Rev. Dr. Stephen D. Summerow is a powerful man of God, who with grace, commitment and passion has served as the Pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, for 7 years. He previously Pastored Oldfield Baptist Church in Perry, Ga for 7 ½ years. Under Pastor Summerow’s visionary leadership and tutelage, Greater Friendship has become one of the fastest growing churches in the Macon and Middle Georgia area, where he serves as one of the most respected leaders in the local Evangelical circles.
Stephen D. Summerow O.D, started his educational journey by earning a dual undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA. Summerow furthered his education by obtaining a Doctorate of Optometry from Nova-Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He attained a Diploma of Biblical Studies from City of Hope Bible Institute in 2002.
Among his many certifications, Dr. Summerow is licensed to manage and treat ocular diseases of the eye, as well as prescribe Pharmaceuticals in the treatment of eye conditions. Dr. Summerow is also certified to perform pre- and post- operative care of PRK/LASEK Laser Surgery to correct near-sightedness.
He has traveled extensively addressing Religious Organizations, Medical Societies, Retreats and Symposiums. Pastor Summerow is a member of numerous professional organizations and has received numerous awards for recognitions for his community service in various areas and his work in the field of Optometry. Pastor accepted his call to ministry in 1998 and has been preaching for nearly 20 years. In accordance with serving both God and Man, he works full time as both a Pastor and Doctor.
An effective communicator of God’s Word, Pastor Summerow is widely known for his comical and illustrative style, which assists in helping people to apply the timeless truths of Scripture and relate it to their everyday lives. Through his demonstrative sermons and teachings, God uses Pastor Summerow to reveal the powerful meaning of God’s love and inspiration. His life is dedicated to living by example and encouraging men and women to live up to their full potential in Christ. He is recognized for his balance in preaching the Word and avoiding extremes, yet still not compromising or diluting the demands of truth. He has a unique God given gift, which enables him to reach others with humor, warmth, transparency and strength. Pastor Summerow’s desire for street evangelism has afforded him an open door to minister in various types of settings. Through his weekly sermons, leadership and pastoral care, countless lives have been deeply touched, transformed & blessed while just as many souls have been saved.
Pastor Summerow is an anointed leader whom God has sent to lead Greater Friendship to the next level of success and achievement. Under the direction of God, he has brought the church through a period of transition and transformation, boasting a church role of over 300 members. Pastor Summerow has overseen the creation and restoration of several ministries; Youth Choir, Men’s Choir, Praise Team, Praise Dance Ministry, Boy Scout & Girl Scout Troups, Enhanced Vacation Bible School, Hallelujah Night/Trunk or Treat, News on the Ship, Electronic Responsive Reading, Church Directory, New Members Orientation, Purchase of a 41 passenger bus, Calling Post, Tea with the First Lady, Pizza with Pastor, Annual Church Picnic, Media Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Youth Serving Christ, Rescue Mission Connection, Walking in the Street Evangelism, Health Fair, Do You Know Love-Fashion Show Extravaganza, Get Covered America Health Care enrollment as well as numerous Church renovations and Improvements, just to name a few.
He has strong ties with local and civic organizations and has earned many highly-esteemed community awards. Pastor has been recognized for organizing a city-wide vigil for Trayvon Martin, featured in an interview for the local news, presented to a group of high school students at Morehouse College and was recently selected to do the Legislative Prayer for a Macon-Bibb County City Council Meeting. He has been featured as of the of Best Pastors under 40, has served as Treasurer for the Union Baptist Missionary Association, has served on speaking panels at Middle Georgia State College, Pro-Life Speaker at City Hall, judged the Citywide NEA Teen Idol, prayed for the Joshua’s Walk Fundraiser Event, prayed for the dedication of the Bibb County Board of Education’s Martin-Whitley Complex, and during Parent Engagement Month he serves as “Zero Hero” Superhero at the local Elementary Schools.
Pastor Summerow is a widower after the loss of his beautiful and lovely wife Joanna Gittens-Summerow. She passed away in June of 2018 and will be truly missed by all who knew her. First Lady Joanna was a kind and loving spirit that set her apart from others, as she was always thoughtful, generous, graceful and classy. To this union, two handsome, intelligent, gifted and athletic sons were conceived, Stephen Daniel (17) and Jonathan (15). The couple also raised a “bonus son”, their nephew, Xeryus Gittens, as their own. Pastor Summerow readily accepts the challenge and excels at being a Husband, Father, Optometrist, Teacher, Preacher, Counselor, Spiritual & Community Leader, Humanitarian, Role Model and Mentor, all “Summerow-ed” up into one.