After 25 years as senior pastor of Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Taylors, Ralph F. Carter is stepping down from the pulpit. He will retire at the end of February 2017.
Carter shared the news with his 3,200-member congregation Sunday, Nov. 20, adding that he wants to give the church time to search for his replacement. The 64-year-old came to Brushy Creek in 1992 after 15 years at Western Avenue Baptist Church in Statesville, N.C. The Seneca native was excited to return to his home state, along with his wife, Regina, and children, Angela and Matthew.
In 2013, Carter was elected and served as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, where his focus was bringing South Carolina Baptists together. The theme that year, “Better Together,” is reflective of his philosophy of ministry.
Carter has served as a trustee at Anderson University, North Greenville University, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also has served in several denominational positions, most notably as chairman of the SCBC’s Great Commission Resurgence Task Force in 2011.
“I can’t begin to thank the sweet people of Brushy Creek Baptist Church enough for the 25 years you have allowed me to be your pastor,” Carter said in a news release from Brushy Creek. “You have become nothing short of family to me and Regina, and we love you more than you will ever know.
“I could not have been pastor of a more loving, giving people. Selfishly, I would like to remain your pastor for years to come. But after nearly 25 years, I recognize the time has come to turn the reins of leadership over to another.”
Brushy Creek has experienced growth under Carter’s leadership. He oversaw the church moving from the corner of Old Spartanburg and Brushy Creek roads to a new 75,000-square-foot facility in 1994. This past year, Brushy Creek added additional space in a $3.3-million renovation.
Although Carter will be stepping back from his responsibilities as pastor of Brushy Creek, he still plans to be actively engaged in ministry. “I hope I will receive invitations to preach, encourage some younger pastors, and possibly even be an interim pastor at some point in the future,” he said. “For right now, I plan to spend more time with Scout (Carter’s only grandchild) and take a few trips that I didn’t have time to take earlier in life.”
Commenting on the future of Brushy Creek, Carter said, “It’s never been brighter. There is a sense of renewal that has swept through our congregation of late, and I don’t believe we’ve ever been healthier.
“It makes me want to stay in one way, but the best time to leave is when people are wanting you to stay just a little longer. The church has a talented, very capable staff, and the finest, godliest lay leadership you could possibly find. They are in good hands — the hands of a sovereign, good God.”