When South Carolina schools dropped on the Nation’s Report Card from 39th to 47th place in literacy, the South Carolina Baptist Convention realized something must change. A major indicator of a child’s success in life is the ability to read on their grade level by the time they complete third grade. Recognizing this, the state […]
The women of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Pamplico have created and sewed 60 dresses for distribution in Ethiopia. Spearheaded by WMU Director Joyce Poston, the project was named “Elsa’s Project” in honor of a girl in an orphanage in Addis Ababa. When Elsa received a dress several months ago, she commented, “I love my […]
Deadline for the E.A. McDowell award for individual service in politics, government and community affairs is Sept. 20. Each nomination should include a detailed listing of the nominee’s qualifications as well as an explanation of the person’s unique contributions. Full name, address, phone number, and church pastor should be given for the nominee and person […]
As parents all across the state anticipate the start of a new school year, what can be done to ensure the greatest potential school experience for your children? A couple of psychologists listed 101 tips for kids and parents — too many to remember. Diana Davis, writing for LifeWay Christian Resources, has some suggestions for […]
Ashley Bennett can’t wait for school to start this year … and she’s a middle school teacher! A veteran of 14 years at Woodruff Middle School, she’s looking forward to meeting her new crop of seventh graders. But Bennett is also the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Huddle leader, and she’s eager to see the […]
The Whitlock family of four sisters and a brother at Flat Rock Baptist Church in Liberty has a legacy of teaching and sharing God’s word that totals hundreds of years, when combined with their spouses. Francis Whitlock served churches with her husband, Charles Hamilin, a pastor for 55 years before retiring. Wanda Whitlock, who married […]
Pastor Clay Smith was honored June 2 at Alice Drive Baptist Church for 25 years of leadership. When Smith started in 1994, the Sumter church had a congregation of about 285 people. Now the church averages more than 1,500 people over three Sunday morning services and a Monday night service. Smith received several honors during […]
As more stories of sexual abuse involving evangelical churches and pastors — including the Southern Baptist Convention — come to light, SBC leaders have recognized the need to be responsive and educated in caring for those within their ministries who disclose abuse experiences. LifeWay Christian Resources, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and those working […]
The Southern Baptist effort to address sexual abuse in churches took another step with the launch of the “Caring Well Challenge,” a joint call for congregations to become equipped to prevent predatory behavior and to care for survivors. The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and the Sexual Abuse Advisory Study have issued an invitation to […]
Steven L. Ragan joined the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina staff April 29 as church relations representative. In his role, Ragan will work directly with churches, primarily in the Upstate, to introduce pastors and church leadership to financial, legacy, and investment strategies to fund Great Commission ministries through the church, both today and in the […]