A group of young pastors from South Carolina Baptist churches recently traveled to the International Mission Board’s (IMB) International Learning Center to gain a deeper understanding of how their churches’ Cooperative Program giving sends missionaries to the nations.

At the IMB’s International Learning Center, the pastors saw firsthand how missionaries and their families are equipped before deployment. From spiritual formation and cultural training to practical preparation and emotional support, the pastors witnessed the intentional care the IMB invests in those who leave everything behind to share the Gospel across the world.

Joseph Sanders, lead pastor of First Baptist Church Williston, was encouraged by what he observed.

“It’s been so beautiful seeing the care that they take in preparing missionaries—not just the missionaries themselves but their families,” Sanders said. “They’re increasing their knowledge, their spiritual formation, and helping them work through the emotional toll that this type of transition will have on them and their families.”

Seeing the Cooperative Program at Work

For Jacob Orr of Bennettsville Second Baptist, the visit emphasized how local church ministry and international missions are deeply connected.

“The care and shepherding I get to do in South Carolina isn’t just affecting my congregation,” Orr said. “Healthy, multiplying churches are the source for missions sending and missions giving. We get to be part of sending missionaries all over the world and expanding the Kingdom of God.”

Jason Dorriety, senior pastor of Neals Creek Baptist Church in Anderson, noted that seeing the IMB’s behind-the-scenes work gave him new appreciation for cooperation among Baptists.

“It’s been such an encouragement to hear not just about the ministry that takes place, but also the preparation and ongoing care of our missionaries,” Dorriety said. “I think the most beautiful aspect of the Southern Baptist Convention is that we get to come together to do more than we could separately.”

Connecting with Missionaries

The trip also allowed the pastors to connect with South Carolina missionaries preparing to serve overseas. Kris, who served on staff at Church at The Mill, moved with his family to Europe to help plant churches. Charleston native, Josh, is also working to plant churches in South America. Josh is also a graduate of Charleston Southern University and served as part of SCBaptist’s Palmetto Collective, where he received hands-on ministry and missions training. “Thank you, South Carolina Baptists, for how much you give and what you’re doing to send missionaries like myself,” Kris said.

Sanders said the visit reaffirmed his commitment to cooperation.

“I encourage any church to give toward the Cooperative Program,” he said. “Those dollars make sure that mission work happens, not just in South Carolina, but all over the world through organizations like the IMB and NAMB.”

For these young pastors, the trip was more than a tour—it was a reminder that local churches in South Carolina are part of something much larger: a global movement of God’s people carrying the Gospel to the nations.