In Memory

Steven Robert Brooks

June 14, 1951 - March 11, 2008. Steven Robert Brooks was born on June 14, 1951, to James and JoAnne Brooks, in Holland, Michigan. He grew up in Michigan with sister Susie and brother Jim. Steve attended high school at Culver Military Academy, college at Ohio Wesleyan, and seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary. 

Steve is survived by wife Linda, the love of his life, whom he married March 1, 1980. Steve is also survived by son Ross (age 30) and wife Lindsey, daughter Bree (age 25) boyfriend Riley, and son Ben (age 24) and wife Katie. 

Steve lived a full life, ripe with the blessings of grief, joy, and praise. In 1978, Steve's first wife Kathy was killed in a car crash in Omaha, Nebraska, with the wife of good friend Ron Gray. In the midst of that tragedy, God spoke to Steve: "You never knew you could hurt this bad, did you? Well, you need to know that my love for you is even bigger than your hurt." It was this message that led Steve and Ron to start Springs Community Church in 1985, a church built on bringing God's grace to the hurting, broken, and messy people of Colorado Springs, who needed to know that God's love was bigger than their hurts, that His light was bigger than their darkness. Steve dedicated his life to shining God's light all over Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States, and even overseas. 

Steve reflected Christ's light when he started inviting young families to a new church that met in a storefront on Academy Boulevard. People found a place where they didn't have to be dressed up or churched-up in order to fit in. They could just be loved for who they were. 

Steve reflected Christ's light when he ministered to so many families that found themselves in midst of tragedy. When children were lost too early, when marriages fell apart, when kids lost their Moms or Dads, Steve brought light into their darkness by offering the tender and gentle love of Christ. Steve used his wounded heart to embrace those of us who were hurting. 

Steve reflected Christ's light by being a racial bridge builder. He reached out to Black congregations and formed friendships and networks between churches that had been divided by racial walls for centuries. He joined God in His work of racial reconciliation in Colorado Springs. 

Steve reflected Christ's light by leading Springs Community to help start Forest Ridge Community Church in Monument Colorado. Today in Monument, 100's of people have found a new life in Christ thanks to Steve's leadership and service. 

Steve reflected Christ's light when he served as the president for the Reformed Church in America. He called on the denomination to be committed to prayer and asked our churches to become houses of prayer. Churches and believers all across the nation and world have been blessed through renewed vision and vitality because he led them back to the feet of God. 

In October 2006, Steve was diagnosed with motor neuron disease, which progressed into Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease) in April 2007. Steve peacefully left his earthly body to begin dancing in heaven on the morning of March 11, 2008. He will be remembered in the lives, hearts, and minds of the thousands he touched while here. His spirit lives on as a loving father, devoted husband, trusting friend, unwavering leader, humble servant, and vessel of God's light. 

The impact of Steve's life will continue to be felt for generations as those he touched will continue to stand in the flow of God's amazing love and grace; Steve called this "standing in Grace River." Thank you, Steve for everything you are to us. You were so good to the depths of your soul, always serving others, forgiving, honest, and loving. We love you so much and will miss you! 

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008, 10am at Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs. Memorial contributions can be made to: ALS Association-Rocky Mountain Chapter, 1201 E Colfax Ave., Suite 202, Denver, CO 80218 and/or Springs Community Church (New Church Plant) 7290 Lexington Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

Published by The Gazette from Mar. 13 to Mar. 14, 2008.

https://obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/steven-brooks-obituary?id=12112904