South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive Director-Treasurer Gary Hollingsworth formally announced his plans to retire during the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, April 26, in Columbia. His official retirement date will be April 30, 2023.
Gary Hollingsworth
“From a ministry perspective, this timing is critical. God has assembled an incredible team of men and women who serve on the convention staff. I feel confident they will continue to do the necessary work to see every church advance and every life saturated with the hope of the gospel,” Hollingsworth said.
The SCBC is in the process of clarifying its mission, vision, strategy, and ministry metrics through a three-year consult with Denominee, a nationally respected consulting ministry. As a result, Hollingsworth said he should “commit to stay another five to 10 years to see this strategy into the next phase or decide this would be the time for a new leader to step in and be a part of that journey from the beginning.”
Hollingsworth and his wife Gwen plan to be closer to aging in-laws, children, and grandchildren in retirement. After 47 years in full-time ministry, the couple also looks forward to volunteer opportunities with no intention of “retiring from ministry.”
According to the Standing Rules of the SCBC Executive Board, the board chairman is charged with assembling the executive director-treasurer search team consisting of current members of the board. Chairman Steve Hogg will begin this process immediately.
Of Hollingsworth’s service, Hogg said, “You’ve done many good things in your role as leader. Historically, you’ve led us through healing into a place of trust for a positive direction for the future. God has used you in a remarkable way.”
SCBC President Wayne Bray added, “South Carolina Baptists have been immeasurably blessed by the leadership of Dr. Gary Hollingsworth. Since 2016, Gary has been a consistent voice of unity and vision for our convention, and we congratulate him on his many years of faithful service to the kingdom.”
Hollingsworth has served as executive director-treasurer since Jan. 13, 2016. He came to South Carolina from Arkansas, where he had been serving as senior pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock since 2007. He previously served as senior director of cultural evangelism at the North American Mission Board from 2005-2007.
“I pledge to work hard in the next 12 months to do everything possible to ensure the convention is prepared for a transition of leadership. God already knows who that next leader will be,” Hollingsworth told board members.