When Danny Burnley became pastor of West Gantt First Baptist Church in Greenville, he discovered that the former pastor had begun a prayer ministry. A prayer room and a prayer ministry team had been organized, and those involved went through a training class on maintaining confidentiality of callers. Today, about 40 members enter the prayer room every week to spend an hour in prayer for the church and for those in need. And what God has done at West Gantt is the result of prayer, Burnley believes.
God has blessed the church with additional staff members. Ron Cook serves as associate pastor/worship leader. Bob Whitehead was called as minister to students, and Bryan Burnley as minister to children. Terri Poore serves as ministry assistant, and Jean Adams is financial secretary.
The church’s ministries are also expanding. A choir that once had 12 members has grown to full capacity. An AWANA ministry has begun, and the church is seeing a growing number of preschoolers, children and youth. Youth are involved in mission trips, and the Sunday school is organized for ministries and outreach. A Monday night outreach effort, C.A.R.E., has the church excited about future growth.
Renovations of the educational facilities are in the completion process, including two three-story buildings, offices and social hall. The project will cost in excess of $1 million.
Each Sunday, members are excited about Bible study, growth, ministry, worship and fellowship. West Gantt First Baptist designates 7.5 percent of budgeted offerings to the Cooperative Program, setting a goal to launch out through missions endeavors to reach the lost with the gospel.