Second Baptist Church of Aiken sits at 1151 York Street NE on the north side of Aiken, South Carolina, where it has gathered worshipers under the banner "Second Home. Second Chance." The congregation describes itself as a caring, Bible-teaching, Christ-centered family of faith, and its welcome extends to anyone in Aiken and beyond who wants to love God, love each other, and love themselves - the phrase the church uses to frame its vision.
Organized in 1904, Built in 1920
Second Baptist was organized in 1904, and the congregation constructed its original location in 1920. A century later, the church continues to pursue its mission in Aiken, leaning on a heritage of transformational discipleship, education, and community involvement. The Lilly Foundation has recognized the church with a press release about its ministry, and the Senior Pastor Vacancy Announcement on the church's careers section notes a "122-year history defined by faithful service, transformational discipleship, and global missions."
Sunday Mornings on York Street
Worship is held every Sunday at 10:15 AM, both in person and online. A livestream is available each Sunday at 10 AM for those joining from home, and the entire service is also shared on Facebook. Before the main service, Bible Discovery Hour meets in the Upper Room from 8:45 to 9:45 AM, giving early arrivals a chance to dig into Scripture together. Visitors who drive in are greeted by a Parking Team that helps them find a spot, and greeters at the front doors point the way to the sanctuary and restrooms.
The service itself is a blend of traditional and contemporary worship. The congregation praises God through traditional and contemporary hymns and praise songs, with both instrumental and vocal music. The church teaches that the New Testament simply instructs believers to dress modestly and decently, so members and guests come in everything from suits to jeans. Prayer warriors are available after services, and anyone with a prayer concern can reach the prayer team through the church office or by connecting with a deacon.
JAM Children's Ministry and HYPE Teens
Children are invited to JAM - Jesus and Me - a colorful, vibrant environment designed to be Christ-centered, Bible-based, safe, nurturing, creative, fun, relational, servant-minded, and age-appropriate. JAM opens at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings, lining up with the start of the main service. Its vision is to lead and nurture children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and its goal is to equip kids to know and love God, themselves, and other people through fun, kingdom-building training. Teens are served through HYPE Teen Ministry, which visitors can sign up to volunteer with through the contact page.
Bible Study Almost Every Day of the Week
Second Baptist treats Bible study as a daily rhythm. On Tuesday nights at 7 PM, Reverend Kirk Gipson leads a Bible study over Zoom. Wednesday is a tripleheader: a Noonday Bible Study at 12 noon led by Pastor Raymonda Speller and the ministers and appointees, available in person, on the conference line, and on Facebook Live; an in-person Bible study at 6 PM led by Reverend Charles Matthews; and the 2:7 Class at 7 PM. On Thursday nights at 7 PM, the 2:7 Class continues under Reverend Gipson. The 2:7 classes require a shared book that participants purchase.
Men's Ministry, Love Circles, and Prayer Warriors
The Men's Ministry gathers for Bible study on the second Saturday of each month, meeting by Zoom under the same connection used for the Tuesday night study. The church also runs "circles" - small groups that pair members around shared interests such as marriage and seniors. Prayer is woven through the whole life of the church: a prayer line is open at 9 AM Monday through Friday on the conference line, and the Prayer Warriors Ministry meets by conference call on the third Monday of each month to study, connect, share, and lift petitions together.
Second Baptist Christian Preparatory School
The church operates Second Baptist Christian Preparatory School, a learning environment committed to enhancing their abilities and building determination while promoting spiritual development and academic excellence. The school shares the church's commitment to whole-person growth and serves as one more way the congregation cares for families in Aiken.
Seeking the Next Senior Pastor
Second Baptist is currently prayerfully seeking a full-time Senior Pastor who will provide spiritual and visionary leadership, biblical preaching and teaching, and intentional discipleship as the church continues to grow. The announcement invites candidates called by God to help the congregation develop in grace, expand its ministry, and serve the Aiken community. Applications are submitted through a form linked from the careers page, with the full position summary available as a PDF.
Giving, Volunteering, and Staying Connected
Members and friends can give online through Givelify, by CashApp to the church's handle, or by mail to P.O. Box 1762, Aiken, SC 29802. The contact page collects volunteer interest across a wide range of roles, including lighting, livestream and videography, sound tech, social media, JAM Children's Ministry, and HYPE Teen Ministry, as well as inquiries about salvation, baptism, and joining a Love Circle. A Flocknote sign-up delivers announcements and devotionals by inbox. Those who cannot attend in person can watch services online or follow the church on Facebook.