Pastoral Team
What is a Pastor or Minister? Have you ever wondered?
What makes them chose their profession?
Is it something in how they were raised, a life event?
Perhaps a higher calling... we believe our Pastors are called by God to do his work.
Come visit our church if you see one of our Pastors introduce yourself as a visitor.
Lead Pastor
Dr. Steve Patton
Dr. Patton and his wife, Lesa, are both from Kennett, a small town in the Bootheel of Missouri. They have two children: Andrew, a student at North Greenville, and Stephanie, a student at Greer High. Steve is a graduate of the Baptist College of Florida and received his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as an adjunct professor of New Testament and Preaching at North Greenville University.
Contact Steve at 864-877-1881 or by email at
spatton@fairviewgreer.net
Dr. Tom Burns, Worship Pastor
Tom Burns began his ministry at Fairview in 1989, after serving churches in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina for over 20 years.
Tom brings to the worship ministry a broad understanding of worship styles. His knowledge is a resource for the pastoral team as they plan worship together.
Tom’s goal is to create an atmosphere in which the worshiper encounters God through both traditional and contemporary worship practices
In addition to Tom’s passion for worship studies, he enjoys reading and building projects. Tom’s family is central in his life. He is married to Joyce Burns and their children are Myra Burns Henderson, whose husband is Bobby Henderson. Myra and Bobby are also in the ministry. Ryan Burns is a staffing specialist with a staffing agency in the Greenville area. Tom and Joyce spend a major portion of their leisure time with Brady Henderson, their first grandchild.
It is Tom’s joy in life (as a Worship Pastor) to bring the people of God into the presence of a mighty God. To quote a hymn text, “May Jesus Christ Be Praised.”
Contact Tom at 864-877-1881 or by email at
Rev. Terry Strickland Leadership Development Pastor
Terry came on staff as Leadership Development Pastor in September of 2005. He is a South Carolina native. Every believer should know their spiritual gift and the place where they can use their gifts. One of his joys is to connect people to begin serving or find a new avenue to serve the Savior. His hobbies are exercising, walking, sports (loves Clemson athletics), reading, home and gardening projects. He would like to do more fishing when time allows too.
Terry is a 1975 graduate of Carson-Newman College, and 1979 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate with a Master of Divinity Degree. He was ordained to the ministry in 1978. He has previously served several churches in South Carolina and one in Georgia.
His wife is Cathy. They were married in 1980. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist College in 1977. She got her Religious Education Degree from Southwestern Seminary in 1980. She is an adult education teacher for Greenville Country Schools. She teaches at the Harley Bonds Center in Greenville. She prepares students for the GED courses and WORKSKILLS testing. She is a great singer and enjoys the choir as well as teaching in Sunday School or Discipleship Training.
They have two children.
Philip is a December 2007 graduate of North Greenville University, He majored in Christian Studies. He is also the lead singer and guitarist for a contemporary Christian band called “Declare.” He is also vocalist and lead guitarist in the Praise Band at Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo SC.
Paula is a student at Clemson University, majoring in French. She works part time as a waitress.
Contact Terry at 864-877-1881 for more information about serving positions in the church or by email at
tstrickland@fairviewgreer.net
Rev. Chet Andrews Student Pastor
Chet Andrews was born in Cayce, SC and has served for over 16 years in student ministry. He has a heart and a passion for students to have a thinking person’s faith, a Christian worldview, and a burden for those who may not know Christ personally yet.
He enjoys hiking, weight lifting, reading, and playing with his children.
Chet is a Graduate of The University of South Carolina and has his Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity. Chet has been married to Hope for 14 years. Hope is a stay at home mom and takes care of their three children. Jake is 8, Jonah is 5, and Faith is 3 years old.
Chet’s energy and passion is reflected in 2 Corinthians 9:2 which states, "Your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action."
Contact Chet at 864-877-1881 or by email at
