In March, the properties committee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive Board gave approval for a new master plan to be developed for the White Oak Conference Center to aid future planning for the conference center and give direction for facility use.
The current master plan – drafted in 1975 after the purchase of the land for the facility – included outlines for land use, housing, operation and management, finances and meeting areas.
In preparation for the new master plan development, White Oak is seeking input both from those who have previously used the center and those who have not. A survey will be available online for input into the planning process, focusing on several areas of the conference center including customer service, food service, lodging and conference hosting.
“We have approximately 750 acres currently undeveloped. We want to know what the churches need for us to better accommodate them and what facility aspects are missing that would draw them to use White Oak Conference Center,” said Tim Hughes, the center’s director.
Hughes said they are looking primarily for input that addresses facility needs, recreation options, programming interests, expansion ideas and other desired amenities. The data gathered in the survey will be considered in the master plan development.
“From a ministry perspective, we try to provide a setting where individuals and groups can experience God’s presence, a place for Christian fellowship, worship, discipleship and growth. From a business perspective, we are looking to provide the highest quality service possible for our guests,” said Hughes.
“Ultimately, the purpose of this process is for South Carolina Baptists to be the best stewards of the facility and property God has blessed us with and to follow his direction as we seek to minister through conference center ministry,” he added.
To fill out the survey, log onto www.whiteoakcc.org. The survey will be available May 10 through June 6. Printed copies of the survey are also available by calling the White Oak Conference Center office at (800) 723-7242, ext. 2900.