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 Baptist in Seneca, for instance, has seen 15 baptisms in a span of three weeks that […]
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 state now differs after nearly six months of heightened health precautions. Although in-person attendance has fallen […]
George Tate has completed 40 years as the pastor of Slabtown Baptist Church in Liberty. He was the founding pastor of the congregation, which was planted by Piedmont Baptist Church in 1980.
Calvary Baptist Church voted June 28 to reinvest its resources in a partnership with another Lancaster congregation to add a Spanish service to its existing worship. The remaining 17 members of Calvary Baptist approved a proposal by Brian Saxon, pastor of Second Baptist Church, to relaunch Calvary as “one church, worshipping in two languages” with […]
Trent Henson is the new associate pastor of Washington Baptist Church in Greer. A graduate of USC-Upstate and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Henson, a former school teacher, was ordained to the ministry July 5 at Washington Baptist. He and his wife, Scotti, have one daughter, Kerith. Henson succeeds Joe Price, who had served as associate […]
Stephen Cannon has accepted the call as senior pastor of Millbrook Baptist Church in Aiken. He has served as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Committee on Nominations, vice chairman of the board of the Parson’s Pantry ministry, and a member of the Executive Board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He holds a […]
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 shows that a majority (64 percent) are “somewhat uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable” taking a seat in […]
Union Baptist Church of Iva is a rural church in Anderson County. Like most churches, it was following guidelines during the pandemic and not gathering together in its buildings. When the church met for its first regular worship service since the COVID-19 crisis, a history-making baptism highlighted the worship service. Jamilius Freeman, discharged from the […]
For years, Jean Talbot, a member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Piedmont, has been making pillows for people who are recovering from illnesses or surgeries. But now she’s using her sewing skills to make face masks for others. About 13 years ago, Talbot was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her surgery, she couldn’t find […]
With social-distancing restrictions still being implemented as COVID-19 lingers into the summer months, churches are having to explore options for holding Vacation Bible Schools. Several Charleston children’s ministers have found a unique alternative. They’re collaborating in creating a virtual VBS experience for families. “In children’s ministry, as in all ministries, we’re trying to strategically plan […]