Pastor Steve is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and licensed minister with a heart for people and a love for God's Word. He and his wife Erica, share a heart for discipleship, prayer, and building a loving church community where everyone can belong and grow in their faith. When he's not preaching or mentoring, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and serving the community.
Steve graduated from Grand Canyon University right here in sunny Arizona and holds a double bachelors degree of Psychology and Christian Studies. Steve previously served as the Youth Minister here at First Southern Baptist Church of PV for 15 years prior to his service as Interim Pastor for Jeff Hemken.
Steve has been married to his wife Erica since 2000 - they have 2 adult children, and many grandchildren.
Pastor Jeff Hemken has served Arizona and Illinois churches in the ministry since his teens and has worked with children and youth, and in the music and education ministries. He is the Senior Pastor at First Southern Baptist Church of Paradise Valley serving in this capacity, initially for 17 years from 1991 to 2008, and presently since 2022.
Pastor Jeff studied at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University and International Seminary.
An effective communicator of God's Word, Pastor Jeff is known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which helps people apply the timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives.
He and his wife, Patty, have been married since 1974. They are the proud parents of two adult children.
In 2012 Bonnie and husband Larry found their way to First Southern Baptist Church of Paradise Valley. Bonnie is retired from a career in Information Technologies and Larry is an over-the-road truck driver. We love the Lord and we love our church family.
