Stevens speaks of his journey from atheism to founding church – Palm Beach Daily News

The Rev. Dr. Dwight Stevens is sharing his journey from science to spirituality.

The former dermatologist, the founder and pastor of The Paramount Church, talked about his story of conversion from atheism at a book signing last week at the Palm Beach Book Store. Curious people always ask him about it.

Ive lost count of the times, Stevens said. So, I wrote the story.

In his book, Atheist Doctor to Palm Beach Minister, he recalls the challenges faced when establishing the church, the experiences or nudges as he calls them that turned him away from atheism and the difficulties he faced connecting to colleagues in medicine after converting.

Only people who understand are the ones who experienced Gods healing power, he said. Otherwise people dismiss it.

Stevens said his first experience with Gods healing power was during a medical mission trip to Honduras. A woman with a tennis-ball-size mass in her abdomen, later thought to be cancer, couldnt be treated medically and resorted to prayer. Stevens, along with other members of the team, said they laid their hands on the woman while praying and were able to eliminate the mass.

As a scientist, you dismiss that, the minister said. But then when you begin to experience it personally, Gods healing power, I began to realize God still does miracles.

And Stevens said hes experienced that personally. More than 10 years ago, Stevens was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He claims Gods healing power keeps him well.

Ive never had a treatment, Stevens said. Never had a symptom.

Stevens practiced dermatology in Palm Beach for 15 years before opening the Paramount Church in 1994. His practice connected him to some of Palm Beachs most influential residents, many of whom became friends who played an important role in Stevens journey.

Of course, it was Gene Lawrence and Richard Moody who made it all happen, Stevens writes in his book. Lawrence, the late architect, helped design the church with the assistance of Moody, the general contractor. Both offered their services without charge.

Other friends helped Stevens with his two-year book project, which was new territory for him.

The challenges were never-ending, Stevens said.

Candice Cohen offered a hand. I read the manuscript, said Cohen, founder of the Palm Beach Book Store. I helped him pick the cover, too.

Among the crowd at last Tuesdays book signing were members of the Paramount Church. One of them was Kristi Witker-Coons.

Witker-Coons recalls when she first joined the church.

My husband died and I was just really lost, she said. After attending services at other churches, she felt Paramount was the right fit.

Although she had yet to read the book, Witker-Coons said she knows about Stevens personal life from attending his services. Its a fascinating story, she said.

The minister says hes happy to bring his message to Palm Beach a resort town for Americas wealthy, as he calls it.

He believes some residents have achieved great success and achievements but are left feeling unfulfilled, missing something, and that something is neither galas, private concerts, dinners nor cocktail parties.

Many people discovered that they have it all, Stevens said. But what they need also is a relationship with God.

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Stevens speaks of his journey from atheism to founding church - Palm Beach Daily News