Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing
  • Hymns
  • Sermons
  • About
  • Contact

Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

  • Hymns/
  • Sermons/
  • About/
  • Contact/
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Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

Pastor, Preacher, Hymn Writer, Justice-Seeker

About

Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

  • Hymns/
  • Sermons/
  • About/
  • Contact/

Stephen was born in 1988 in Cookeville, TN, where his parents met at Tennessee Tech. Shortly after, they moved to Dalton, Georgia, establishing roots and joining First Presbyterian Church, which taught Stephen that he is, above all, a beloved child of God. This environment nurtured his understanding that questions and doubts are okay and that nothing can separate him from God's love.

He started his lifelong musical journey early, discovering a passion that aligns with his call to ministry. Stephen enjoys playing various instruments such as the piano, trumpet, guitar, and handbells, and has always loved singing and participating in congregational worship. As a high school marching band member, he proudly served as drum major.

In 2006, Stephen began his studies at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, majoring in Religion and minoring in History. There, he deepened his musical engagement through participation in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Jazz Trio, and the PC Handbell Ensemble. He was also a founding member of Hosegrass, the college's bluegrass/rock band, which released a CD.

In 2010, Stephen moved to Atlanta to attend Columbia Theological Seminary, responding to God's call to become a PC(USA) pastor. During this period, he worked at Trinity, Silver Creek, Central, and Westminster Presbyterian Churches. He served as the Choir Director at Columbia Theological Seminary for three years and was also Interim Music Director at Westminster.

In 2014, Stephen earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Columbia, focusing on liturgy, music, and worship. Later that year, he was ordained as a Teaching Elder at Shelter Island Presbyterian in NY. During his time in New York, he collaborated closely with the Synod of the Northeast (PCUSA), moderating their mission working group to allocate funds for new worshiping communities and innovative initiatives.

In June 2018, Stephen began his second call as pastor and head of staff at Beaumont Presbyterian in Lexington, KY. There, he and the congregation faced the challenges of a pandemic, restructured committees for better alignment with current needs, and committed to being an LGBTQIA+ affirming church by joining More Light Presbyterians. In spring 2021, Beaumont partnered with Woven Church, an emergent congregation of LGBTQIA+ young adults, to proclaim a radically inclusive Gospel and share Christ's love. In June 2022, Beaumont and Woven participated in the Lexington Pride festival, emphasizing God's love for all.

As of November 2022, Stephen lives in Greensboro, NC, with his wife Tricia, a licensed play therapist, and their daughters Hazel Grace and Windsor (Winnie). He is Head of Staff at Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. In May 2025, he completed his Doctor of Ministry at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, focusing on collaborative hymn writing as a means to preach social justice while maintaining church unity. He actively participates in the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, presenting at their 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, and is also a member of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.

 In June of 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen and Tricia welcomed their first child, Hazel Grace to the world. Her interests are singing, reading with her mom and dad, counting, singing Twinkle Twinkle Litter Star, and watching an adorable, amazing Australian kids show named Bluey.

In January of 2022, Stephen, Tricia, and Hazel Grace welcomed a new addition to their home, Windsor (Winnie) Garrett Fearing. Winnie, unlike her big sister who was always on the move at her age, is perfectly content to snuggle the day away and snooze to her heart’s content.

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