About Us
Who We Are
We’re a church with deep roots and an open heart. For almost 100 years, we’ve been a place where people from all walks of life can come and feel God’s love. We believe in the power of Scripture, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the life-changing message of Jesus.
What We Believe
We believe faith should be real, practical, and full of grace. We follow Jesus, we trust the Bible, and we welcome the Holy Spirit into every part of our lives. You don’t have to have it all together to be here—just come as you are.
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Gaddy arrived at Pilgrim Rest as Senior Pastor and Servant Leader with a rich and diverse ministry background. He had spent over 13 years serving, planting, and pastoring Victory Fellowship Community Church in Detroit, Michigan. A devoted father of three adult children and grandfather of four, he later served as a Church Planting Catalyst with the North American Mission Board, where he supported churches across Michigan and beyond.
Nationally, Pastor Gaddy had served as a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, training thousands of church leaders in leadership, church planting, missions, and revitalization.
After accepting a call to ministry in South Carolina, Pastor Gaddy and his wife, Daphne, built a strong ministry network. He served as a Strategist with the Santee Baptist Association in Sumter and later led the Church Planting Assessment Team for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, where he played a key role in preparing and launching church planters across the state.
At Pilgrim Rest, Pastor Gaddy brought with him extensive experience and practical tools to strengthen the church’s impact both locally and globally. He empowered church leaders to establish 501(c)(3) community development corporations (CDCs) and to develop effective, Kingdom-centered curriculum.
His anointed and visionary leadership was evident in his preaching and training. With a deep passion for urban ministry, Pastor Gaddy returned to the local church with a mission to Encourage Hearts, Empower Minds, and Equip Servants—all to reach the least, the last, and the lost.