Reverend Dr. Ephriam D. Stephens
Pastor of the Historic Bull Swamp Baptist Church
Orangeburg, SC
On August 6, 2017, Reverend Ephriam D. Stephens was installed as the youngest preacher ever to serve as Pastor of the Historic Bull Swamp Baptist Church of Orangeburg, SC. He has been called a “preaching machine,” and most recently a “tornado,” a “hurricane,” and even a “tsunami” among preachers.” We know him as our Pastor, a gifted preacher, teacher, and entrepreneur. He presents Biblical principles in relevant, engaging, easily understood language, and effectively delivers sermons which are powerful, yet enjoyable and informative! His messages—whether for Sunday morning, special events or revivals—have been and continue to be a blessing to many. Before accepting the call to Bull Swamp, Dr. Stephens was the pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Hampton, SC.
A native of Smoaks, SC, he is the son of Mrs. Patricia Stephens and the late Mr. William Stephens, Sr. He and his mother, along with others, ministered in years past as “The Faith Gospel Singers.” He still blends his love of Gospel music with his preaching ministry.
Since Pastor Stephens came to Bull Swamp, the congregation has experienced spiritual renewal during all worship services and the membership has increased; he established the Media Ministry along with the installation of a new sound system and monitors throughout the church; began new members’ classes; Christ Centered Girls Ministry; Wednesday Word at Noon Bible Teaching/Study; the very first Good Friday Service was held in 2019; and licensed two new ministers of the Gospel. In addition, plans are underway for a remodel of the church sanctuary to include restrooms at the entrance to the church, and the restoration and renovation of the Historic Old School.
During the past two and one-half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Stephens – supported by a very capable Deacon Board, staff, and dedicated members – continued preaching the Gospel through our Media Ministry. Since the first service was broadcast, on March 29, 2020, Bull Swamp has not missed one Sunday of services or Wednesday Word at Noon Bible Study; and we have been back worshipping in the sanctuary since August 2021.
A graduate of Gupton-Jones College, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Stephens also has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from The School of the Great Commission Theological Seminary in Columbia, SC. In 2017 he received an Honorary Doctorate in Theology. On December 10, 2022 Dr. Stephens then received his earned Doctoral Degree in Theology.
This successful entrepreneur is the sole proprietor of Stephens Funeral Home in Walterboro, and the Ephriam D. Stephens Funeral Home in Sumter, and will soon open the newly constructed Stephens Funeral Home in the summer of 2023. A Christian and community leader, Dr. Stephens serves on the Executive Committee of the Orangeburg-Calhoun Missionary Baptist Association; is a member of the South Carolina Mortician’s Association and, in May 2022, was elected Governor of District One; is a member of the National Mortician’s and Funeral Directors Association, and the NAACP.
Pastor Stephens says: “My mission is to preach the good news—The Gospel—to empower the church and the community and encourage parishioners to follow me as I follow Christ. God has called me to build, re-build, retain and reclaim souls in the name of Jesus.”
August 1, 2022