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The Five Shocking Truths About Eternal Church Fort Mill SC And Its Leadership Transition

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Eternal Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and a significant leadership overhaul following the revelation of a decades-old felony conviction involving its longtime pastor. As of late 2025, the church is actively navigating a difficult transition period, striving to uphold its core theological values while rebuilding trust within its congregation and the wider Fort Mill community.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the current status of the nondenominational church, detailing the shocking circumstances of the pastoral firing, the current interim leadership structure, and the enduring mission that continues to guide the congregation through this challenging chapter.

The Firing and Profile of Former Pastor Donald Ray Logan

The most significant and recent news surrounding Eternal Church is the dismissal of its long-serving pastor, Donald Ray Logan. This decision was made by the church's elders after a deeply concerning truth about his past came to light.

  • Name: Donald Ray Logan (Don Logan)
  • Age: 57 (at the time of the news reports)
  • Tenure at Eternal Church: Served as pastor since 2015.
  • Conviction Details: Logan was convicted of felony sexual misconduct (child sex abuse) in Indiana in 1997.
  • Legal Status: He is a registered sex offender in South Carolina due to the Indiana conviction.
  • Action Taken: The elders of Eternal Church formally fired Donald Logan from his position.

The controversy was compounded by reports indicating that some leaders within the church were allegedly aware of Logan’s past conviction but failed to disclose this critical information to the wider congregation. This lack of transparency led to a crisis of confidence and necessitated a complete re-evaluation of the church’s governance and disclosure policies.

The swift action taken by the elders to fire the pastor, despite his long tenure, signaled a commitment to protecting the church community and prioritizing the safety and well-being of its members, particularly children.

Eternal Church: History, Location, and Current Services

Despite the recent scandal, Eternal Church maintains its commitment to its foundational mission and continues to operate a regular schedule of worship services and community outreach.

The Church’s Origins and Location

Eternal Church has a history rooted in the Presbyterian tradition, though it operates today as a nondenominational community. It originally began in 2003 as a fourth service of Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

By 2004, the congregation had established its own identity and moved into the Fort Mill area, where it has served the growing community ever since.

Key Location and Contact Information:

  • Address: 1650 O'Henry Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29708
  • Phone: 803-802-3070
  • Email: office@eternalchurch.net

Worship and Community Life

The church offers a traditional yet contemporary worship experience that centers on biblical teaching and the gospel message. Services are designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages.

  • Sunday Service Times: Worship services are held on Sundays at 9:00 AM and 10:45 AM.
  • Service Length: Each service typically lasts approximately 80 minutes.
  • Children’s Ministry: Eternal Church places a strong emphasis on its children’s ministry, with age-appropriate worship and teaching for infants through 3rd grade, starting 15 minutes before the main service.

The focus on small groups—often referred to as "covenant community"—is a central pillar of church life, providing a structure for deeper spiritual growth and mutual support among members. This emphasis on community has been vital in helping the congregation process the recent events and move forward.

The Current State of Eternal Church Leadership and Future Search

Following the dismissal of the senior pastor, the church entered a critical phase of leadership transition. The focus has shifted to its remaining pastoral team and the formal process of searching for a new lead teacher.

The Interim Pastoral Team

The day-to-day operations and spiritual guidance of the church are currently managed by a dedicated team of pastors and staff, operating under the authority of the church elders. This team is tasked with maintaining stability and spiritual health during the search for a new senior leader.

Key Current Staff Members:

  • Chad Hollowell: Executive Pastor
  • Jesse Schlicher: Worship Pastor
  • Josh Leftwich: Pastor (General/Associate)
  • Jacob Collins: Pastor (General/Associate)

The role of Executive Pastor Chad Hollowell is particularly central during this time, as he oversees the church's administrative and operational functions while the elders manage the high-level spiritual direction and the search process.

The Search for a New Lead Pastor

The church is actively seeking a permanent replacement for the senior leadership position. Recent job postings indicate a formal search for a "Lead Teaching Pastor" or "Senior Pastor" is underway. This search is a significant step toward defining the church’s new era and restoring long-term stability.

The ideal candidate will need to possess not only strong biblical teaching skills but also the emotional and relational capacity to lead a congregation through a period of recovery and renewed focus on integrity and transparency.

Core Values and Mission: What Eternal Church Believes

The church's mission and core values provide the framework for its identity and its path forward. These theological commitments are what the congregation is clinging to as it navigates the current challenges.

The church's vision is pursued by "treasuring the truth of the gospel, worshiping Jesus Christ in word and deed, and growing in communities."

The Seven Foundational Values:

  1. Centrality of Jesus: Placing Jesus Christ as the ultimate authority and focus of all worship and life.
  2. Transformed Lives: A belief in the power of the Gospel to fundamentally change individuals from the inside out.
  3. Covenant Community: Emphasizing deep, committed relationships within the church body (small groups).
  4. Biblical Prayer: A commitment to prayer as a vital, foundational practice for individuals and the church.
  5. Preeminent Worship: Prioritizing worship that honors God above all else.
  6. Cultural Renewal and Discord: Engaging with the surrounding culture to promote Christian values while acknowledging the tension between the church and the world.
  7. Mission Focus: A dedication to both local and international missions, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
  8. Acting Justly: A commitment to living out the biblical calls for justice and righteousness in the world.

This comprehensive set of values highlights the church’s desire to be a community focused on deep spiritual growth, accountability, and active engagement with the world around them, a commitment that is more important now than ever before.

The Path Forward for the Fort Mill Community

The recent events at Eternal Church have had a profound impact on the Fort Mill, SC, community, sparking conversations about accountability, church governance, and the necessary safeguards to protect vulnerable populations. The church's future hinges on its ability to demonstrate genuine repentance, establish iron-clad systems of transparency, and continue its mission work with renewed integrity.

As the leadership search progresses, the congregation is leaning on its core values and the strength of its covenant community to sustain its members. The church remains open, inviting new members to join its services and witness its journey of healing and restoration.

Entities like the Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA), the Fort Mill YMCA (a former service location), and various local and international missions remain relevant to the church’s identity and ongoing work. The transition period is a testament to the resilience of the congregation as it seeks to move past the actions of a former leader and focus on the Centrality of Jesus and Transformed Lives in Fort Mill.

The Five Shocking Truths About Eternal Church Fort Mill SC and Its Leadership Transition
eternal church fort mill sc
eternal church fort mill sc

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