Dr. Ken Harmon

Interim Pastor

Ken Harmon graduated from Furman University with a B.A. degree and from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky where he earned both a Master of Theology degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree.  He has been pastor of churches in Kentucky and South Carolina.  He retired after serving for thirty years as pastor from the First Baptist Church of Newberry, SC in 2012 and since has served three churches as either a transitional interim or a renewal interim.  Ken is married to Joy and they have two grown children and five grandchildren.  Ken and Joy now live in Irmo, SC. 

Michael Cates

Minister of Music

Michael earned his bachelors degree from Bluefield College a Virginia Baptist College where he studied music and psychology.  He went on to earn his Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Michael completed several years of postgraduate training in pastoral care and counseling.  He was ordained by Plymouth Haven Baptist Church in 1987. He grew up in a military family and was able to continue the tradition of military service as a Chaplain in the United States Army.  He has served churches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Michael is married to Ginger Abbott of Irmo, and have two children.

Jonathan Teeter

Sports / Recreation Director

Jonathan Teeter began serving in this part-time position in the spring of 2016.  Jonathan serves as a Transportation Inspector with the SC Office of Regulatory Staff.  He attended Clemson University and Lander University. 

Michael Keech

Minister of Children & Youth

Mike Keech lives in West Columbia with his wife and 2 daughters who they home school. Mike grew up in Wagener, SC. He received an associate degree in criminal justice from Midlands Tech. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Pastoral Studies from Tennessee Temple University. He was a senior pastor in south Alabama and in Gilbert, SC before taking a year off from the ministry and becoming a youth pastor here at Saluda River Baptist Church. He has such a great way of relating with the youth and he loves to go do things with them and teach the Bible to them.