Introduction:
The transition team of First Baptist Church, Moncks Corner, consisting of 12 volunteer church members, has been charged with advising appropriate church leaders on issues that the church has expressed as priorities.  The top three priorities expressed by the church are unity, youth and finances, in that order.  Most recommendations will be sent to the Deacons, and a decision will be made there if it needs to go to the congregation.

Team members are Gary Steele, Marty Mixon, Dody Sims, Jennifer Driggers, Robin Nichols, Libba Shepherd, Eddie McKnight, Ray Bowen, Johnny Hill, JD Steedly, Gail Hill, and Mary Beth Kirby.

At this point the team has met 4 times, and has identified several issues related to structural priorities that need detailed attention, including, but not limited to worship, discipleship, prayer, evangelism, fellowship, ministry and stewardship.  Over the next several months, recommendations will continue to come forward.

The first project was to more clearly identify the purpose and appropriate use of St. Johns church in Pinopolis in order to improve church unity. It is more clearly understood after much discussion that the current group meeting there are not operating under any guidelines established by First Baptist Church. There have been hours of discussion amongst team members, along with discussions with many, many church members, both at First Baptist, and those attending St. Johns.  After prayerful and deliberate consideration, the team makes its first recommendation to the Deacons.

Recommendation from Transition Team and Deacons:
On October 30, 2011, the Transition Team voted 10-1 to more clearly define the use and guidelines for St. Johns Church in Pinopolis. The deacons have reviewed this recommendation and voted 10-2 to present it to the church as follows:

“First Baptist Church of Moncks Corner recognizes the historical character and connection with St. John's Baptist Church and cemetery.  It is an important part of our past, present and future.

In the pursuit of harmony and unity in our congregation, we recognize St. Johns as a place to serve the interests of First Baptist Church and the community. It should be available to church members for funerals, weddings and special services as a ministry of First Baptist Church.

In the future, should the church decide, St. John's can be a ministry extension of First Baptist Church but should be under the sole leadership of First Baptist Church.

All funds held by First Baptist Church for the St. John's facility and property should be held for these purposes only and used accordingly.”