Steve Pettit, born in Georgia and raised in South Carolina, experienced a life-changing transformation through the Gospel during his freshman year at The Citadel, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. After graduation, he pursued an M.A. in Pastoral Studies at Bob Jones University and served as an assistant pastor before leading the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Association for 29 years, conducting over 800 campaigns globally. He also directed Northland Camp and Conference Center and received honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from multiple institutions. In 2014, he became the fifth president of Bob Jones University, achieving significant milestones such as regional accreditation and the establishment of new academic programs. Recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by The Citadel, he now travels as an evangelist with Steve Pettit Ministries and serves as president of the Palmetto Family Council, while cherishing his family life with his wife, four children, and five grandchildren.
Steve is accompanied for this service by a ministry team consisting of Carson Aaron, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist from Quitman, Arkansas. Carson began playing music in churches as a child, joined the award-winning bluegrass band “Southern Strings” at 17, signed a management deal at 18, and later graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Ministry and Leadership, while also writing over 50 songs and contributing to The Steve Pettit Band’s recordings. Savannah Aaron, from Rexburg, Idaho, has been involved in music ministry from an early age, excelling in violin and piano, participating in various prestigious music groups, and studying Violin Performance at Bob Jones University, where she met her husband Carson, while also enjoying outdoor activities like snowboarding, skiing, and mountain climbing. Jack Ritter is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Robbins, North Carolina, began playing bass at age ten, took up banjo at twelve, played football in college, won several fiddlers conventions, enjoys fly-fishing, and recently released the bluegrass single “Spider on the Banjo” with The Steve Pettit Band. Emily Guy, a vocalist and songwriter from Camden, South Carolina, self-taught on guitar at 13, recorded her single “Come to Me” at 17, and while studying Elementary Education at Clemson University, released an EP called “Twenties” that reflects her journey as a follower of Christ, with a passion for Jesus, missions, and music. Hallie Ritter is a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter from Robbins, North Carolina, began playing guitar at nine, performed in bluegrass bands with her brother Jack, graduated from Bob Jones University in 2024 with a degree in Business Administration, participated in the university’s bluegrass group and basketball team, and now serves as a musician and office manager for Steve Pettit Ministries.
The latest album "Unite My Heart" by the Steve Pettit Band can be found HERE along with a number of books authored by Steve Pettit.