To view a topic or for information, make your selection from the list. Our ministries are as diverse as the talents and gifts of our members. To better serve our members and meet the needs of the community, church ministries are grouped into five sections: Church Support, Family Enrichment, Education and Training, Health and Wellness, and Community Outreach. Click below to find the ministries under each section.
CHURCH SUPPORT James Gallieshaw, Coordinator BROTHERHOOD MINISTRY The Brotherhood is a service-oriented ministry open to all males in the church. It is affiliated with the Citywide Brotherhood Union. Meetings are 6 p.m. on first Tuesdays. Contact: Gabriel Laney B.N. SCOTT MISSIONARIES These youth missionaries share God’s loving-kindness through service projects and fellowship activities. B.N. Scott Missionaries are males and females, ages 10-20. Activities include: The Cooperative Ministry’s Back-to-School School Supply Drive Harvest Hope Food Bank’s CROP Walk for Hunger Samaritan Purse’s Project Christmas Child Parents’ Night Out sleepovers Personal hygiene and etiquette seminars The Souper Bowl, which raises funds for charities that fight hunger Benedict College’s PLUS Community Service Day Meetings are 10 a.m. on fourth Saturdays. Contact: Charlene Chapman CHURCH AID MINISTRY This ministry provides financial and other support to the church as needed. The ministry meets at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Contact: Mattie Powell DANCE MINISTRY (Garments of Praise DEACONESS MINISTRY The mission of the Deaconess Ministry is to provide support to the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry in the spiritual well being of the Church. Membership in this ministry is restricted to wives and widows of ordained Baptist deacons. Meetings are 4 p.m. on fourth Saturdays. Contact: Surlina Jumper DRAMA MINISTRY The mission of this ministry is to share the Word through skits, plays, monologues and other dramatic presentations throughout the year. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursdays. Contact: Ruthie Johnson GREETERS MINISTRY The mission of the Greeters Ministry is to reach out and extend to visitors and newcomers at Sunday worship the church’s friendliness and kindness, through a spirit of warmth, acceptance, and hospitality, welcoming them to our faith community. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday quarterly. Contact: Joe Davis MEDIA MINISTRY This ministry spreads the gift of spiritual growth and enrichment by sharing the Preached Word and other services through audio/visual media, including audiocassette tapes, videotapes, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs). Contact: Matthew Edmondson MUSIC MINISTRY B.N. SCOTT CHORALIERS The B.N. Scott Choraliers is an anointed choir, with a repertoire ranging from traditional gospel standards and anthems to standard hymns and contemporary gospel. They touch many lives as they travel, sharing the Word through their music ministry. The choir is made up of persons age 18 and older. The B.N. Scott Choraliers sing at 11 a.m. worship on the second and third Sundays. The choir accompanies the Pastor for revivals and other preaching engagements. Rehearsals are are at 7 p.m. on second, third and fourth Mondays. Contact: Detra Cooley BROTHERHOOD CHORUS The mission of the Brotherhood Chorus is to provide an opportunity for male members of the church to render song service at worship. The Brotherhood Chorus is open to male members of the church who enjoy singing. The chorus sings at 11 a.m. worship on third and fourth Sundays and other occasions as requested The chorus sings at 11 a.m. worship on the third and fourth Sundays. Rehearsals are on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Contact: Joel Ingram JUBILEE CHOIR This choir renders song service through traditional shaped-note, a cappella singing. It is open to anyone who enjoys singing in this traditional method. The choir fellowships with other jubilee choirs throughout the community. Rehearsals are 1 p.m. on Saturdays Contact: Albert Brown MASS CHOIR This choir provides song service at the 11 a.m. worship on each first Sunday in the month and at other church services as requested. Membership on the Mass Choir is open to anyone in the church who enjoys singing. Rehearsals are 6 p.m. on the Monday preceding the first Sunday of each month. Contact: Lanita C. Jones SENIOR MUSICAL CHOIR The Senior Musical Choir provides song service at the 11 a.m. worship on the second and fourth Sundays. Membership is open to anyone who likes to sing. Rehearsals are 5:30 p.m. Mondays. Contact: Hattie Mackey SANCTUARY CHOIR The mission of the Sanctuary Choir is to lend gifts and talents to the body of Christ for the edifying of saints and the building of God’s kingdom through music ministry. Membership is open to anyone who desires to sing the songs of Zion skillfully. This choir provides song service at the early morning worship. Rehearsals are 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. Contact: Dr. Alethia Rearden SANCTUARY YOUTH CHOIR This choir is made up of youth between the ages of 6 and 18 and renders song ministry at the 7:45 a.m. Sunday worship on fifth Sundays and other occasions as requested. Contact: Erica Lakin W.H. NEAL YOUTH CHOIR This choir ministers to the saved and unsaved through song service. It is made up of youth between the ages of 6 and 18. The choir renders song ministry at the 11 a.m. Sunday worship on the third and fifth Sundays of each month