Rudy Gray

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Taylors First calls Josh Powell

What led Josh Powell, senior pastor of Lake Murray Baptist Church in his hometown of Lexington, to accept the pastorate of First Baptist Taylors? “What really attracted me to Taylors First was their commitment — not just to be... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Can We Get an Amen?

The new year has bolted onto the scene with a sobering and upsetting reality as protestors swarmed our nation’s capital and violently forced themselves inside. The breech of the Capitol building was a horrendous and destructive act that sent... Continue Reading »

Celebrating Growing Older

For some, growing older can be a foreboding experience, according to Tom Turner, president of South Carolina Baptist Ministries of Aging. But he believes, “The aging process should be embraced and celebrated.” Referring to Psalm 92:14, the righteous “will... Continue Reading »

New COVID vaccines raise hopes

With approximately 300,000 COVID-19 deaths in 2020, the news of vaccines that can protect people from the virus brings hope to millions of people across the nation and around the world. The largest and most comprehensive vaccination deployment in... Continue Reading »

Echo Hills transitions from dissolution to legacy

The term “rise of the Phoenix” is used as a symbol of rebirth from the ashes of the past or something new developing from something that no longer exists. In Greer, the rise of the Phoenix may be taking... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: A Year of Hope and Challenge

The year 2020, with all its drama and turmoil, has given way to 2021, with its hopes (one of which is a vaccine for COVID-19) and challenges. Jan. 17 is Sanctity of Human Life Day (some will celebrate it... Continue Reading »

Hardwick accepts pastorate in Tennessee

Jay Hardwick, associate executive director and chief strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, has resigned his position, accepting the call of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., as lead pastor. He formerly served as a church planter... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: One Solitary Life

There is a piece of prose that has grown in popularity since its inception in 1926. It is simply titled, “One Solitary Life.” I first came across this in 1971 while taking a New Testament survey course at Anderson... Continue Reading »

Journey in Adoption

“Without exception, adoption is guaranteed to rock your seemingly ordered world,” writes Jennifer Phillips in her new devotional book, “Hope When It’s Hard.” The 30 moving devotionals revolve around the experiences of her and husband Brian’s adoption of a... Continue Reading »

Sands makes history

History was made on Nov. 10 when Alex Sands, pastor of Kingdom Life Church in Simpsonville, became president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He is the first African-American to ever serve as president of the SCBC in its... Continue Reading »

Varnville First: A Sending Church

Varnville First Baptist Church takes pride in being called a “sending church.” It has not always been that way. According to Pastor Tommy Kelly, the church “sent out only one pastor in the first 150 years, but we have... Continue Reading »

A Different Thanksgiving Day in 2020

Typically, the Thanksgiving holiday features some of the busiest travel days of the year. With the pandemic still strong and no vaccine or cure available, travel plans are changing. In the past, it has been estimated that as many... Continue Reading »