Interns
McLeod Best
When I joined Concord Staff: November 2015
What areas of ministry I work in: Kids and Student Ministries
Family: I am engaged to my wonderful fiancé, Abby!
When I was saved: When I was 8 years old
Education: I graduated from Anderson University with a B.A. in Christian Ministry, and I am currently pursuing my master of divinity through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Previous Lines of Work: Chick fil a team member and assistant basketball coach
Favorite food: Steak and Potatoes, Chick Fil A, and Japanese food
Favorite Drink: Sweet Tea (especially from Chick Fil A)
Personal Hero: My dad
Spiritual Hero: David Platt and J.D. Greear is a close second
Favorite place to pray: On the beach
Favorite Hobbies: You name a sport, I love to play it! Basketball, tennis, disc golf, I’m down for it. Abby and I love to hike, try new coffee places, and hit the beach!
Favorite sports teams: The REAL Carolina and REAL USC, The University of South Carolina Gamecocks. I also love the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks! I gotta represent my alma mater, Anderson Trojans.
Favorite bible story: The Sermon on the Mount
Best advice someone gave me: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Life Verse: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
One of my greatest experiences with God: Whenever I get to serve Him on/through missions!
Most people don't know this about me: I played college basketball!
One book besides the bible you recommend: The Heavenly Man
Ryan Gray
When I joined Concord Staff: January 2014
What areas of ministry I work in: Student Ministry
Family: The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my parents, grandparents, my brother, and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.
When I was saved: September 2007
Education: I am currently working on my undergrad at Anderson University in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Youth Ministry. As of this year, I am enrolled in a fast track program to receive my Master of Divinity, which I will be receiving from Anderson University as well.
Previous Lines of Work: I worked as a cook at Chick-Fil-A from 2011-2013. In the summer of 2014, I worked as an intern for the student ministry at Shandon Baptist Church. I worked as an intern for the student ministry this past summer at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
Favorite food: Waffle House. Chick-Fil-A. Mexican is always good. Waffle House. Anything but school food.
Favorite Drink: Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Personal Hero: Andy Towson (my mentor/small group leader as a youth)
Spiritual Hero: Matthew Rings (my youth pastor)
Favorite place to pray: Definitely by any body of water.
Favorite Hobbies: Eating, sleeping, hanging out with friends, kneeboarding, tubing, kayaking, playing tennis, throwing frisbee, and skydiving (you should be doing this as well!)
Favorite sports teams: South Carolina Gamecocks... (Who else is there to cheer for?)
Favorite bible story: Luke 23:32-43. Jesus extends grace to the thief on the cross beside Him. Beautiful passage.
Best advice someone gave me: Do everything for the glory of God, no matter what.
Life Verse: Philippians 1:21: "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Most people don't know this about me: I hated Waffle House before college. Absolutely hated it.
One book besides the bible you recommend: Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Austin Hilbish
When I joined Concord Staff: August 2014
What areas of ministry I work in: Student Ministry
Family: I have been blessed to have been brought up in a Christian home with a loving Father and Mother as well as a younger sister.
When I was saved: July 28 2004
Education: I am currently in the process of finishing up my undergrad at Anderson University in Christian Ministry in a concentration in Youth Ministry.
Previous Lines of Work: I have worked at Calvary Chapel Lexington over the past two summers. I have also worked with FCA in South Carolina for a year.
Favorite food: Chick Fil A, a great cheeseburger, and any type of dessert, I love my desserts.
Favorite Drink: Sweet Tea
Personal Hero: Both my grandpas
Spiritual Hero: Matt Chandler
Favorite place to pray: In the woods during a sunrise or a sunset.
Favorite Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, and any type of sport that is outside, as well as spending time with Kristen.
Favorite sports teams: South Carolina Gamecocks, Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Braves.
Favorite bible story: The Good Samaritan.
Best advice someone gave me: If you focus on the past, you will never see what has been set before you due to what you have chosen to do with your life.
Life Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Most people don't know this about me: I worked at a florist for three years during high school.
One book besides the bible you recommend: Master Plan of Evangelism, Creature of the Word.