Please know how much Jeanette and I wish for our Baptist people all across South Carolina a most happy and fulfilling new year. Since announcing my retirement date for Feb. 28, we have both been amazed and humbled at the number of kind expressions and wishes of good will we have received from every section of the state. We did not realize we had so many friends. How grateful we are for all the generosity, affection and affirmation we have felt in recent months – and the many gifts presented to us have touched us deeply. From the depths of our hearts, we thank everyone so very, very much.
Carlisle DriggersIn reminiscing a little, I will never get over the surprise that came to my mind when I was invited in 1990 by Ray Rust and the General Board (now Executive Board) to become his executive assistant. I had been living and serving in other states for many years, and returning to serve in my home state was a singular honor. My surprise increased in 1991 when I was elected by the South Carolina Baptist Convention in annual session to succeed Dr. Rust, and that surprise has stayed with me during my entire tenure as executive director-treasurer.
God does work in His own mysterious ways, and I give all honor and credit to Him for His blessings upon my life and ministry. Whatever has been accomplished is due in full to His watchcare, mercy and grace. My heart overflows constantly with thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior.
May I say that my awareness of the blessings of God upon the South Carolina Baptist Convention is for real. I truly believe that our best years are before us and not behind us. The Executive Board search committee that is seeking our next executive director-treasurer is being very deliberate, prayerful and conscientious, and they deserve our patience, interest, support and earnest prayers. I am confident their decision will be of God and will be an excellent choice. I am so very excited and hopeful about the future for South Carolina Baptists!
At this point in time, I want to especially indicate that Reggie McNeal has been an unusually gifted ambassador for the South Carolina Baptist Convention in recent years as he has been invited by so many churches, denominational groups (in addition to Southern Baptists), secular organizations, seminaries, etc., to speak on leadership issues. He has always represented us well and brought a great deal of positive affirmation and respect our way from all across the nation. At home, his various learning events, such as the Joshua Project and the Shepherding conferences, have been well received by our people. We wish Reggie our best as he assumes new responsibilities Feb. 1 with Leadership Network in Dallas, Tex.
We have seen numerous staff persons of the South Carolina Baptist Convention come and go over the years, and with few exceptions, they have been talented and fine workers for us. We have been able to build on their shoulders and their good service. I know I have, for sure.
In contemplating the years ahead, South Carolina Baptists have a number of strengths upon which to plan for the future. Let me mention a few:
1. A love commitment for missions, evangelism and ministry in keeping with the vision of Jesus to be kingdom focused (Matthew 6:32-33) and strategically directed (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
2. An awareness of the importance of the Cooperative Program and our supplementary special mission offerings, including the Lottie Moon offering for international missions, the Annie Armstrong offering for North American missions, the Janie Chapman offering for South Carolina mission work, and the World Hunger offering.
3. Close ties among our seven institutions and the convention. All of them – Anderson University, The Baptist Courier, Baptist Foundation, Charleston Southern University, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, North Greenville University, and South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging – are making excellent improvements and doing well, as a whole.
4. A bond of ministry to our churches between our 43 Baptist associations and the Convention.
5. Properties that are owned by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and that are in very fine condition include McCall RA Camp; the Baptist Collegiate Ministry centers at Lander University, Spartanburg, Clemson, Charleston, University of South Carolina, Francis Marion University, Winthrop; White Oak Conference Center; and the convention building in Columbia.
6. An encouraging number of growing and healthy churches. For a fact, there are lots of inspiring stories of kingdom growth around the state.
7. A deep love for Jesus, the scriptures and prayer by so many of our people across South Carolina.
8. An acknowledged recognition and appreciation for the South Carolina Baptist convention by numerous leaders all over the Southern Baptist Convention.
9. A subscribed annual budget that is increasing, with dependable financial resources in place and no debt of any kind.
10. A positive focus on Empowering Kingdom Growth led by a united Executive Board, along with proven South Carolina Baptist Convention officers in roles of leadership supported by our fine standing committees.
11. An excellent state staff who understands that their primary function is to serve churches to the glory of God and the salvation of all peoples everywhere.
12. No crisis pulling us apart, linked with a wholesome outlook for the future.
I love and adore the Lord with all of my heart, and I so appreciate the Baptists of South Carolina. I cannot help but quote Psalm 117, “O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.”