Contributed by Northside Baptist Church

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Cloud

After 20 years of leadership and service, Dr. Steve Cloud will retire from the position of senior pastor at Northside Baptist Church in West Columbia at the end of May. He will serve as chairman of the Board of Vision Ventures, a non–profit organization designed to “equip others to achieve their dreams.”

The Clouds have seen Northside experience tremendous growth and expansion. They leave the church with a solid foundation and bright future. The church anticipates continued growth and community service in the years to come.

“Steve Cloud unselfishly gives of himself at all times,” said Sabra Denny, church member. “No matter who follows in the Clouds’ footsteps, they have left an impression on Northside that will last forever.”

Pastor Cloud was called to Northside in May 1985, following the retirement of long–time pastor Lonnie Shull. Paul Ferris, chairman of the 1985 Pastor Search Committee, recommended Cloud to the congregation, saying, “We have found his reputation to be sterling, both as a Christian man and as a pastor. The Lord has evidently blessed his ministry.”

Pastor Cloud oversaw the acquisition of land for the Christian Fellowship Center, softball fields, administration buildings, and recreation complex. He witnessed the Lord’s provision of funds for real estate, worship space renovations, and construction of the CFC and Worship Center buildings. Under his leadership, Northside established several satellite churches, as well as weekly ministries in area nursing homes.

In 1990 Pastor Cloud began broadcasting Take A Minute messages on WCEZ (B–106) to encourage and share biblical truth with radio listeners. He served as first vice president, then president of the SC Baptist Convention.