and on other occasions as requested. Rehearsals are 10 a.m. Saturdays preceding third and fifth Sundays. Contacts: Chandra Sadler, Cheryl Reeves or Wilma Brown NEW BEGINNINGS INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY This ministry provides an extension of the ministry of Jesus Christ through his body, the Church. It prays for First Nazareth community, individually and corporately, and provides leadership in prayer for First Nazareth. The ministry intercedes or stands in the gap for the Church and others by praying in their behalf. The ministry ministers, supports and encourages the Church by interceding through prayer for the leadership and all ministries and/or activities connected with the Church, The ministry seeks to develop an attitude of praying without ceasing and through faith, knowing that there is much power in prayer. The ministry seeks to develop a community of intercessors. Meetings are 7 a.m. on the Saturday preceding every first Sunday. Contact: Gail Bullard PALS (Parents Association of Little Singers) PALS encourage and provides parental support to the W.H. Neal Youth Choir, formerly known as the Little Singers. PALS’ membership includes parents/guardians of members of the W.H. Neal Youth Choir. Activities include financial support of choir activities and the church’s building fund. Meetings are held in conjunction with W.H. Neal Youth Choir rehearsals. Contact: Veronica Watkins PASTOR’S AID MINISTRY This ministry provides assistance to the Pastor in carrying out his pastoral responsibilities. It coordinates the annual observance of the Pastor’s anniversary. Membership is open to anyone in the church family. Meetings are second Sundays immediately after 11 a.m. worship. Contact: Catherine Lewis PROGRESSIVE MINISTRY This ministry brings cheer to shut-ins by sending flowers to members who are hospital patients. Meetings are 10 a.m. on second Saturday of each month. Contact: Mary L. Stukes SUNSHINE GARDEN MINISTRY This ministry shares a bit of sunshine with sick and shut-in members by sending rays of love, faith, hope and Christianity beaming into the lives of the church family members who are sick or shut in. The ministry meets on the first Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Contact: Pat Daniels B.N. SCOTT USHERS This ushers’ ministry serves as church doorkeepers on the first fourth and fifth Sundays at 11 a.m. worship. Membership is open to any church member, but there is an emphasis on youth. Meetings are 12 p.m. on fourth Saturday. Contact: Cora Allen Mitchell SANCTUARY USHERS In addition to serving at 7:45 a.m. worship, the Sanctuary Ushers serve on Monday and Wednesday at church revivals and on other occasions as requested. The Sanctuary Ushers are co-sponsors of the Thanksgiving Baskets Project and contribute gifts to Project Angel Tree. Meetings are 10 a.m. on first Saturday. Contact: Renee Evans SANCTUARY YOUTH USHERS This youth ushers’ ministry serves on fifth Sundays at the early morning (7:45 a.m.) worship. Members are ages 6-18. Contacts: Carolyn Searles and Deborah Montgomery SENIOR MISSIONARY SOCIETY This ministry promotes the cause of Christ through missions. The Missionary Society offers many opportunities for sharing, strengthening and widening the vision of its members in the building of God’s kingdom on earth. By working together, individual talents and gifts are centered on helping a worthy cause. Activities include: Monthly meetings with a Bible study period Nursing home visitation on the third Saturday of each month Clothing drives, as requested, for The Cooperative Ministry and other charitable causes Preparation of personal hygiene kits for distribution to migrant workers and homeless persons Mary L. Neal Scholarship Fund that provides funds to enhance the education of college students Christmas Cheer tokens of love to shut-in members of the neighborhood International Luncheon Fellowship for foreign students at the University of South Carolina Meetings are 5:30 p.m. first Mondays. Contact: Marilyn R. Thomas SENIOR USHERS MINISTRY The Senior Ushers serve as church doorkeepers at 11 a.m. worship on the second and third Sundays The Senior Ushers Ministry is a member of the Capital City Ushers Union. Membership is open to any church member who is interested in performing this service. The Senior Ushers serve at revivals, funerals, church programs and other occasions as requested. These ushers also accompany the Pastor at revivals. These ushers visit a nursing home on the fourth Sunday of each month. Meetings are 6:30 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays. Contact: Evelyn Smalls VINEYARD WORKERS MINISTRY The welfare of church members, as well as others, is the primary objective of the Vineyard Workers Club. This is an all-around church ministry that meets at 10 a.m. on third Saturdays. Contact: Vermelle Robertson WOMEN WORKING SOCIETY This ministry provides financial assistance to the church, invites others to know Christ and provides support to needy families and community organizations. The group also fellowships with sick and shut-in members both in and out of town. Service projects have include support to such community organizations as SisterCare, The Woodyard Fund, Columbia Boys Home, God’s Storehouse and Walter’s Retirement Home. Meetings are 2 p.m. on first Saturdays. Contact: Pat Green YOUNG WOMAN’S AUXILIARY (YWA) This ministry works to more effectively involve young women in the work of the church. This fellowship of young women comes together for mission study, personal evangelism and mission action. It aims to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to others by witnessing and winning, carrying the message of God’s love and redemption for the world. The YWA is affiliated with the Midlands Baptist Association, Inc.