First Baptist Church, North Spartanburg, was presented the Impact Your World Award at the 2008 annual meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
The Christian Life and Public Affairs Committee of the state convention presented the award as a recognition of the church’s wide array of community outreach ministries. Following is an excerpt from the presentation:
“At First Baptist, North Spartanburg, the church family has given themselves an EDGE in developing personal ministry opportunities. EDGE stands for Evangelism, Discipleship, Giving and Effectual Prayer. Members have many occasions to share and grow, not only through study, but through various events and activities designed to minister to individuals. They work hard to involve the community in the life of the church and vice versa.
“First North reaches into the community with a spirit of love and evangelism. This body of believers recently planted a church in the Lowcountry. In addition, thousands of seeds are being planted through caring members sharing their lives and hearts with clients at the Carolina Pregnancy Center, by sponsoring Child Evangelism Fellowship, and through volunteering and mentoring at 36 area public schools.
“Disciples are being cultivated through weekly support groups for people going through divorce, dealing with drug/alcohol abuse or addiction to pornography. Additionally, Truth Ministry had its beginnings at First North and continues to hold weekly meetings at the church. Truth Ministry is an organization that helps people struggling with homosexuality to come out of that lifestyle through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Members of the church also volunteer with Miracle League and Family Connections, two organizations that provide services to special needs children and their families.
“Love and creativity flow freely at First North. The church recently sponsored a gas buy-down at a nearby station. The Bible Fellowship class members pumped gas and cleaned windshields while one person greeted the customers. They gave each customer a compact disc that contained a sermon called “Running on Empty” by Dr. Mike Hamlet. Each customer also received coupons for free food and a gas rebate of 10 percent – each redeemable at the church.
“This church has been a leader in educating people about the pitfalls of gambling. The people of First North Church covered Spartanburg County with signs asking people to vote against video poker.”