About Dr. Stephanie Stratford

Dr. Stephanie Stratford is a trailblazing voice at the intersection of ministry and technology. With over four decades of ministry leadership, she currently serves as the Presiding Bishop and Lead Servant of Ekklesia International Church and provides global apostolic oversight through the Ekklesia International Network of Churches, supporting leaders across the United States, Africa, and Central America.

Blending her theological insight with technological expertise, Dr. Stratford is a certified AI Prompt Optimization Strategist and Coach. She holds Google certifications in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, and specialization in AI Essentials. She is completing a professional certification program in Prompt Engineering at Vanderbilt University. She specializes in helping ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, and writers master the art of prompting large language models (LLMs) to increase productivity, streamline workflows, and unlock creative solutions for ministry and business.

A contributing writer for the YouVersion Bible App, Dr. Stratford is also the author of six published books, with two new releases in progress. Through her book coaching programs, she empowers ministry leaders and writers to magnify their voice and expand their impact.

Dr. Stratford earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg and completed the Harvard University Leader of Learning certificate program. She is passionate about equipping others for sustainable and Spirit-led leadership in a digital age.

In addition to teaching, coaching, and writing, Dr. Stratford is joyfully devoted to her husband, Deacon Thomas Stratford and seven children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Her guiding scripture is Ephesians 4:11–12:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”