(MBA) and the Woman’s Educational and Missionary (E&M)Convention of South Carolina. Activities include: College students’ fellowship dinner on the third Sundays of each month Prison ministry at the Department of Juvenile Justice Bible study at Walter’s Retirement Home and the Alston Wilkes Society Preparing and serving Saturday breakfast with HOPE Ministry Feeding homeless persons on the fourth Saturday of each month Coordinating the annual church carnival Coordinating the church’s adoption of a Baptist ministry in Kenya. Meetings are 6 p.m. on second Tuesdays. Contact: Melissa White
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Preston Winkler, Coordinator ANGEL TREE This ministry coordinates Prison Fellowship’s Project Angel Tree annually in December. This involves recruiting volunteers who coordinate the donation and purchase of Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated adults and ministering to the families during the delivery of the gifts. Contact: Clifford Glover BENEVOLENCE The Benevolence Ministry provides financial assistance, referral services and support to persons during times of financial distress Contact: Amey Garrick EVANGELISM This ministry seeks to fulfill the Great Commission and to joyfully share the love of God by witnessing in word and action. This ministry strives to teach, to do and to be the Good News of Jesus Christ. Activities include the Members Class and Thanksgiving Baskets Project. Contact: Johnnie Flemming FOOD PANTRY The mission of the food pantry is to provide food staples to persons in need living in the Greater Columbia area. The pantry, which is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is operated by the Deacon Ministry and volunteers from the congregation. Contact: Clifford Glover LEGAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRY The mission of this ministry includes the following: To provide legal assistance and/or advice to church members as well as the general public, including the preparation of wills To provide education on various issues of concern relating to finances To promote good citizenship and respect for the law by all persons. Membership is open to persons in the judicial, criminal justice and law enforcement fields as well as social workers, firefighters, emergency responders and other interested persons. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on third Tuesdays. Contact: Franchot Brown PRISON VISITATION MINISTRY This ministry visits incarcerated persons and share the Gospel, to provide Christian literature that enhances incarcerated persons’ knowledge of Christ while providing witnessing opportunities and to assist in providing after-care service to offenders upon their release and seeking their church attendance. VETERANS MINISTRY This ministry’s mission is to provide support to and share information and resources with persons who have completed their military service as well as those currently on active duty. Contact: Melvin Everson VOLUNTEER MINISTRY This ministry’s mission affirms that all members are endowed with special God-given gifts. This ministry coordinates our system of recruiting volunteers and matches needs with identified gifts and interests. Contact: Lanita C. Jones
EDUCATION/TRAINING James Melvin, Coordinator EDUCATION/TUTORIAL MINISTRY This ministry provides educational, intellectual and spiritual support for students in grades 1-12. Membership is open to any member who has an interest in supporting higher academic achievement of students. Affiliations include the S.C. Department of Education, Richland School Districts One and Two, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, The State Newspaper’s Newspaper In Education (NIE) program, Benedict College and the S.C. Commission on Higher Education. Activities include the Annual Honors Fellowship recognizing high school graduates and secondary honor roll students, providing American Education Week mementos for practicing and retired educators, quarterly honor roll recognition and facilitating the church’s faith-based partnership with W.J. Keenan High School. Contact: Shannon Rister FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MINISTRY This ministry conducts seminars for the church on financial matters ranging from simple checkbook balancing to understanding credit insurance, investments and financial planning. Contact: Darryl Jackson, Sr. CHURCH ENRICHMENT MINISTRY The objective of the Church Enrichment Ministry is to sponsor programs and activities that support and enrich spiritual growth and development in the fine arts by providing musical instruction for a variety of instruments and supporting young children and adults in developing talents, building confidence and increasing spirituality in a Christian environment. Contact: Elizabeth Eason COMPUTER TRAINING Free computer classes are offered to the congregation and community during the day and early evening throughout the week. Internet access also is available. Contact: Robert Davidson Computer Class Schedule Mondays 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Other evening classes may be available if there is sufficient interest. For further information, contact Robert Davidson, instructor, at 960-2663.
