Speaking

An honest story of addiction, recovery, and the grace that met him there.

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His story

Steven M. Bell is a singer-songwriter and author from Lubbock, Texas, and the front man of the Christian rock band 7 by 3. For years he led worship every Sunday while hiding a bottle the rest of the week. He grew up in the Church of Christ, served as a worship leader in a Lutheran church, and then, after his son Hunter said, “Dad, I think we're supposed to be Catholic,” found his way to the Catholic Church. His memoir, Uncomfortable Truth, tells that story honestly and is rated 4.7 stars on Amazon. His writing has appeared in Catholic Exchange and Crisis Magazine.

Steven doesn't speak as an expert. He speaks as a husband, a father of two sons, and a man who knows what it's like to look fine on the outside and not be fine at all.

Hear him first: podcast conversations · Read more: the memoir

Talks

Conversion

“Dad, I Think We're Supposed to Be Catholic”: A Convert's Road Home

It started with a question from his teenage son. Steven grew up in the a cappella Church of Christ, led worship in a Lutheran sanctuary, and thought he knew his Bible well. Then he and Hunter started reading the Church Fathers, asking where the Bible came from and what the first Christians actually believed. This talk follows that journey into the Catholic Church: what he found, what it cost him, and why the Eucharist changed everything. It's a good fit for RCIA/OCIA classes, parish evenings, and anyone who has a Protestant friend or family member asking questions.

Story & Song

Worship and Whiskey: A Testimony in Story and Song

Steven tells his story with a guitar in his hands. Between songs from his own catalog, including “Wars Inside My Head” and “I'm Letting Go,” he talks about the years he spent leading people in worship while drinking in secret, the night everything came apart, and the grace that met him there. The songs give people room to breathe and reflect, and the story gives the songs their weight. It works well as a parish mission night, a men's group evening, or the closing session of a retreat.

For recovery audiences

Still Functioning Doesn't Mean You're Okay

A lot of people who are struggling still show up to work, to church, and to their kids' games. Steven was one of them. This talk is about the hidden kind of addiction: the shame that keeps it secret, the promises made to the mirror and broken, and what finally helped him stop. It's honest without being graphic, and it's about hope more than war stories. It fits recovery events, sober-living groups, and parish ministries that serve families affected by addiction.

Formats & lengths

What Steven brings

Steven speaks to Catholic parishes, men's groups, retreats, RCIA/OCIA classes, Knights of Columbus councils, and recovery events. He's based in Lubbock, in West Texas, and will travel for the right event.

Free outreach and paid engagements

Steven wants this story to reach people whether or not their group has a budget. So there are two ways to book him.

Free community outreach

Steven still speaks at no charge for selected parishes, recovery groups, and community events, especially where a fee would get in the way of reaching people who need to hear it.

Free dates are limited and are scheduled as his calendar allows, so tell him about your group and he'll let you know what fits.

Paid engagements

For conferences, retreats, and organizations that have a speaker budget, such as parishes and dioceses, ministries, recovery and treatment programs, and other groups. A fee lets him set aside the time to prepare and to travel.

Honorarium

Local honorarium

$250

One talk of 30–45 minutes, with or without music, in the Lubbock area.

Extended package

$400–$500

A longer program: a story-and-song evening of up to 75 minutes, or a retreat session or short series, with time for Q&A and an optional book table. The price depends on the scope and length.

Travel expenses may apply outside the Lubbock area. Mileage, lodging, and meals, when needed, are agreed on in advance. These figures are a starting point, and scope and travel can change them. If your budget is tight, say so. An honest conversation is always welcome.

How booking works

  1. Send an inquiry. Tell Steven about your group, the date, and what you have in mind.
  2. He replies by email to talk through fit, format, and whether the event is a free outreach or a paid engagement.
  3. Confirm the details. Date, talk, length, music or no music, and any travel are agreed on in writing before the event. For paid engagements, Steven accepts Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, and payment details are sent by email.

Send a speaking inquiry

A few details are enough to get started.

Prefer email? [email protected]

Read the memoir · Listen to podcast conversations · Hear the music