The Story Behind Share The Harvest Partners and Its Mission Through Tax Preparation

How one pastor’s gift for numbers became a ministry of stewardship

In 1990, in a modest kitchen, Pastor Steven Clifford took a leap that would quietly reshape how clergy handle their finances. Already serving in ministry and having completed a master’s degree, Steven was known among colleagues for two things: a pastoral heart and an uncommon ease with numbers. Doing his own taxes felt natural; doing taxes for other pastors became a calling.

Word began to spread. Fellow ministers, juggling congregational duties and complex tax rules, started asking Steven for help. What began as occasional favors turned into a steady stream of requests. Steven and his wife kept serving from home, preparing returns and offering guidance between pastoral responsibilities. It wasn’t long before his wife recognized what Steven had been building — a ministry disguised as financial service — and encouraged her husband to take a leap and pursue it full time.

Steven took that counsel to heart and launched Clifford Tax Services. The work was practical — tax preparation, planning, and straightforward advice — but it carried a pastoral dimension: confidentiality, compassion, and an understanding of clergy life few financial professionals could offer. As demand grew, so did the team. This is when the name changed to Clifford & Associates. Each new hire was chosen not only for expertise, but also for alignment with the firm’s mission to serve God’s people with integrity and excellence.

As the practice matured, Steven stepped back and looked at what the work truly represented. It wasn’t only tax preparation and financial planning; it was stewardship — helping pastors and church leaders protect resources so they could focus on ministry. That insight inspired a rebrand. Clifford & Associates became Share The Harvest Partners, a name that reflects both the firm’s origins and its faith-driven purpose: sharing resources wisely, supporting those who serve, and multiplying impact.

Today, Share the Harvest Partners offers tax preparation, financial planning, investment services, and consulting — but its core promise remains the same as that kitchen conversation in 1990: peace of mind grounded in Biblical stewardship. What started as one pastor helping another has grown into a partnership of professionals, many of whom also serve in ministry, committed to equipping clergy and families with clear, faithful financial guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax and financial laws are complex, subject to change, and vary by jurisdiction. While we strive to provide accurate information, all content is provided "as-is" with no guarantees of completeness or accuracy. Your individual circumstances may significantly affect your situation, and investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Reading this article does not establish a professional or fiduciary relationship with Share The Harvest Partners. Before making any decisions regarding your taxes, investments, or finances, please consult with a qualified professional who can review your specific situation. Any examples or third-party links provided are for illustrative and convenience purposes only.