Cornerstone Presbyterian Church will have a new pastor in the pulpit Sunday, as the congregation welcomes Steve Burton and his wife Cindy.

Burton is a native of Itta Bena, Miss. and a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary. He was a pastor at churches in Mississippi and Nashville before taking the position at Cornerstone.

“The Lord called us away from where we were ministering in Jackson, Miss. and called us home,” Burton said.

“We felt a connection here at Cornerstone and really felt God calling us here to Selma, and [we’re] looking forward to what God’s going to do.”

Burton, now 52, began his career at the age of 25 when he felt led to leave his family business and pursue ministry.

“I was running an agricultural supply business and … I was just enjoying life working with my family,” Burton said. “Then I begin to sense that God wanted me to start preaching.”

Now, Burton is bringing his knowledge to the Queen City, where he said he already feels at home.

“Selma reminds me a lot of where I grew up. It felt like I was almost coming home when I started sensing the call to come back here,” Burton said.

“I grew up in a place that’s a lot smaller than Selma, but a lot like Selma culturally.”

Burton said he is looking forward to his new position at Cornerstone and he is eagerly anticipating his first day behind the pulpit Sunday.

“I’m excited about being a part of the community here, about building a sense of community here at the church and in Selma,” Burton said.

“I’m excited about the privilege of preaching the gospel here in Selma and seeing how it’s going to impact our lives and change us.”

Burton said he is happy to begin his time in Selma and thankful for the people who have reached out and made him and his wife feel welcome.

“I’m really glad we’re here in Selma and at Cornerstone,” Burton said. “The people here are just delightful. They’ve received us like family and that’s made us really look forward to this.”