Leadership

GPBC operates under an Elder-led Congregationalism polity. In this polity, two scriptural offices are recognized in the church, that of elder/pastor/overseer and deacon, with the congregation (covenant membership) having the ultimate responsibility. As seen in the New Testament, the office of elder/pastor/overseer in the local church is always a plurality (Acts 14:23, 20:17; Titus 1:5). The scriptural mandate for the elder/pastor/overseer is to shepherd (lead, feed, protect, and care for) the flock entrusted to them by God (1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:27-31). The two components of the elder’s work are the ministry of the Word (preaching, teaching) and prayer (Acts 6:1-4). Additionally, deacons are called to lead under the direction of the elders through serving the needs of the local body (Acts 6:1-6). The correct collaboration of this polity ensures that the spiritual and physical needs of the body are met and God is glorified.

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 Carolinaas a teacher, coach, and principal, Dick surrendered to a call to pastor. He earned an M.Div. (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 an Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, SC.

    He is married to Danita, who is a licensed Broker, Realtor, and Mortgage Originator. They have four adult children: Anna Leigh (Jared) in Plainfield, IN, Wes (Ashley) in Laurens, SC, Katelyn (Patrick) in Pelham, AL, andSarah who resides in Spartanburg, SC. In addition, God has blessed Dick and Danita with thirteen grandchildren!

  • Jackie Rodgers

    Jackie is a native of Woodruff, South Carolina, and a graduate of Woodruff High School. He went on to attend Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Jackie worked as a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor until his retirement.

    He and his wife, Bobbie Granger Rogers, were married in 1970. They have two children—Autumn (married to Dan Urquhart) and Daniel (married to April Rogers)—and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons, Elijah and Noah.

    Jackie considers it a privilege to serve as an Elder at Green Pond Baptist Church. While this form of leadership may be new to GPBC, he sees it as both biblical and essential. His desire is to contribute to faithful teaching and practice of God’s Word while encouraging fellowship and unity within the GPBC family.

  • Brian Peters

    Brian grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and is the oldest of five children. He obtained his undergraduate degree in History and Spanish from Messiah College (2018) and his law degree from Florida International University (2021). He is a practicing attorney.  Brian is married to Roebuck native, Olivia, and they have one son, Elijah. 

    Brian and Olivia joined Green Pond Baptist Church in 2023. Brian felt a desire to help teach in the church, and Pastor Dick encouraged him to join the Elder Training course. With a year of prayer and study, and the encouragement of Olivia, Brian accepted the call to serve as one of Green Pond’s Elders in 2025.

Deacons

  • Johnny Raven

  • Ken Davis