My name is Steve Walton, and I still can’t believe I get to do what I get to do. Ever since I was thirteen, I have wanted to be a pastor. My personal mission statement is: “Encourage people to love Jesus as much as I do.” So, it is a dream come true for me to be able to do that very thing as my job! I live in Buford with my wife, Katherine, and our three energetic boys, Judah who is 6, Anchor who is 3, and Gideon who is 8 months old! I am one of three boys, so I am very familiar with the chaos of a house full of boys! Katherine and I have been married for fifteen years and met while going to the University of Georgia – Go Dawgs! I enjoy playing baseball with my kids, doing little home renovation projects, watching Georgia football – Go Dawgs!…again, and camping. But most of all, I love being a husband and a dad.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Our house is VERY loud! Even though we’ve got a lot going on, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My wife Katherine is my favorite person on planet earth – we’ve been married for almost 15 years! We have three energetic boys, Judah who is 6, Anchor who is 3, and Gideon who is 8 months old! I am one of three boys, so I am very familiar with the chaos of a house full of boys!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I get to be the Buford Campus Pastor at 12Stone Church. I love coming alongside people as they take next steps in their faith. I love watching the church BE the church to our community!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Rico’s World Kitchen, Bravo, and Bare Bones. Also, I’m a huge fan of the many taco places here in Buford!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have been here for almost four years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Great question! I get to meet a lot of interesting people so it’s hard to choose just one!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d love to go to Israel. I’ve never been and have always wanted to walk where Jesus and the disciples walked.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a huge Star Wars nerd – I used to watch the original trilogy weekly when I was in middle school – you can tell I had a thriving social life haha. But right now our family is into anything Marvel!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My favorite advice is a question that often re-centers my priorities: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world but forfeit their soul?” – Jesus
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going back to Italy. I got to go with my extended family when I was 14 years old. Ever since, I have wanted to go back with my NEW family!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Recently, we have been listening to a lot of The Band Camino.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I am a huge fan of coffee so the new coffee shop Tchin Tchin makes me think about our community!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to talk with Kirby Smart about motivation, priorities and goal-setting, and leadership. We would definitely go to Bare Bones!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how connected our people are to one another. My next-door neighbors have become some of our closest friends. This is evidence of how our community really is a “large community with a small-town feel.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope I am doing exactly what I am doing right now. I love our church and I love this community. Hopefully, I’m a bit wiser!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I never went to Seminary. So, during COVID, I started taking Seminary classes. I’m about a year away from graduating!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Even though I was 14, I still remember it vivdly. Cinque Terre, Italy. I think it is the most beautiful place in the world.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month would be October – it’s cool, football season, Halloween, and we’re right around the corner from Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hands down, my favorite holiday is Christmas! Christmas is also the best single day on the calendar!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Also, my wife. She is full of integrity, the hardest worker I know, compassionate and caring, and she’s an incredible listener.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cinnamon and Clove. Basically anything Christmas
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warm, Inviting, Peace