The South Carolina Baptist Convention History Committee and Charleston Southern University sponsored a panel discussion Oct. 8 on the history of missions and education in the state convention.

The event was held in Ellis Hall at Columbia First Baptist Church.

Participants included Charleston Southern University vice president and professor of Christian studies Michael Bryant, who served as moderator; Peter Beck, professor of Christian studies at CSU and a pastor; B. Carlisle Driggers, retired SCBC executive director-treasurer; Josh Powell, pastor of Lake Murray Baptist Church, who is writing an updated history of the SCBC; and Rudy Gray, editor and president of The Baptist Courier.

The discussion included topics such as identifying who is a Baptist, the importance of missions and education as an identifying part of Baptists’ past and future, and other subjects ranging from the successful Conservative Resurgence to the failed Great Commission Resurgence.

The panel expressed an optimism for the future tied to building on the denomination’s strong past, understanding the times, holding institutions accountable, reaching and discipling people, and maintaining a clear biblical lifestyle and message.

The discussion was streamed live on Facebook and was recorded by the SCBC history staff.