our history
Gateway Baptist Church began as a missionary vision in the hearts of the members of Eau Claire Baptist Church. Their vision was to reach the Dutch Fork / Irmo community for Christ. In the fall of 1975, a survey was conducted by Eau Claire in the Dutch Fork/Irmo area, and a need for another Baptist church was determined. An information meeting was held on November 16, 1975, to begin the mission.
Utilizing the satellite ministry approach, the sponsoring church established an outreach ministry in a new area with the total operation directed by one staff. Rev. Douglas Blackwell, Interim Pastor of Eau Claire Baptist Church, served as the first pastor of Gateway. Worship began in Dutch Fork Elementary School on November 30, 1975.
On July 1, 1976, Rev. Wallace Hughes became the pastor of Eau Claire and Gateway. Under his leadership, with the aid of a loan of $40,000.00 from the Home Mission Board and the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Gateway was provided a five-acre tract of land on Highway 176 across from the Friarsgate Subdivision.
On May 17, 1981, groundbreaking services were held for the construction of Gateway’s very first building. Construction was completed and Gateway held its first services in its own building on November 22, 1981. Gateway was constituted into a church with 197 charter members on March 7, 1982.
Our current Senior Pastor, Dr. Don Brock, was called to Gateway on August 24, 1992. We currently have approximately 1400 in regular attendance (approximately 800 attending worship services and 600 in children and youth activities).
Our vision is that our family will connect with the people of our community so that they have the opportunity to experience LIFE in Christ.
Note the similarity to the founding vision of the people of Eau Claire Baptist Church. The desire of our hearts is for the community where God has placed us. As Pastor Don has said, the vision is God’s vision. It has transcended generations for over 30 years. Ballentine is at the heart of the Dutch Fork / Irmo community. We have been placed in this location for a reason – God has opened a door for us that no one can close (Revelation 3:8). The faithfulness of the Eau Claire leadership passed along the vision for generations to build upon.
As the leader that God has placed at Gateway, Dr. Don Brock has embraced God’s vision for this church. The church has grown under his leadership. In 2004, we purchased 60 acres of land in Ballentine to replant ourselves and to reaffirm our commitment to connect with our community so that they have the opportunity to experience LIFE in Christ.
On Sunday, August 26, 2007 we held our first service in Ballentine. As we continue our journey at our Ballentine campus, we’re in awe of the opportunity placed before us. In a 1 ½ mile radius around our Ballentine campus there are 11,000 people – 8800 are not connected to a church. In a 5 mile radius – 48,000 unconnected. In a ten mile radius – 160,000 unconnected.
We want to be a church where we can connect with each other, and experience LIFE together. We are a relational church – a family church. In a survey of our community, the people communicated that families matter most. They live in this area because of the schools, work environments, and recreation opportunities.
We’re excited about our residence in Ballentine and the opportunity to connect with the community. We love being your neighbor. Come and worship with us as we experience LIFE together.
