Mickey Starling, reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Jacksonville. Fla. native Steve Kegley comes to Hopewell Baptist Church after serving as the transitional pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church, in Valdosta, Ga. He has been with Hopewell as interim pastor since December of 2021. “I really enjoy it here. I've served in some larger churches, and it's great to be in a place where you can get to know everyone,” said Kegley.
He has been in full-time ministry for 49 years, serving in music/youth ministry for 30 years. Kegley earned his bachelor's degree in Secondary Music from Armstrong State College, in Savannah, Ga. He has also earned a master's degree in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in North Carolina.
Kegley was saved as a young man, while attending Biltmore Baptist Church, in Jacksonville. He had dreams of becoming a football coach. However, when he was unexpectedly offered a music scholarship to Florida Junior College, his plans changed. “Music ministry has long been a part of my family,” said Kegley. “God was obviously pointing me in a different direction.”
Since taking the position at Hopewell, Kegley has recently been teaching a series entitled “Strategic Next Steps Process.” The 12-week series helps churches to set a vision that is tailored to their specific needs. “Churches don't have to have a pastor to have a vision,” said Kegley.