Columbia, SC

Columbia is the state capital of South Carolina and is located between sandy white beaches to the east and rolling Appalachian Mountains to the west. Next Step students have an opportunity to engage in community transformation through home repair and relational ministry.

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In 2013, Next Step was invited by a group of local churches and nonprofits to join in a holistic approach to ministry. We are hosted at a local church located in West Columbia called Grace Chapel Church. West Columbia is a city and commuter town in the suburban eastern sections of Lexington County and is a part of the greater Columbia, SC metropolitan area. There is about a 30 minute difference in location and it is near the downtown district as well as the South Carolina State House and Congaree Vista, known locally as “The Vista.”

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Here in South Carolina we partner with local churches, businesses, and nonprofits and look to them in order to know how to best serve this community. Our current community partners are The Scooter Scott Project, Mission Lexington, Turner AME Church, Mt. Horeb UMC, and the Iglesia Del Nazareno Taller De Jesus Church. 

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Next Step volunteers have simply become an extension and resource to these local partners through the efforts of work projects and relational ministry opportunities. These community leaders are committed to serving their neighbors in dignifying and uplifting ways, and desire to equip and empower individuals and families through giving a hand up rather than a hand out. In meeting the more immediate physical needs, our hope is that those we are serving alongside would come to know and experience the life changing love of Christ.