On July 30, 2023, Pastor Ed Gidewall preached his first sermon as the new Senior Pastor at Connie Maxwell Baptist Church.
Gidewall comes to Connie Maxwell with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from North Greenville University and a Master in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Originally from Travelers Rest, S.C., he began his first role as Interim Minister to Students at First Baptist Church Travelers Rest, where he was ordained.
He has served as Minister to Students at Harris Baptist Church and Interim Senior Pastor at Emerald Baptist Church in Greenwood. Prior to coming to Connie Maxwell, he served as the pastor for high school, college and young adults at Second Baptist Church in Lancaster, S.C.
Before Gidewall answered God’s call to lead Connie Maxwell Baptist Church, he answered a call from Scott Smith, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director at Lander University. Seven words from that conversation stuck with him: “Connie Maxwell is looking for a pastor.”
After praying with his wife, Jessica, about the new ministry opportunity, he and his wife began the official interview process.
Gidewall was no stranger to those at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM). Tanner Eklund, Director of Enrichment at CMCM, is a former member of Gidewall’s youth group. Alex Morrison, Associate Pastor at Connie Maxwell Baptist Church, first met Gidewall at Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Lander University. Both encouraged him to consider the role of Senior Pastor.
Gidewall and his wife of 14 years, Jessica, along with their two children, Sam and Emily, have transitioned well into life at Connie Maxwell. Sam and Emily have especially enjoyed spending time at the pool and gym and visiting Wiggles the pig at Maxwell Farms.
Gidewall stated, “Even over these first few months, God has made it evident as to why we are here. We have had the joy to witness five students make public professions of faith through baptism. We have five more students and a family care mom scheduled in the next month. God has been working on our campus, and we now get to see the results! I get the opportunity to hang out with students, cottage parents and staff every single day. I have already experienced incredible ministry moments in our short time here.”
Gidewall’s philosophy in ministry is “to see people know Jesus in a real way, grow in their love and knowledge of Him and see them go into the world and share His love by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others.”
We are grateful for Pastor Ed as he leads Connie Maxwell Baptist Church and lays the biblical foundation for Connie Maxwell children to dream big.
