The South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Creative Ministries Festival convened March 7 for a day of training and sharing in Camden.

Sponsored by the SCBC Worship & Music Office, the event included 158 participants and faculty, an increase from last year’s 108 attendees. On Saturday morning and afternoon, classes in puppetry, clowning, drama, creative movement, discipleship and missions were offered along with two vibrant worship services.

The event culminated in a Saturday-afternoon evangelistic block party in downtown Camden in partnership with First Baptist Church of Camden. Participant groups and classes presented the gospel on the main stage while face painting, games and free refreshments were offered.

Stephanie Caldwell, SCBC creative ministry specialist, reported that 78 families registered from 22 local churches and that five unchurched families were present for the block party. Each family heard the gospel of Christ presented in multiple ways.

The 2016 Creative Ministries Festival will return to First Baptist Church of Camden on March 5 next year. An added feature in 2016 will be a Friday-night competition for creative ministry teams to present their craft for helpful evaluation. Competition winners will be selected to present at the block party.

For more information, call 803-227-6168.

— Mark Powers is director of the Worship & Music Office of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.