This year’s E.A. McDowell Award was presented to William Renfrow in recognition of how he applies the gospel through notable service in the business and faith communities.
Tony Beam, left, presents the E.A. McDowell Award to William Renfrow.In addition to his service at First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, Renfrow works closely with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is chairman of the Spartanburg board and serves on the state board of FCA.
Renfrow founded The Bottom Line Club for Christ Centered Businesses. The club has a monthly luncheon where speakers discuss ways Christ can be lifted up in the business community. He is also the upstate coordinator for the Fellowship of Companies for Christ.
Last year, Renfrow became concerned that the faith community was not responding with one voice to the many social issues in the community. This prompted him to found Spartanburg United for Christ – a network of churches, educators, businesses, Christian leaders, and laypeople all connected for the purpose of addressing the major social problems in Spartanburg. This organization is multi-denominational and multi-racial, and is changing the spiritual atmosphere of Spartanburg County. Forty pastors meet regularly to pray for spiritual renewal and to encourage a Christian worldview.
Renfrow has also participated in many mission trips, locally and abroad, through Carpenters for Christ.