The announcement of Fred Stone as a candidate for state convention president is great news for South Carolina Baptists. While Dr. Stone certainly has the qualifications from a denominational perspective to serve as president, he is more valuable to the churches, pastors and ministries of our state than his qualifications alone.
Over the last six years, Dr. Stone has greatly invested in me as a young pastor. I have been privileged to spend time with him in his office, home, and over countless meals. He has shared his pulpit with me and walked with me through numerous ministry and family decisions. Fred Stone has a genuine love for Jesus Christ and his church, and for seeing the gospel reach the ends of the earth. He understands well the biblical mandate to “go and make disciples,” and he understands the times in which we live.
Dr. Stone is a seasoned pastor who is capable of leading South Carolina Baptists into the future while ensuring we hold firmly to the biblical convictions that make us Southern Baptists. What is so impressive to me is that he is committed to investing in the next generation of Southern Baptists. He is always faithful to the scriptures and is a constant model in his ministry as pastor of First Baptist, Pickens, and in his personal life as a husband, father and grandfather. I would be excited to see Dr. Stone lead our state during this important season of change in our denomination.
I would encourage pastors and messengers from our churches across South Carolina to support Fred Stone as the next president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
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