Please share briefly about your faith journey.
My faith journey began at Clifton First Baptist Church, Spartanburg. I had been going to the church for years, was a part of the youth group, and also singing in the choir on Sunday morning, all without realizing I was a lost man. On March 28, 1981, something happened to me that had never happened before. While sitting there listening to the evangelist as he preached, I was convicted in my heart for the first time and saw myself as a sinner. That was 31 years ago, and I still have not gotten over it, and I know that I never will.
Why are you open to being nominated for SCBC president?
When I was approached and asked to serve, I was really shocked, in a way, because, even though I love the convention and desire for myself and the churches I have pastored to be a part of the convention work, I never dreamed I would be asked to serve in this position.
When I was first asked, I said that I would pray about it. I shared the news with my wife, and we began praying as to what my answer would be. A couple of weeks later, we felt the Holy Spirit leading us to accept the nomination, even though I feel unworthy. I talked with the deacons of my church, then to the whole congregation, and received 100 percent support in this effort.
I am ready to serve if that is what our Lord wants me to do. This is not political to me, and I don’t want it to be. I look at this as an opportunity, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to serve our convention in Experience Kingdom Life.
What is your vision for our state convention? How can the president help effect change?
My vision is one in which I will help our convention go forward with our Great Commission Resurgence goal, to have a strong continued effort for revitalization of our churches – because we need to realize that healthy churches will plant healthy churches – and to continue to work and walk with our ministry partners as we serve together to reach South Carolina with the gospel.
To me, our greatest challenge is revival. Knowing that we have the highest number of forced terminations within the Southern Baptist Convention and seven pastors who have committed suicide in the last seven years, we must be about encouraging our pastors and churches. As convention president, I can effect change by working with the Executive Board and convention leaders to accomplish the Great Commission Resurgence.
I really am excited about the future of our convention as we continue to work together as we lift up Jesus our Lord and Savior and as we share with people in this state and people around the world that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
What is your favorite passage of Scripture, and why?
Even though I have many, I would have to say Galatians 2:20, because this verse helps me to remember who He is and who I am; to take note that I am nothing, but He is everything. Knowing the Christian life is too big for me to live, I must die daily, as the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31. So, in order for me to live for the Lord Jesus, I must be surrendered so He can live His life in me. Then He will be able to live His life through me.
Other than the Bible, what is your favorite book?
“Slaying the Giants in Your Life,” by David Jeremiah.
What book have you read recently?
“Not I But Christ,” by Dr. Stephen Olford.
What are your hobbies?
Golf, being outdoors, and spending time with my precious family.
What do you do for rest and renewal?
I enjoy evangelism conferences, pastor conferences, etc., so I can get refreshed and be able to grow in the Lord.