Todd Deaton

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Cowpens First seeing God ‘come through’ after devastating fire

Seven-year-old Jensen Graves was among a small crowd that gathered as First Baptist Church of Cowpens was ablaze on the Saturday after Christmas. His mother had brought him to see the flames shooting through its roof. Jensen got out... Continue Reading »

Spartanburg First building tiny houses to solve big problem

Some homeless women may have a place of their own soon as First Baptist Church of Spartanburg begins constructing a small village of tiny houses. After seeing some similar villages on television and elsewhere, Steve Wise, missions minister at... Continue Reading »

Simpsonville pastor named SCBC president-elect; first African-American president takes office

Messengers to the 200th annual meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention elected a Simpsonville pastor as president-elect, approved a $26.5 million Cooperative Program budget, and adopted a resolution affirming churches that also identify as Great Commission Baptists. In... Continue Reading »

Glovers: Being Thankful, Even When It’s Difficult

The turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie will likely taste a little sweeter to Brent and Courtney Glover this Thanksgiving. In late March, Brent, an otherwise healthy 34-year-old with an active lifestyle, began having severe headaches and felt really fatigued.... Continue Reading »

The Power of an Encouraging Word

While watching one of the first NFL games during the pandemic, I heard a strange, unexpected sound. In the background, fans were cheering. It didn’t matter if it was first down or fourth down, or if a team was... Continue Reading »

School back in session at Anderson, Charleston Southern and North Greenville

All three of South Carolina Baptists’ universities reopened in August, but with modified class schedules and recommended health and safety measures being implemented during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Anderson University opened its campus Aug. 19 for in-person classes. Under... Continue Reading »

In caring for COVID patients, doctors and nurses standing in need of prayer

Depending on whom one asks and their locality, doctors and nurses are having varied experiences in treating coronavirus. In some places, doctors are grateful for signs as of late that the virus may not be impacting their areas as... Continue Reading »

Pandemic precautions not keeping churches from growing

Closed sanctuaries, social distancing, mask requirements, seating limits and congregational singing restrictions could put a huge damper on normal church life. Yet, in spite of having all the pandemic precautions in place, some South Carolina churches are growing. Utica... Continue Reading »

Church Life Undergoing Big Changes

The statement, “Church life has drastically changed,” is a glaring understatement. Data gleaned from a recent online sampling during the first week of August by The Baptist Courier gives a glimpse of just how much congregational life across the... Continue Reading »

As COVID surges, some S.C. churches returning to online-only services

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise daily across South Carolina, several churches in harder-hit communities have decided to pause or backtrack on their reopening plans, returning to drive-in and online-only services. A recent study examining Americans’ responses to COVID-19... Continue Reading »

Military command chaplain embraces care for troops, love of country during career of service

“Our country is not perfect, and we all know that, but it is a country that has stood for freedom — not just within its borders, but around the world,” said Ch. Col. Greg Woodbury, who retired in July... Continue Reading »

SCBC universities seeing significant impact on campus life

Graduation from South Carolina Baptists’ three universities looked very different this May. At Anderson University, a page on its website was developed for the commencement program, including the names, hometowns, degrees and academic honors. The page also included videos... Continue Reading »