COLUMBIA—It wasn’t a position that Dr. Fred Stone really longed for. In fact, when a friend approached Stone about allowing his name to be put in nomination for the president of the South Carolina Southern Baptist Convention, his first reaction was to politely decline the honor.

But after prayer, and with encouragement from many of his friends, Stone – pastor of Pickens First Baptist Church – decided to allow his name to be placed in nomination.

“God is in charge,” Stone said. “I decided that if I was elected to the position, it would be God’s will, and if I was not elected, that would be God’s will.”

Stone was elected the state convention’s president for 2010 during last Wednesday’s morning session of its annual meeting. He was nominated by Ralphy Carter, pastor of Brushy Creek Church, Taylors.

Other officers elected include: First vice president – Dusty Bradshaw of Hillcrest Baptist Church, North Charleston; Second vice president – Brad Atkins, Powdersville First Baptist Church; Recording secretary – Linda Hite, Redbank Baptist Church, Lexington; and registration secretary – Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham.

Stone believes that many positive aspects of the Baptist church in South Carolina are not receiving proper attention.

“There are many good things going on in our universities that are really making a difference in people’s lives,” Stone said. “I would like to get the word out, and hope that would attract more younger pastors to join us.”

There is a spot in the Baptist Convention for all, Stone said.

“I would like to help bring more young pastors on board, and keep older pastors content as well,” Stone said. “Their wisdom is a special resource we should all take advantage of.”

His long-time friend and fellow pastor Dr.

Jack Hester of Nine Forks Baptist Church in Dacusville applauded his election to the top office in the state Baptist Convention.

“I’ve known Dr. Stone for a long time,” Hester said. “He is one of the best preachers and Bible teachers in the state. We should feel honored to have a person of his position and caliber as our leader for the Baptist Convention.

“He is a Bible scholar with an extensive knowledge of both the smaller and larger churches. He knows the heartbeat of the pastors.”

Stone has served as pastor of Pickens First Baptist since 1996. He has been a leader in the state convention, including serving on the General Board, Executive Committee and on the Board of Trustees for the Baptist Courier. He has served on several committees for the Southern Baptist Convention.

He is a graduate of Clemson University with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Stone and his wife Lisa have two grown children, David and Michael, and one grandchild.

As president, Stone will represent the Baptist Convention throughout the state.

“I’ll do some traveling to churches and universities,” Stone said. “It really depends on the invitations I receive.”

Stone said the members of Pickens First Baptist are already offering their support.

"They have been very supportive and very encouraging,” Stone said.