Leadership

Elder-led church leadership is a model that emphasizes spiritual guidance and community service, where elders oversee the church's direction while deacons play a vital role in the practical aspects of ministry. This collaboration ensures that the needs of the congregation are met and that the church remains focused on its mission. Elders are tasked with nurturing the spiritual growth of the church, providing vision and oversight, while deacons serve by caring for members, managing resources, and facilitating outreach. Together, they embody a complementary partnership that fosters a thriving church environment grounded in purpose and service.

Elders

  • F.R. "Dick" Williams Jr.

    Dick is a native of Abbeville, South Carolina and a graduate of Presbyterian College (B.A. History) and Clemson University (M.Ed. Administration /Supervision). After a 29-year career in public education in South Carolina as a teacher, coach, and principal, Dick surrendered to a call to pastor. He earned an M.Div. degree (2019) and a Doctorate in Biblical Spirituality and Preaching (2023) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Prior to his arrival at Green Pond Baptist Church in January of 2018, Dick served three years as the Discipleship Pastor at North Side Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC. Dick also serves as a Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, SC.

    He is married to Danita, who is a licensed Realtor and Broker and they have four adult children: Anna Leigh and Jared Skinner (Plainfield, IN.),  Wes and Ashley Funderburk (Laurens, SC), Katelyn and Patrick Campisi (Pelham, AL.), and Sarah Williams (Spartanburg, SC). In addition, Dick and Danita have been blessed with ten grandchildren!

  • Jackie Rodgers

Deacons

  • Johnny Raven

  • Ken Davis