From almost before he could speak, Stephen Hinkle began his musical pilgrimage. His father was a recording artist before Stephen was born, and so early on Stephen's world was surrounded by music. He was the oldest of six children and began playing piano and singing with his family before he could even read the notes on the page. As a home schooler, Stephen had some unique opportunities to grow in his love for and skills in music. An apprenticeship as a high school student with local worship leader, Dennis Jernigan, the songwriter who penned the worship anthem "All in All", and then a job working at a local Oklahoma City recording studio as the vocal arranger for accompaniment tapes, gave Stephen just the kind of experience he needed to continue to prepare him for what God had planned.

Stephen's love for worship has led him to a full time position as Pastor of Worship Development at Lakeland Evangelical Free Church where he has been leading others in worship for the past several years. He has also recently felt a renewed call to take his passion for worship to the larger church and has finished a recording of new songs that God has put on his heart. His church is in full support of his extending his gifts of music to the larger church and are sending him out as an extension of God's work among His Church on a broader scale. Stephen and his wife, Liz reside in the chicago area.