Messengers gathered at Taylors First Baptist Church on Nov. 11 for the second day of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. 

In total, 834 messengers and 84 guests attended the two days. Messengers heard updates from ministry partners including the Woman’s Missionary Union, the Baptist Courier, North Greenville University, Anderson University, and Charleston Southern University, but a large focus across Tuesday’s schedule was placed on the South Carolina Baptist Ministries of Aging (SCBMA) due its “Refocus” proposal.

SCBMA’s Refocus Proposal

During the morning session, messengers had the opportunity to hear about and make their voices heard regarding the potential sale of Martha Franks and Bethea, SCBMA’s retirement communities. 

On September 16, 2025, the Executive Board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention considered a proposal from the SCBMA Board of Trustees to sell Martha Franks and Bethea. After reviewing, discussing, and praying over the proposal, the SCBaptist Executive Board unanimously approved the proposal to be presented to the messenger body at the annual meeting in three motions. 

“We have prayed fervently, forecasted financial models, sought counsel from industry leaders, and pursued every course of possibility we could imagine,” Executive Director-Treasurer Tony Wolfe said. “After 18 months of prayer and research, and one month of feedback and regional town-hall-style meetings across the state, I can tell you that I honestly believe this is the Lord’s will, and that it is the best course of action for current residents and employees, for future ministry opportunities, and for all South Carolina Baptists.” The proposal came to messengers as a united motion from the SCBMA Board of Trustees, the South Carolina Baptist Executive Board, and the executive leadership of both organizations. 

Reimagining a Ministry Model

Tom Turner, President and CEO of SCBMA, went on to explain the economic and market-driven factors that led to the crossroads for the ministry, some of it involving rising costs after the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for capital projects and renovations. This is not the first time the ministry experienced financial hardship, and Turner pointed to the mid-1990s and early 2000s as periods of “extreme difficulty.”

“For more than 60 years, South Carolina Baptists have loved, supported, and prayed for ministry work at Bethea and Martha Franks,” Turner said. “Today, we stand at another defining moment in our ministry’s history.” 

After opening the floor, messengers spoke on both sides to the motion. Some expressed their disappointment and desire to have more time to consider the options. Others pointed to the opportunity to reach more senior adults with a wider ministry model.  

After nearly 20 minutes of discussion, messengers moved to vote by ballot. By a final count of 554 to 114, messengers voted to pass the motion to seek the sale of Bethea and Martha Franks retirement communities. The other two motions related to SCBMA’s Refocus proposal were passed by show of ballot. 

Although this means the landscape of the ministry will change, both Turner, Wolfe, and Executive Board Chair Stephen Cannon were in agreement that the heart of the ministry remains the same. “Our mission has always been clear: to provide professional services for seniors and compassionate care in the name of Jesus,” Turner said. “This next chapter would allow us to continue fulfilling this mission in new ways.” 

More information about the proposal can be found here.

Elections and Clarifying the Role of a Pastor

Messengers also elected three new officers by unanimous vote. Cory Horton, senior pastor of Brushy Creek Baptist was elected as the 2026 President-Elect; Carey Caldwell, lead pastor of Bellview Baptist Church was elected 2026 Vice President; and Marty Middleton, senior pastor of Fort Johnson Baptist Church was elected as 2026 Registration Secretary. Ryan Pack, pastor of Riverland Hills Baptist Church, was elected by messengers at last year’s annual meeting as President-Elect. As of Nov. 11, he will move from President-Elect to 2026 President.

During session two, a new motion was brought forward by Donald Kyle Caudell, messenger from North Anderson Baptist Church, that the incoming President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention appoint a study committee to clarify what South Carolina Baptists believe about the office, title, and function of a pastor, reporting their conclusions at the 2026 Annual Meeting.  

Caudell said, “It’s become evident in a broader Southern Baptist life that there is clarity needed here. I believe SCBaptists can lead the way.” Messengers voted to approve the motion. 

Christian Life and Public Affairs Awards

Each year, the Christian Life and Public Affairs committee announces three awards. This year’s E.A. McDowell award was presented to President of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, Danny Nicholson, for his vision to expand services to families and children in the state. The Impact Your World award recipient was Spring Valley Baptist Church for its commitment to engaging international educators and encouraging members to be intentional witnesses to the Gospel. Finally, the committee renamed the Public Service Award as the Joe Mack Public Service Award due to the impact Joe made with legislators during his tenure at the Convention. Fittingly, the first presentation of the award was made to its namesake. 

Next Year’s Meeting Focuses on “One”

The meeting adjourned with the 2026 President Ryan Pack announcing the theme of the next annual meeting: One.  

“I want us to rally around our oneness,” Pack said. “It’s a beautiful thing in South Carolina.” He explained the emphasis would be on one Gospel, one family, and one more—the idea that every church can reach just one more person for Christ.  

The 206^th Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention will be held on Nov. 9-10, 2026, at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Recordings from the 2025 Annual Meeting can be accessed online here.