Stephen Drake

Wife: Sherrie (29 years)

Children: Carey (27) and Aaron (23)

Hometown: Fayetteville, Ark.

Current church: Elk Creek Baptist Church

Position: Pastor

Ministry philosophy: Love, feed, lead

Ministry passion: The Jericho Principle: “God never calls us to do that which we can do.”

What do you like most about teaching: Seeing illumination occur such that I could say like Plato said, “... will he not now, with the same strength he once fought to stay in the cave, now fight to stay out of it.” (not exact quote)

What influenced your decision to come to Southern Seminary: Not what but who. In an answer to prayer, I believe God spoke the words, “Southern Seminary,” to me. I thought He meant come here only as a student. I did not realize He meant it for my ministry.

Most influential person in your life: Carl Drake, my late father

Hobbies: Golf, tennis, racquetball, fishing, wood work

Most embarrassing moment: The time I used a particular pastor to illustrate poor pastoral leadership and discovered his nephew was in the class

Favorite author: Francis Schaeffer

Favorite preacher: Jerry Vines

Favorite restaurant: Moby Dick

Favorite course that you teach: Formations for Christian Ministry

Favorite movie: Man from Snowy River

Something surprising students might not know about you: I am a meat cutter and sing in a barbershop chorus.