FAMILY ENRICHMENT Dr. Saundra Glover, Coordinator COUPLES MINISTRY This ministry promotes the sanctity of marriage by providing opportunities for married couples to strengthen their marriage bonds through education based upon Biblical teachings and the Christian faith, through shared experience and through fellowship. Contact: Marcus and Melissa Allen MENTORING MINISTRY The Mentoring Ministry provides support to all members of the church, with special emphasis on youth. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on first Thursdays. Contact: Nathan Salley SCOUTING The scouting programs follow the precepts of the Girl Scouts of America and Boy Scouts of America, respectively. Girl Scout troops serve ages 5-18, Daisy Troop through Senior Troop and promote programs to build girls and young adult females of confidence and character in order to make the world a better place. Meetings are at 6 p.m. Mondays from September-May. Boy Scout troops serve ages 7-17, Cub Scouts through Venturing Scouts, and promote programs to help boys and young adult males grow into good citizens who are strong in character, leadership and personally fit. Contact: Patricia W. Green SENIOR CITIZENS MINISTRY This ministry supports meaningful activities for Senior Citizens, enabling them to maintain active, healthy and productive lifestyles. Meetings are 10:30a.m. on second and fourth Fridays. Contact: Thomasina Means SIGN (Standing In The Gap Now) MINISTRY The SIGN Ministry acts as a support ministry to offenders and their families. Its mission is to provide a haven where healing can begin and to educate others as a means of prevention. Meetings are 6 p.m. on first Tuesdays. Contact: Dorothy Bates SINGLE AND SINGLE AGAIN MINISTRY This ministry seeks to be a holistic instrument for single persons to enhance their lives as individuals in Christ. It serves as a support group and facilitates networking with other Christian singles. Projects are developed that cater specifically to special needs of singles. Meetings are 6 p.m. third Tuesdays. Contact: Marilyn J. Thomas SINGLE PARENTS MINISTRY This ministry provides support and resources to strengthen and encourage single parent families, individually and corporately. YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAM) The Young Adult Ministry serves as an advocate for and to address the needs of the young adult generation of the church. YAM’s mission is to promote personal and spiritual growth through worship, fellowship and service. The ministry has a listserve for communicating and meets at 5:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays. Contact: Jada Hubbard YOUTH MINISTRY This ministry strives to develop stronger Christian values and promotes spiritual growth and development, serving toddlers through 18-year olds. The ministry expands biblical precepts by providing a myriad of activities throughout the year. Meetings are 6 p.m. second Tuesdays. Contact: Patricia W. Green
HEALTH/WELLNESS Gardenia Ruff, Coordinator CANCER SUPPORT MINISTRY This ministry provides information, support, and encouragement to persons and families impacted by cancer. Meetings are 5:30 p.m. second Fridays. Contact: Catherine Lewis CARETAKERS SUPPORT MINISTRY This ministry provides support to caretakers, shares information and community resources with caretakers and empowers caretakers’ spiritual and positive attitudes. Meetings are 5:30 p.m. on second Tuesdays. Contact: Cheryl Holley HEALTH CARE MINISTRY This ministry renders medical assistance to persons who suffer distress during worship and other fellowships at the church, sponsors an annual Health Fair and provides written information and seminars on various health issues that are prevalent in the black community. The Health Care Ministry is open to anyone who has a degree or certificate in the health care field, along with pertinent work experience. Meetings are 10 a.m. on first Saturdays. Contact: Sarah Gay HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND OUTREACH MINISTRY This ministry provides spiritual, emotional, educational and financial support to persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and provides educational workshops on HIV/AIDS for the church family and the community. The ministry meets at 5:30 p.m. on second Tuesdays. Contact Sam Hunter OVERCOMERS MINISTRY This ministry encourages persons with challenging disabilities to become as independent as possible. It seeks to enlighten persons with disabilities by witnessing, by providing information on available support services, by partnering with overcomers with similar disabilities, and establishing collaboration with other ministries of the church, the community and local and state agencies. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday. Contact: Alex Perry PEACE (LIFE SKILLS MANAGEMENT) MINISTRY This ministry promotes the development of life-management skills, with a focus on self-discipline, utilizing the fruits of the spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. The acronym PEACE stands for: Patience Endurance Acceptance Control Empowerment This ministry helps youth address issues relevant to the appropriate expressions of anger and other negative emotions such as frustration and disappointment. The ministry helps parents in their struggle to raise healthy, socially-competent, self-controlled children through parenting sessions. The ministry targets adults in general to address their unique difficulties managing anger within various interpersonal situations. The ministry also facilitates a Grief Support Group. The ministry meets at 4 p.m. on the third Sundays. Contact: Sonya Johnson RECOVERY MINISTRY The mission of this ministry is to provide spiritual support to persons who are recovering substance abusers. The ministry meets at 7 p.m. every Friday. Contact: Lillie and Lorenzo Goldmas WELLNESS MINISTRY The Wellness Ministry promotes the stewardship of health and encourages the pursuit of a balanced, holistic lifestyle through an emphasis on fitness and proper nutrition. Contact: Yusef Chapman
