Calumet Baptist Church in Liberty, SC, had dwindled to fewer than 30 people by the spring of 2024.

Years of decline had left the congregation uncertain about the future. In response to this need, Piedmont Baptist Association’s Chris Jordan reached out to Jamie Duncan, pastor of East Pickens Baptist Church, about forming a revitalization partnership. 

East Pickens committed to a fostering relationship to help the church become healthy and autonomous again. “It’s a different strategy,” Duncan explained. “This is your church for a year. Model healthy relationships. Take on roles within the church. Lead and find someone to take your spot.”

In year one, East Pickens sent 12 to 14 people to serve. Worship teams rotated weekly. Pastoral leadership came through a team effort. David Jackson, Replant Team Specialist at the North American Mission Board, served as transitional pastor for the first year. Chuck Bridges served alongside him with the understanding that he would assume leadership in year two.

Seeing Life Change

“Chuck’s been very intentional,” Duncan said. “He brings maturity and relational people skills.” SCBaptist helped facilitate the residency program for Bridges and provided training resources, including RE Cohort, where a group of pastors meet monthly with an emphasis on church revitalization. “The state convention is very committed to revitalization work,” Bridges said. 

Calumet is already seeing fruit. “They’d not had a baptism in over three years. We’ve had five baptisms since we’ve been there,” Bridges shared. Seven people have also joined the church. “Year one was just healing and bringing some stability back to the church,” Bridges said. He emphasized that a large focus was placed on unity and remembering that Jesus is the head of the church.

As the partnership enters year two, the focus shifts to leadership development. “We’re trying to get some team ministries lined up and having people who are a part of Calumet Baptist Church in leadership and leading ministries,” Bridges said.

For East Pickens and Calumet, this partnership reflects a broader Kingdom truth. “Revitalization is messy,” Bridges admitted. “But we have to move at God’s pace, not ours. And I’m thankful for what God is doing.”