The son of a United Methodist minister, Rev. Steve Marshall grew up in the church and has been active in the church's ministry throughout his life. He entered the ordained ministry after a career as a graphic artist that included working as an advertising illustrator in New York City, serving as staff artist at a Phoenix radio-television station, and managing a successful small business. After being bitten by the computer bug in the early 80's, Steve delved into the emerging computer graphics field and gained proficiency in computer animation, computer programming and desktop publishing.

Steve graduated from Ottawa University in 1992 and completed his Masters of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in 1997. Prior to his appointment in June, 1996 to begin New Song United Methodist Church in Surprise, he served as student pastor of Liberty United Methodist Church in Buckeye, Arizona. Steve was ordained elder by the Desert Southwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in June, 2000. In June, 2005 Rev. Marshall was honored as the Desert Southwest Annual Conference Evangelist of the Year with an award from the Foundation for Evangelism. 

Having started one successful new church, Steve is now ready to take on the exciting task of planting another new church here in the growing area of north Peoria. He and his wife, Susan, have been married for 39 years and have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Rev. Marshall is looking forward to serving the future congregation of Spirit Song United Methodist Church as their pastor.