Three years ago, NewSpring Church began the ForSC initiative with a desire to get more involved in their communities through partnerships—and Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries was one of their first calls.
“ForSC is our outward-facing plan to affect change in our communities for the good of the community and ultimately the advancement of the Gospel,” said Aiken Campus Pastor Matt Steelman.
With 13 campuses across the state, NewSpring Church decided the ForSC initiative would focus on three areas of impact through ministry partnerships: addiction and recovery, fostering and adoption, and unplanned pregnancy.
“We believe that if we could tackle these three areas, it would affect so many other ones—like homelessness, education, incarceration—the list goes on and on,” Steelman said. “Our vision as a church is that everyone everywhere would have an everyday relationship with Jesus. And that means going beyond who’s currently in our buildings on Sunday mornings and making a difference in our communities.”
With one of their campuses just three miles from Connie Maxwell’s main location in Greenwood, NewSpring’s shared passion to help children in need of foster care and adoption opened the door for Connie Maxwell to become one of their ForSC partners this fall.
While attending with his family, Jay Boyd (then Connie Maxwell’s Senior Vice President for Strategy and Engagement) built a connection with NewSpring’s leadership. Those conversations soon brought Brad Cooper, NewSpring’s Lead Pastor of Culture and Direction, to an understanding of the urgent needs—and extraordinary opportunities—at Connie Maxwell.
The ministry’s ability to serve foster families statewide and hands-on volunteer opportunities led to a conversation about participating in the ForSC initiative. What began as a local church relationship quickly grew into something far bigger: a kingdom-minded collaboration with a transformational impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.
“Our partnership with NewSpring Church began through shared vision and relationship,” said Mike Blackwood, Connie Maxwell’s Director of Church Engagement. “From the beginning, it was clear we shared the same heartbeat—caring for children and families in Jesus’ name. This is now developing into a statewide, multi-year partnership built on mission and trust.”
From Partner Day to a Movement
On Sunday, November 2, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries had representatives at all 11 NewSpring Church campuses for their Partner Day, a part of the ForSC initiative.
“It’s a really warm, smiley, engaging, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves day,” Steelman explained. “The ultimate aim is to bless our partners with more awareness and gain more volunteers, and just to be celebrated and prayed for.”
As partner representatives shared materials in NewSpring Church atriums, they were able to meet the people behind the church who give financially to their work and potentially volunteer. In turn, the special event gives church members the opportunity to get involved in local ministries—like Connie Maxwell.
Among the representatives was Blackwood, who attended NewSpring’s Myrtle Beach campus and enjoyed wonderful conversations with members and leaders throughout the morning.
“It was encouraging to see so many people genuinely interested in what God is doing through Connie Maxwell and eager to learn how they can help children and families across South Carolina,” Blackwood said.
But for Blackwood, the best is yet to come.
“We’re incredibly excited because this partnership shows what can happen when the local church and Connie Maxwell unite around a shared purpose. It’s not just about a single day or event—it’s about a movement of God’s people across South Carolina,” Blackwood said.
“NewSpring’s passion for being ForSC aligns beautifully with our mission to restore hope through Christ to children and families. Together, we can reach more people and serve more communities than ever before.”
Want Your Church to Partner with Connie Maxwell?
The first step is simply to reach out. Mike Blackwood will follow up with your church to explore how they can join Connie Maxwell on mission, identifying opportunities that match your church’s unique gifts. Whether your church is passionate about service projects, foster care ministry, prayer support, or financial partnership, every church—no matter the size—can make a real difference. Visit conniemaxwell.com/engage-your-church to learn more.
