in 2010 when Stephanie and her husband Ed, pastor at San Antonio’s Community Bible Church, adopted their son from Ethiopia. “Adoption had long been on my heart,” she shares. “We can’t take care of everybody, but we could make a difference in one.”

 

They didn’t know that the journey to bring their son home would test their faith in unexpected ways. With their three young daughters in tow, the Newton family sprinted through Atlanta’s airport, desperate to catch their flight to Ethiopia. “My husband, a marathon runner, dashed ahead to the gate, hoping to convince them to hold the plane. Meanwhile, I was carrying four backpacks and trying to keep up with our girls, who had handed off their bags to me to run faster,” Stephanie laughs, reflecting on the chaotic moment.

 

As they reached the gate, their hearts sank—the door had already closed. “We were devastated,” Stephanie remembers. “We knew missing that flight meant we wouldn’t be able to complete the final adoption paperwork at the U.S. Embassy on time.” In that moment of desperation, Stephanie fell to her knees. “I prayed out loud at the gate, asking God for a miracle.” As she finished, the door to the plane reopened. They were allowed to board.

 

“I learned that when God leads us to do something for Him, He will always make a way—even when it feels impossible. God’s plans cannot be stopped.” This moment exemplifies what drives Stephanie: faith in God’s timing and provision. “Ultimately, the Lord motivates me,” she says. “When I wake up in the morning, I remind myself that no matter what happens, He’s in charge.”

 

Despite her significant role in the church and community, Stephanie remains humble. When asked if she sees herself as a role model, she says, “I don’t have to be perfect, but I do need to be myself.” This authenticity, she believes, is one of the most important values she can pass on to her children. “I want my kids to see me and know that Jesus is always worth following.”

 

For Stephanie, being a role model is not about perfection; it’s about living in a way that reflects her faith. She points to her mother as one of her significant role models. “My mom’s faithfulness was something I witnessed daily. She would sit in her chair every morning, reading her Bible. That made an impression on me.”

 

Another influence in her life is the pastor’s wife from their Memphis church. “She taught me how to serve family and community with grace and be a mom and wife through hardship.”

 

Stephanie’s life centers on serving others—whether through worship, teaching the Bible, or simply being present for her family. “I want to live my life in a way that shows I’m grateful for what [God’s] done for me,” she says.

 

Stephanie Newton continues to lead by example through her humility and authentic love for those around her. Her life, shaped by perseverance and grace, reminds us that true strength comes from living with purpose and trust, even in the most challenging moments.

 

 

Guy to Know Pastor Ed Newton

 

 

 

Pastor Ed’s journey is deeply rooted in his unique upbringing—an experience that shaped his worldview and calling to serve others. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to two deaf parents, Ed was thrust into the role of being their voice and ears, navigating a world where communication went beyond words. “I grew up in a deaf home… it was a tremendous life shaper in my life”, says Pastor Ed.

 

As a child, Ed moved to Orlando, Florida. His neighborhood became another formative influence as a government-subsidized housing project for people with varying disabilities. Reflecting on this period, Ed shares, “It’s probably one of the greatest life experiences to be surrounded by people who were not people with disabilities, but people with different abilities.” His neighbors included individuals with paraplegia and individuals who were blind or deaf, all of whom adapted in inspiring ways to their unique challenges.

 

Ed recalls, “Superheroes surrounded me, and that taught me to see the power in people, even when the world might overlook them.” These experiences cultivated a deep empathy and understanding in him, shaping his desire to uplift those often marginalized by society.

 

These early life experiences became the foundation for Ed’s philosophy on ministry and leadership. When he faced his struggles—like failing his SATs and being told he wasn’t “college material”—he held onto the resilience he had seen in others. A chance opportunity to play basketball took him to Clearwater Christian College, where he felt a calling to serve God through ministry. “Sometimes, to be of great impact to other people, you have to go through some of the things that they faced,” Ed says. “Nobody signs up for hardship… but God allows us to go through those moments so that the comfort we receive can be given to others who are going through the same things.”

 

In 2016, Ed became the lead pastor of Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio, a city he has grown to love deeply. “I’m married into an amazing family with my wife Stephanie, and my four incredible kids, London, Lola, Liv, and Lawson, but the people of San Antonio have become my family,” he says. He sees CBC as a church and a community where people can find belonging, regardless of background or ability. “CBC is not a perfect church; it’s filled with imperfect people just like me,” he shares. “We have a campus on the South Side, one further north near Bulverde, and our main campus, but no matter where, it’s about creating a space where everyone is welcome.”

 

Pastor Ed’s work at CBC centers around three principles: revival, discipleship, and evangelism. He explains that “revival is a spiritual awakening, an encounter with God that impacts every aspect of life. It’s not just a one-hour experience on Sundays; it permeates everything.” Discipleship, as he describes it, is about living life alongside others by modeling values and behaviors that others can emulate. Evangelism, for him, is simply “delivering real hope”—sharing the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Jesus.

 

Ed’s commitment to fostering a spirit of revival and connection extends to every congregation member, from young children to seniors. His passion for youth ministry is deeply influenced by his experiences as a young man searching for purpose. “Who said a third grader couldn’t be a bright light on their campus?” he asks. He believes that every person, regardless of age or circumstance, has the potential to be a leader and a positive influence.

 

At CBC, he seeks to create an environment where all people can experience a spiritual awakening, find community, and understand their potential to make a difference. Pastor Ed is genuinely the guy to know for those seeking hope, understanding, and a more profound sense of belonging through spirituality.