“Every young pastor needs two things: friendships with like-minded people, and wisdom through mentorship.”

For Adam Siskey, pastor at Church at The Mill’s Woodruff campus, both of these needs are met through the Young Pastors Network. A cohort that meets monthly with over 130 participants, the Young Pastors Network is a community where young pastors learn essentials for effective pastoral duties and leadership.  

“The Young Pastors Network is really a fulfillment of a dream to invest in the next generation of pastors,” Brian Saxon, Shepherd Team Leader at SCBaptist, said. For Saxon, the group provides a space to share both trials and successes in ministry and to provide a foundational community for relational connection. “I’m encouraged that we can gather each month and learn together,” Saxon said.

Typically, the meetings are virtual, but recently the group gathered in person at Shandon Baptist Church to work through one of the 12 core competencies. These competencies serve as the roadmap for the group. The list includes topics like missions, evangelism leadership, vision, preaching, and more.  

Finding Community and Wisdom

Pastor David Cox from Shady Grove Baptist Church admits that pastoring can feel lonely. “Sometimes you don’t know the next step to take, and being able to hear from other seasoned pastors has been so encouraging,” Cox said.  

Chase Cleveland, pastor at Union Baptist Church agreed that the Young Pastors Network has been a priceless resource for his ministry. “To have seasoned pastors with a wealth of knowledge who have been there, done that, and are willing to pour into us? You can’t put a price on that,” he said.  

Siskey echoed this idea, sharing that he’s been able to gain wisdom each month through hearing from seasoned pastors. “Today, we’re learning about vision casting and setting goals and milestones for your church,” Siskey said. “It’s helping us think through how to intentionally plan and move our church in a direction toward fulfilling the Great Commission.”  

Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors

Dawjr Wood, from Memorial Baptist Church in St. George, South Carolina, emphasized that the connections he’s made through the group have brought him comfort and encouragement. Wood also expressed his thanks for South Carolina Baptists. “I just want to say thank you for making the investment in the Cooperative Program and in pastors like myself,” he said. 

By investing in young pastors, South Carolina Baptists are strengthening not only individual leaders but also the churches they shepherd and the communities they serve. Through shared experiences, seasoned guidance, and practical training, the Young Pastors Network reminds pastors that they are not alone in their calling. Together, they are being equipped to faithfully lead God’s people and advance the Great Commission across South Carolina and beyond.