Stevens then became Vicar of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, Plantation, Florida, in 1961, leading the congregation from mission to parish status.
From 1961 to 1980 he held numerous positions of responsibility in the community and the Diocese of Southeast Florida, including President of the Standing Committee and Chairman of the Liturgical Commission.
[1] As Bishop, he led the diocese in spiritual renewal, emphasized religious education, and strengthened personal and corporate Christian commitment.
He served as Episcopal Visitor for the Order of St. Benedict in Two Rivers, Michigan, and the Sisters of the Holy Nativity in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
He served as Chairman of the House of Bishops Commission on Religious Communities and was on the Board of Directors of the national organization of Episcopalians for Life.
Though conservative himself, Bishop Stevens made it his mission to establish a climate open to diversity of opinion, one which would not lead to polarization among those of opposing views.
His sermons often proclaimed that the Church on earth was “a hospital for sinners,” lest people forget that there would always be disagreement, mistakes, human mess.