Via a nomination we are excited to share Stephen Clyborne with The Faces of the Golden Strip readers and the community.
In his own words….
I have lived in Greenville County all my life. I graduated from Greenville High School in 1977, and from Furman University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration. I earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1988 and Doctor of Ministry degree in 1996 from Erskine Theological Seminary, where I was an adjunct professor for seventeen years. I have published a book about my parents entitled “23: Growing Up in the Space Between Harry and Celeste,” and will be publishing a new book entitled “No Place Like Home: Sermons and Songs That Point Us Home.” I had a massive heart attack in February of 2022 that left me with permanent heart damage, and had quadruple bypass surgery in April of 2022. After a twelve-week cardiac rehab program, I am now easing back into my responsibilities as a pastor.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to the former Sylvia Davis, who is retired after having served two churches as a ministry assistant for twenty-seven years combined. I have two daughters: Rachel , a Curriculum Coordinator for the USC School of Medicine in Greenville, and Rebekah, a teacher at Berea Elementary School, who is married to Cameron Jarrell. I also have two stepsons: Patrick Swift and his wife, Jennifer, who have two daughters and two sons: Hannah, Sarah Grace, Sam and Ben; Micah Swift and his wife, Suzanne, who have three daughters: Emma Kate, Addie and Ella.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a Baptist minister and have served six Baptist churches for forty-five years combined. The last twenty of those years have been at Earle Street Baptist Church, where I served as associate pastor for seven years and senior pastor the last thirteen years. What I love the most about my work is that it gives me the opportunity to share in the most important and formative events in people’s lives, their joys and their sorrows.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Azteca Mexican Restaurant, The Olive Tree, and Tropical Grille.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Mauldin for seventeen years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The nurses and staff at McCall Hospice House.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would like to make a pilgrimage to Israel. I have spent most of my life studying, learning, teaching, and preaching about the events and places of the Bible. It would be the experience of a lifetime to actually see the settings of so many of the Biblical narratives.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take the high road and the long view.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to live long enough to retire, write more books, spend more time with my family, continue serving a church in a part-time or volunteer capacity, and finish strong.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Mauldin Deli. That was a Mauldin landmark and icon, and I miss it so much. They had the freshest breads and meats, and the small dining room was quaint.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Chuck Poole, one of my most favorite preachers, at The Olive Tree.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small-town feel, but also the close proximity to Greenville, the mountains, and the beaches.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retired, spending more time with family and friends, reading and writing more, and playing pickleball
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That, even though I am a Baptist minister, I am afraid of water and cannot swim.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It is our family’s little piece of heaven.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother, who died in 2015 at the age of 93. By the life she lived, she showed me the clearest picture of Jesus I have ever seen.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
According to Mr. Rogers, a neighbor is a helper. But that thought was nor original with him. Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan, in which the neighbor was one who showed mercy to someone in need.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Security, comfort, rest.
