Gerald Mabry, pastor of Hendersonville Baptist Church, Walterboro, was presented the Outstanding Smaller Church Pastor of the Year Award by the SCBC association and pastoral ministries office. The award, first presented in 2006, is based on written recommendations from directors of missions.
Jamie Murphy, minister of families and outreach at Immanuel Baptist Church, North Augusta, received a special President’s Award from Rudy Gray for the “Parent Project,” Immanuel’s ministry to parents of at-risk youth. In accepting the award, Murphy said the 10-week program is a unique opportunity to “build a bridge” between Immanuel Baptist and the North Augusta and Aiken communities.
Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church, Laurens, was presented the Impact Your World Award by the SCBC’s Christian life and public affairs committee to recognize the church’s commitment to advance the kingdom of God through action in the public arena. The church has taken the lead in activities to influence local thought and policy through its Christians in Action ministry. The award was accepted by Rhett Wilson (pictured), associate pastor of Chestnut Ridge. Tony Crouch is senior pastor.
Josh Kimbrell was presented the E.A. McDowell Award by the SCBC’s Christian life and public affairs committee. Kimbrell, the youngest-ever recipient of the annual award, is a 2007 graduate of North Greenville University and is active in the Upstate in cultural life and public policy matters. He founded Christians Empowered and Organized, a roundtable of pastors, political enthusiasts and business leaders.