Twice annually, the South Carolina Baptist Convention hosts Jumpstart Your Ministry for pastors and church staff who are new to the state.  The purpose of this event is to introduce attendees to the state convention staff and resources and to offer leadership development training.

During the spring meeting this year, March 16, 2004, more than 40 pastors and church staff registered for and attended Jumpstart. 

Dr. Carlisle Driggers, SCBC executive director treasurer discussed Empowering Kingdom Growth (EKG), which is the vision of the state convention as well as the Southern Baptist Convention.  Also, Reggie McNeal, SCBC Leadership Development Team director, explained the Thy Kingdom Come process that helps churches develop a vision for EKG.

Before lunch, attendees had the opportunity to meet the SC Baptist Convention team leaders and to learn about their areas of work.  The team leaders along with WMU Executive Director, Evelyn Blount, then hosted a luncheon.

Dave Rogers, SCBC Lay Ministry and Learning Development director, introduced EKG-University, which is an interactive learning community available online at www.scbaptist.org.  Also, SCBC Research Director Bob Etheridge presented information about Percept data, specifically discussing the Link2Lead website, where Baptist pastors, church staff and members can retrieve facts about their towns, such as demographics.  Following Ethridge was Chris Gray, SCBC website manager, who explained that the state convention website is a useful resource and tool as it can be used to learn about upcoming events, news, staff, and church websites.  Before adjourning at 3 p.m., Bob Deaton, SCBC Annuity and Insurance Services director, talked about financing for the future and other issues that deal with money.

The next Jumpstart Your Ministry will be held at the SC Baptist Convention building on September 14, 2004 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.  For more information, contact the Pastoral Ministries Office, SCBC, at (800) 723-7242, extension 3600, email bettyhead@scbaptist.org or visit online at www.scbaptist.org.