Gary Johnson found his first church home at Big Stevens Creek Baptist Church about 10 years ago.
"They accept you as you are," Johnson said. The family feeling he received when visiting the church made him feel at home.
"The people are just genuine," he said. "What you see is what you get."
Having three children, it didn't take him long to get involved in children's ministries.
Johnson is the assistant director of Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed at Big Stevens Creek. Almost like Bible school, the children's program mixes fun with Scripture.
He enjoys the excitement children show when they learn new Bible verses and recite them.
"I love working with the kids," Johnson said.
He coaches second and third grade in Upward basketball at the church. That children of all skill levels can play is what he enjoys.
"Every child is a winner in the league," he said.
The game is used as a ministry, and during half-time they have devotion.
The church's goal is to know Jesus and make Jesus known in the community, which Johnson believes Big Stevens Creek is doing.
It has about 200 children in the Upward program, reaching many who are not church members.
The church recently had a switch in leadership; Pastor Tommy Meador joined the church in October.
"Everyone is excited about the future. He's really focused on mission work," Johnson said.
The church has a choir, praise band and orchestra, and the service meets the needs of all generations, Johnson said.
Not having grown up in a church, Johnson said, he feels that he missed out and now wants to make sure other children get the full Christ experience.
After 44 years of moving around that includes living in 10 states, Johnson sees the church as the reason he is now making North Augusta home.
"When I came here, I found out who I was. They taught me I am the son of God," he said. "I am just excited about this church."
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
FAVORITE VERSE
PHILIPPIANS 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
BIG STEVENS CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
LOCATION: 1850 W. Martintown Road
TELEPHONE: (803) 278-5217
SERVICES: Sundays, 9:30 Sunday school, 10:45 worship, 6 p.m. worship; Wednesday, AWANA and youth ministry, 6:30 p.m., adult Bible study, 6:45 p.m.
MEMBERSHIP: About 300
WEB SITE: bigstevenscreek.com
