About Steve Pettit
Steve Pettit was born in South Georgia and raised in the Palmetto State of South Carolina, the eldest of four children. His early life was marked by strong family roots, local community, and optimistic leadership. But it was during his freshman year at The Citadel—the Military College of South Carolina—that everything changed. While pursuing a degree in Business Administration and leading as a cadet and co-captain of the 1977 record-setting soccer team, Steve encountered the life-transforming power of the Gospel. That moment became the defining turning point of his life.
Compelled by the call of God, Steve went on to earn a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Bob Jones University. From the beginning, his life in ministry has been marked by passion for evangelism, biblical truth, and the discipling of the next generation.
In the early 1980s, Steve served as an assistant pastor in Michigan. But in 1985, God opened the door to a broader ministry as he founded the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Association, launching a preaching ministry that would take him across the globe. Over the next three decades, Steve led over 800 evangelistic campaigns in 21 countries, while producing 18 recordings through the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team and establishing Heart Publications. During those years, he also served as the director of Northland Camp and Conference Center (2002–2011), investing in the lives of thousands of young people and leaders.
In recognition of his Gospel impact, Steve was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees by Bob Jones University, Northland Baptist Bible College, and Ambassador Baptist College.
In 2014, Steve accepted the call to serve as the fifth president of Bob Jones University. Over the next nine years, he led the institution with unwavering conviction in the authority of Scripture and a clear vision to integrate faith and learning. Under his leadership, BJU achieved regional accreditation and tax exemption, launched new schools and centers, expanded athletic programs, and renewed its emphasis on student discipleship and global Gospel impact.
Interested in knowing more about the Palmetto Family Council?
In 2015, Steve was honored by his alma mater as the 139th Distinguished Alumnus in The Citadel’s history. And in a special moment of recognition, May 5, 2023, was declared “Steve Pettit Day” in the state of South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster.
Following his tenure at BJU, Steve returned to itinerant ministry—this time blending his love for preaching and music through a traveling bluegrass band.
Today, Steve serves as the president of Palmetto Family Council, a leading Christian public policy organization that promotes biblical values, family flourishing, and cultural renewal across South Carolina. He continues to preach in churches and conferences, calling people to follow Christ with wholehearted devotion.
But above all, Steve is a devoted husband to his wife, Terry, a loving father to their four grown children, and a proud grandfather of five. His life and ministry are anchored in this simple truth: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21).