Bennie Durham, pastor of First Baptist Church, Marietta, is the third announced nominee for president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
Durham will be nominated by Keith Kelly, pastor of His Vineyard Church in Lyman.
“It is my conviction that Bennie Durham has the wisdom necessary to both compassionately and courageously lead our state convention through some very challenging days,” said Kelly. “He is a proven leader and a dedicated pastor who has a heart for the betterment of South Carolina Baptists.”
DurhamDurham joins a field of presidential nominees that includes Brad Atkins, pastor of Powdersville First Baptist Church, and David Little, director of missions for Lakelands Association. (Click here for a Q&A with all three nominees.)
SCBC messengers will elect a president during the Wednesday morning session of the convention’s annual meeting, Nov. 15-16, in Columbia.
“I believe the Cooperative Program is vital to our reaching the world for Christ and must be promoted unashamedly,” Durham said. “I believe all churches can give at least 10 percent to the Cooperative Program and give to missions offerings sacrificially.
“I think we need a clear voice on who we have been, who we are and who we need to be in the future. As president, I would challenge all churches and pastors to get back to a cooperative spirit of working together in financial support and ministry.”
Durham, in his 15th year as pastor at Marietta First Church, holds a bachelor of science degree in religion/church ministries from Liberty University and master of church ministries degree from North Greenville University.