1996–2006 

Lane was born on September 25, 1950, in El Paso, TX, to William Newt and Clara Jean Stephenson. His father grew up in Choctaw County and was a member of Bywy Presbyterian Church. Lane married Carol Ruth Almand of Atlanta, GA, on August 12, 1972. They have five children: Robby, David, Jason, Tim, and Ashley. 

Lane graduated from Floral High School, Floral, AL, in 1968; Belhaven University, BA in Christian Education and English Literature, in 1972; Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS, with an M.Div. in 1976, an M.C.E. in 1976, and a D.Min. in 2006. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church U.S. in 1976, and in the Presbyterian Church in America in 2007. 

Dr. Stephenson has served the following churches: Epperson and Brown Hill Presbyterian Church (Tellico Plains, TN) 1976 – 1996, pastor; French Camp Presbyterian Church (French Camp, MS) 1996- 2006, pastor; J. J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church (McComb, MS), 2006-2007, pastor; New Covenant Presbyterian Church (McComb, MS) 2007- 2015, pastor; and Westminster Presbyterian Church (Gainesville, GA) 2016-2020 assistant pastor. He was an Instructor at the Atlanta campus of Belhaven University in 2016-2017; Chaplain, North Georgia Health System (Gainesville, GA) 2016-2020; and Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, Affinis Hospice (Gainesville, GA), 2017-present.