The South Carolina Baptist Convention staff took to the road to hold their monthly Advance Rally meeting on campus at Charleston Southern University (CSU).

The visit aligned with the Convention’s April focus of “Equipping the Called” by highlighting how SCBaptists invest in the next generation of ministry leaders on college campuses. CSU is one of three Baptist universities in the state, joined by Anderson University and North Greenville University. Executive Director-Treasurer Tony Wolfe reminded staff that CSU is not simply a partner institution, but part of the SCBaptist family—”one family on one mission through one cooperative effort,” he said. He encouraged staff to see their time on campus as an opportunity to support, pray with, and invest in the next generation of ministry leaders.

The Singing Churchmen helped lead worship during CSU’s chapel service, and the SCBaptist collegiate ministry team created a vibrant campus presence with ministry booths, games, and even an ice cream truck to connect with students. Chad Stillwell, SCBaptist Share Team Leader, said, “We had meaningful conversations about calling, ministry, and missions. God is moving on this campus in incredible ways. Lives are being changed, leaders are being called, and the Gospel is going out from CSU to the nations.”

Equipping Through the Local Church

Staff also heard from three SCBaptist pastors: Tommy Meador, Northwood Baptist; Marshall Blalock, First Baptist Charleston; and Jonathan Lenker, Harbor City Church. Each shared about ways their church equips believers for missions and church planting. Early in Blalock’s ministry, a focus on missions was a uniting factor for the congregation. “God calls us to the nations, and if we can’t get behind that, we’ve got a problem,” he said. He saw firsthand how emphasizing missions changed the church, and how it expanded to an increased love for their local neighbors, as well.

Their emphasis on discipleship and missions was reflected in the testimony of a CSU student whose calling has been shaped through local church involvement and SCBaptist ministry programs. Also in SCBaptist’s Palmetto Collective, she will be sent out as a Journeyman with the International Mission Board this summer. After being connected to a former SCBaptist church plant, Restoration Community Church, she was discipled and encouraged to join Palmetto Collective, an SCBaptist program that equips college students for missions and ministry. “There’s nothing significant about me, but there’s something so significant about what Jesus Christ has done in my life,” she said. “It’s such an encouragement to know that you all are constantly praying for us and walking with us in this mission.”

Continuing to Partner

President of CSU, Keith Faulkner, emphasized that the Convention has been a trusted and valued resource to him personally. Faulkner told students at their weekly chapel service, “We have a special relationship with the Convention. They support us, they equip you through training, and they certainly financially help us as well.” He also extended a word of thanks to Executive Director-Treasurer Tony Wolfe for “his friendship, his leadership, and his love for Jesus” and for the vision he has cast for the Convention.

The April Advance Rally not only spotlighted the deep partnership between SCBaptists and CSU but also served as a reminder that equipping the called requires everyone—working together as one family on one mission—as we work to fulfill the Great Commission.