SCBaptist Convention leadership is excited to announce Chelsea Copeland of Myrtle Beach, SC, as consultant for Sexual Abuse Prevention and Survivor Care.

She officially began her duties with the Convention June 1, 2024. This position was developed at the request of messengers to the 2022 Annual Meeting. 

Copeland is a counselor in private practice in Conway, SC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Leavel College in New Orleans and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is an experienced, trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, is proficient in biblical counseling models, and holds numerous other certifications and qualifications important to the role. Copeland’s husband, Peter, is a North American Mission Board missionary in Myrtle Beach where he serves as a chaplain and works with Impact Ministries. 

In this role, Copeland will build and maintain a trusted resource base to assist churches in the areas of sexual abuse awareness, prevention, training, and response. She will resource and network pastors, associational leaders, ministry partners, and Convention leadership as needed. Additionally, she will be available to SCBaptist pastors, associational leaders, and church leaders for consultation when claims of sexual abuse occur and will represent SCBaptists in local, state, and national conversations regarding sexual abuse. Look for a web-based resource list and contact information soon on the Convention’s website.