The Story Behind
Behind The Brand
Nestled in the rhythm of countless Sunday mornings
and the quiet hum of weekday ministry, Story & Stone was born.
Not out of necessity but out of a deep belief:
Every church holds a story—vivid, sacred, and bursting with purpose.
That story is the heart, pulsing with vision and mission, unique to each congregation.
But even the most beautiful stories need a
foundation—the stone—a strategy, a structure, a steady place to stand.
We built a team of creatives, consultants, and dreamers to help churches
not just imagine, but bring to life their stories.
At Story & Stone, we believe creativity doesn't need permission—
it needs direction. And we're here to help you expand your reach,
steady your team, and turn your God-given vision
into something unshakably real.
Meet Our Founders
CEO | Founder
Dreams of Producing a Broadway Musical!
“When church leaders understand their role,
they lead with purpose rather than hesitation."
Kimberly Tarlton
Kimberly Tarlton is the Founder & CEO of Story & Stone, a creative strategist, communications consultant, and church girl at heart with over 28 years of experience helping ministries grow their impact—online and in person.
Born in Japan to a missionary family, Kimberly was raised with a deep love for the local church. She landed her first job in ministry at just 17 and never looked back. (Okay—she did almost detour to Broadway to do Musical Theatre, but God had bigger plans.) What followed was a clear calling to serve churches through storytelling, strategy, and systems that connect vision to execution.
Kim’s expertise spans digital, print, and live, leading church teams with a mix of creative spark and practical know-how. Her integrated marketing work has helped churches increase engagement, clarify their messaging, and confidently reach new guests.
She's known for leading cross-functional teams with heart and humor—and always with an eye on the metrics. A certified Working Genius Facilitator, a triple-certified HubSpot pro in Social Media, Content, and Email Marketing, and a sought-after speaker for conferences and podcasts on topics like church communications, guest strategy, and ministry development.
When she’s not coaching churches or building custom strategies, you’ll find her hanging with her husband Steve (preferably on a cruise), cheering on their daughter Charlee, who’s preparing for full-time ministry at Anderson University, or watching Marvel movies from her favorite recliner.
And yes, she would drop everything to go to Disney all day every day.
CCO | Founder
Would rather be playing disc golf.
“People aren't drawn to your graphics;
they're drawn to your authenticity."
Steve Tarlton
Steve Tarlton is the Co-Founder and CFO of Story & Stone, and the behind-the-scenes creative powerhouse whose vision has shaped countless church and non-profit stories through the lens of a camera.
For over two decades, Steve has combined technical excellence with a gift for storytelling, producing stunning visual content that brings clarity, emotion, and depth to every message. Whether he's filming a church baptism story or mapping out a brand video from scratch, Steve is known for making the complex look simple—and the ordinary look extraordinary.
He holds a degree in Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College, an Associate of Applied Science, and a heart for ministry-driven media.
Born in Topeka, Kansas, Steve made his way to California for an internship where (plot twist) he met Kim—and the rest is a story still unfolding 20 years later.
When he’s not leading his team, editing footage or capturing the perfect shot, you’ll likely find Steve out on a disc golf course. (And let’s be honest—he’s probably winning.)
Steve brings a calm, steady presence to creative chaos and a whole lot of heart to the mission of Story & Stone.
People Who Like Us
Jason Raitz
"I had the absolute pleasure of working with Kim, and I can confidently say she is a leader who truly stands out. Her professionalism, energy, and strategic vision are unmatched. She not only has the ability to see the big picture but also the willpower and determination to execute it successfully. If you have the chance to work with Kim, consider yourself fortunate. She is a leader who inspires, empowers, and delivers real results."
President of Speak with People
speakwithpeople.com