"Meet A Student "

Steven K. Walton. Third year student (2010-2011)

 

I grew up in a Christian and Presbyterian home. My parents are committed Christians with a sound knowledge of Scripture. In my teen years, however, I played the hypocrite, acting like an upstanding young man at church and in youth fellowship, but pursuing worldliness in secret. After one semester of college, the Lord Jesus laid hold of me and drew me to Himself. Following a short sojourn in the charismatic movement, I came back to the Presbyterian Church, this time under the solid Reformed influence of Dr. Joseph Pipa, who became my pastor in 1988. He pastored and mentored me for the rest of my undergraduate years. I went to New York for graduate studies, during which time I sat under the ministry of Pastor Albert N. Martin. After graduate school, I enlisted in the U. S. Army. During my advanced training in Norfolk Virginia I enjoyed the ministry of Pastor William Harrell. Then I was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. It was there that I met my wife, Hilary. We were married in the castle in Heidelberg. When we returned to the United States, she was pregnant with our older son, Samuel, who was born in 1997 on Ft. Benning, Georgia. I separated from the Army in 1999, and my family and I relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, where I took a position on the faculty of Asheville Christian Academy. I taught music and Bible there, and in 2001 we adopted our second son, Branch. Over the years, the Lord moved in my heart to pursue the ministry of the Walton FamilyWord. Because Dr. Pipa had been my pastor, long-time mentor and friend, the decision of where to go to seminary was quite simple. Even if I had not known him previously, however, I believe I would have come to Greenville Seminary because of the school’s emphasis, as expressed in words that Dr. Pipa spoke in his inaugural address in 1996: “We do not view ourselves as theological innovators, but rather as guardians and defenders of the truth delivered.”

The Lord of the universe has placed a call upon my life: to preach and teach His Word, and to shepherd His flock. The professors at Greenville Seminary are equipping me to fulfill that ministry. Occasionally someone asks me where I want to minister or what I see myself doing when I graduate; in all honesty, I am seeking to avoid a personal agenda and remain open to God’s calling.

Here are some samples of Steve's recent sermons:
Comeback at Nain - Luke 7:11-17
Faith and Unbelief - Luke 7:18-35



Jeff Downs, Greenville, S.C., Fourth-year Student

 

Greenville Seminary is blessed to have Jeff Downs of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as part of both the student community and seminary staff. Jeff is in his fourth year of studies (2010-2011 academic year). We are pleased to have him share a small part of his story here.

In 1991, God transformed my heart and mind (out of a life of drugs) to love and serve Him. In 1995, I met my wife Diane while attending Bible college. I soon began working full-time while trying to finish college. Diane and I were married in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1997.

In 2007, I graduated from Lancaster Bible College. My family and I currently reside in Greenville, South Carolina, where I am a full-time student at GPTS. Diane and I have three children, Seth (age 8), Megan (age 7), and Nathan (age 3). God has placed my family in a Presbyterian Church in America congregation in Greenville. I have the privilege of helping to lead worship every week, exhort on occasion, teach Sunday School, and serving in other ways in this congregation.  I am employed part-time with Greenville Seminary as the director of media.

Shortly after my conversion, I was introduced and became involved in apologetics and counter-cult ministry. Over the years, God has moved me (with the help the elders at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Middletown, Penn.) in the direction of pastoral ministry. I have experience exhorting, as well as teaching apologetics, cults and general theology.

Downs FamilyIn 2007, I began watching seminary introductory videos, the GPTS video being one of them. I was struck by the fact that the things the professors were advocating coincided with what I desired.  Considering the stated purpose of the seminary, the cost, and location, there was no other choice but Greenville Seminary.

Since being here, my wife and others have, on a number of occasions, expressed how much growth they have seen in my preaching and teaching abilities. I continually thank the Lord for men such as Greenville President Dr. Joseph Pipa Jr. who have influenced me in these areas.

At this point, I looking toward taking my licensure exam in July of 2010, After seminary,  my desire is to receive a call to full-time pastoral ministry. Obviously I would like to be called to a congregation where (Lord willing) my family and I would live for quite some time. My heart is to see the people of God grow in holiness, mainly through the preaching and teaching of the word of God. I also know how important it is to be involved in the lives of those whom you shepherd, so pastoral visitation (and other involvement) would be a high priority.

Here are some samples of Jeff's recent sermons: