Meet The Pastor
Senior Pastor Steve Bell
Pastor Steve's Story
Growing up in Athens, Georgia within a Christian family, I went to church regularly. At the age of nine, I joined the church and was baptized, but I was not a believer.
When I was eighteen, I attended a Young Life Camp at Windy Gap, North Carolina. There, I was confronted with my need to accept Christ and surrender my life to Him. I prayed to receive Christ and my life began to change. I continued to serve the Lord as a Young Life leader through college to help other high school students experience the life I had found.
During college, I met Jamie. We grew together as friends, as Christians, and as soul mates. We fell in love and married in 1975.
During my last year of college at UGA, God began to call me into full-time ministry. I had made my own plans to attend medical school and fulfill a lifelong dream to be a doctor.
God had other plans. I’m grateful to Bill Rickett, my Pastor at Prince Avenue Baptist, for guiding me in discerning God’s direction for my life. In 1977, Jamie and I moved to Memphis, Tennessee where I entered Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary. While in seminary, I served as a student ministry intern at Broadway Baptist Church. From my Young Life days, I carried a passion to reach and disciple teenagers. My internship equipped me with much practical experience and further motivated me to pursue my calling as a Pastor to students.
Upon graduation from seminary, I served as Student Pastor in four great churches. I had the opportunity to serve under some of the best pastors who greatly influenced my life and ministry.
In October 2005, I received the call to be Senior Pastor of Flint River Baptist Church. I am blessed to be part of God’s plan for this great church. I anticipate incredible things ahead as we stay focused on Jesus and allow Him to lead the way. This will be God’s story! Stay tuned!
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Georgia
Master of Divinity, Mid-America Theological Seminary
Doctorate in Biblical Studies, Andersonville Theological Seminary
Ministry Experience
Student Pastor Intern, Broadway Baptist Church, Memphis, TN
Associate Pastor, Flint River Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL
Student Pastor, Windsor Park Baptist Church, Fort Smith, AK
Student Pastor, Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, Gardendale, AL
Student/Missions Pastor, Northstar Church, Kennesaw, GA
Family
Married Jamie in 1975. Three daughters: Haley, Katie, and Emily
Ministry Heroes
I have had the privilege to serve under some great men of God: David Dykes, Steve Gaines, David Kendall, Mike Linch, Ike Reighard, and Bill Sutton. I am grateful for their influence on my life and ministry.