June 19, 2025
BOWMAN, Ga. — After two decades of ministry leadership, Steve Ferguson will step down as Associational Mission Strategist for the Hebron Baptist Association on April 30.
Though he’s leaving his official role, Ferguson says he has no intention of slowing down.
“I dislike the word ‘retire,’” he explained. “I’m just changing jobs. Retirement isn’t in the Bible. I’ll still be available as an interim, supply, or transitional pastor.”
Looking ahead, Ferguson said he hopes to serve in a setting where he can disciple men and continue growing himself.
“I’m not sure what that will look like, but I believe that ‘iron sharpens iron.’ Discipleship is not a one-way street, and I’m going to learn as well.”
That passion for discipleship, he said, began during his college years at the University of Georgia. While working in heating and air conditioning, Ferguson’s boss made a lasting impact.
“My boss would take me to breakfast and lunch, and all the time he’d talk about Jesus,” Ferguson recalled. “He discipled me and gave me a heart to help others grow in Christ.”
His calling led him to pastorates in Columbus, Dawson, and Dacula before joining the Hebron Association in April 2005.
Over the past 20 years, Ferguson has watched the culture of ministry evolve—especially with the rise of technology and online resources.
“Sometimes it is hard to work with pastors, as the culture has changed with computers and other technology,” he said. “Many pastors are finding help online, and conferences are not as well attended as they used to be because pastors now listen online. But when they have difficulty, they still come to you. They may think they’re doing fine with online podcasts, but they eventually find out they really need a relationship.”
Ricky Thrasher, statewide consultant for Association Missions at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, praised Ferguson’s ministry across the state.
“Steve has done a great job as the Associational Mission Strategist in Hebron Association and has made an impact not only in Hebron but across Georgia.”
One story, Ferguson said, reminded him why personal connection in ministry still matters.
About seven years ago, he received a call from a woman he had visited decades earlier while pastoring in Columbus in the late 1980s.
“You probably don’t remember,” she said, “but you came by my house in Columbus and talked about the Bible. I thought what you said was crazy—that I needed to dedicate my boys to the Lord. I called my mom to tell her about the crazy preacher, and she said, ‘Well, he’s right. You need to read your Bible.’”
The woman read her Bible and eventually gave her life to the Lord. Two months later, her husband did as well.
“By the time they came to the church,” Ferguson said, “I had already moved on. But she wanted me to know that one of her sons became a pastor and now works with FCA camps in Alabama. He’s seen hundreds, if not thousands, of young people saved over the years—and it all started because a crazy pastor came to their door.”
As he enters a new chapter, Ferguson said he’s grateful for the road behind him—and hopeful for what lies ahead.
“I’ve learned so much from my experience. God uses changes in our situation to show us things. He is so gracious. He’s taught me so much—especially how to live more like Jesus.”
