The Baptist Courier

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Letter: Reader thankful for stories in September issue

Thank you for your comments on the transgender status in America and the radical Muslim growth in America (“The Times in Which We Live”). Also, thanks to Channing Crisler for his insights (“Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same... Continue Reading »

Letter: Pastor’s wife is ‘daily reminder’ of God’s grace

On behalf of Princeton Baptist Church, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The article in the August issue of The Courier (“Holding Tight to God’s Hand”) has blessed us beyond measure. The outpouring of... Continue Reading »

State CP giving remains ahead of 2015 pace

Cooperative Program gifts received by the South Carolina Baptist Convention continue to run ahead of last year’s pace, according to information released by Pam Carroll, SCBC chief financial officer. At the three-quarter mark for fiscal 2016, churches had forwarded... Continue Reading »

Bryant Sims to be nominated for SCBC first VP

Bryant Sims, pastor of First Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Greenwood, will be nominated for first vice president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention when church messengers convene Nov. 15-16 in Columbia for their annual meeting. Sims, who currently... Continue Reading »

Blythewood church member to be included as trustee nominee for Baptist Foundation

Donna Thompson, a member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Blythewood, has been added to a group of nominees who will be considered as trustees for the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina when messengers to the South Carolina Baptist... Continue Reading »

Randy Harling

Randy Harling resigns as Connie Maxwell Children’s Home president

Randy Harling, president of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, has resigned after serving the South Carolina Baptist Convention-affiliated institution for two years. “I am sad to announce my resignation from Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, and am grateful for the opportunity... Continue Reading »

‘Excommunicated’ offers ideas for revitalizing congregations

Danny Burnley, a veteran pastor and church revitalization consultant, has published a new book designed to aid struggling congregations: “Excommunicated: 11 Steps to Church Revitalization.” More than 40 years ago, Burnley was formally disassociated — excommunicated, in effect —... Continue Reading »

Update: After surgery, upstate pastor’s wife sees improvement

In our August issue we shared the story of Dee Loner, a teacher, mother and pastor’s wife, and her year-long struggle to recover from a debilitating aneurysm and stroke. Gregg, her husband, reports an upturn in Dee’s condition since... Continue Reading »

Obituary: Ray Batson

Joseph Ray Batson, 90, of Suwanee, Ga., died Sept. 3, 2016. Born July 3, 1926, in Sumter County, S.C., he graduated from North Greenville College, Carson Newman College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His early years in the ministry... Continue Reading »

Leesville First Baptist honors Tense Patton for WMU service

Tense Patton was recognized for 36 years of service to Woman’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church of Leesville. Pastor Charles Leonhardt presented Patton with a commemorative plaque.

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Simpsonville First Baptist calls three new staff members

Simpsonville First Baptist Church recently added three ministers to its staff. Patrick Gillen, minister of youth, previously served churches in Georgia as student pastor and pastor to families. He graduated from Liberty University and received master’s degrees from Liberty... Continue Reading »

Estep honored on 30th anniversary at Columbia First Baptist

Columbia First Baptist Church celebrated Wendell Estep’s 30th anniversary as pastor Aug. 14. The church also announced plans to publish a book of devotionals based on sermons from Estep’s three decades as senior pastor. “Faithful & True: Inspiring Messages... Continue Reading »