Simply by playing video games with his children, Curtis James came up with a ministry idea that went nationwide. The virtual Easter egg hunt, hosted on a Minecraft server on Easter Sunday, April 12, stemmed from the desire of Tate Springs Baptist Church in Texas to engage entire families, both adults and children, even as […]
SCBC offers avenue for churches to continue serving
The effects of COVID-19 have heightened the need for South Carolina Baptist churches to come together, to both share and serve the needs of their communities. The “COVID-19 Serve Community Aid” has been established to make $250,000 available to aid churches in meeting the specific needs of their communities. “Our purpose statement is clear: ‘We […]
Hickory Grove Baptist Church notes 150th year
Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Brunson recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. A bamboo arbor was built in front of the church steps to bring back the early days when church members held services under an arbor. The church was established in 1869. More than 200 people attended the celebration on Nov. 3, 2019. Former pastor […]
Federal Loans: ‘Should We or Shouldn’t We?’
By this time, many decisions have already been made regarding what churches should do concerning the Federal Government’s offer of loans/grants to nonprofits. Because of the severe economic impact on small businesses and churches, the Small Business Administration made a special exemption for churches to pursue loans, which could turn into grants. The question most […]
S.C. churches finding creative ways to worship, connect amid coronavirus guidelines
While the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing congregations from meeting together inside their sanctuaries, South Carolina Baptists are discovering creative ways to worship — while adhering to social distancing guidelines — making for a memorable Easter observance this year. Across the nation, as Easter approached, seven in 10 pastors were planning to hold digital services, with […]
Baptist church hosting national virtual Easter egg hunt
Simply by playing video games with his own children, Curtis James came up with a ministry idea that has gone nationwide. The virtual Easter egg hunt, to be hosted on a Minecraft server Easter Sunday, April 12, stemmed from the desire of Tate Springs Baptist Church to engage entire families, both adults and children, even […]
Churches eligible for federal payroll protection funding through SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a FAQ document for faith-based organizations reiterating that they are eligible to receive SBA loans through the Payroll Protection Program. The document says “no otherwise eligible organization will be disqualified from receiving a loan because of the religious nature, religious identity, or religious speech of the organization.” The […]
Most churches have stopped gathering, few plan to meet on Easter
The coronavirus outbreak has had ripple effects across the country, including in U.S. churches, according to a new study of pastors. Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked Protestant pastors how the pandemic has impacted their congregations and what their plans are for the near future. While nearly all pastors say their church held in-person worship services at […]
Religious liberty concerns seem to be resolved for churches to file for CARES Act funds
An Interim Final Rule published by the U.S. Small Business Administration provides assurance that churches and other ministries are in fact eligible to receive loans as part of a massive financial stimulus bill passed last week by Congress, and that those faith-based nonprofits will not face potential conflict with religious liberty protections. The Paycheck Protection […]
Survey for SCBC Pastors
The COVID-19 Pandemic Phase III Stimulus Package signed into law March 27 by President Trump will provide potential relief for churches and pastors. The package provides churches with the same options as small businesses and self-employed individuals attempting to financially weather the economic turmoil wrought by COVID-19. Churches that are exempt from tax under Section […]