Pastor Stephen is a retired Major in the U.S. Army. He served as a Medic and Physician Assistant as well as various additional training, including Airborne and a tour of duty in Vietnam.  He has earned many badges, medals, certificates, and awards. 

His resume is extensive:  Senior Medic on Air Ambulance Helicopters, Medical Officer for Line Infantry, Orthopedics, Senior PA of Fort Benning as well as several community clinics in our area, and more.

Pastor Stephen earned his Bachelor's in Management Computer Information Systems, Master's in Physician Assistant Studies (Family Practice), Master's of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, GA, as well as his Doctorate of Theology from the same.

He founded Jesus First Ministries, Inc. as well as Jesus First Home Church, a healing ministry for the un-churched, de-churched, and lost of the local community, served as Associate Pastor of The Rock Baptist Church in Cataula, GA, Associate Pastor at 1st Baptist Church of Salem, AL, worked with a Crossroads Rehab Program for services to recovering alcohol and drug and other addiction dependent men, and conducted rotating services for the Valley Rescue Mission Chapel.

He met the love of his life, Rita, in 1970 and married her in 1971.  He says he knew she was the one when he first saw her and they have been in a wonderful partnership ever since. They have one daughter and two grandsons. Pastor and Ms. Rita have enjoyed quite a bit of travel, both foreign and domestic. They've spent over 20 years as members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (Calvary Riders Chapter), and both have a love for people. Ms. Rita makes everyone feel like they are her best friend and Pastor Stephen has never met a stranger!