Kathwood Baptist Church is still a relatively young church, born in 1964. Kathwood has been a progressive presence in Baptist life in the Columbia area, and a leader in the formation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina. One of the church patriarchs, Glen Hedgecock, wrote, that the founding members of Kathwood "made the decision to organize a new church to break out of the mold and practice of most Baptist churches of yesteryear. The purpose of our group was to be more open and receptive to change, to be more innovative, willing to try different forms of worship and education, and to be different – to make a difference."
Kathwood is currently without a pastor, but the congregation has an elected Leadership Council and elected Deacons who serve the congregation faithfully and effectively. The congregation has also called Rev. Mark Tidsworth as our Interim Pastor. Mark will also serve as Transition Consultant. (read more)

During a recent process of strategic planning (2004), the congregation voted on the following goals:

• Goal One – Kathwood Baptist Church will offer worship services that glorify God and inspire worshippers to follow Christ.
• Goal Two – Kathwood Baptist Church will offer a broad array of quality education programs that inform, inspire and equip disciples for service.
• Goal Three – Kathwood Baptist Church will be obedient to the Great Commission through a broad based and adequately funded outreach program at home and abroad.
• Goal Four - Kathwood Baptist Church will enhance its identity and relationship with its local geographic community.
• Goal Five –Kathwood Baptist Church will create a vibrant Family Life Ministry that supports, encourages and equips families to glorify God in their family relationships.
• Goal Six – Kathwood Baptist Church will have a leadership and decision-making process that is understood by the congregation and that facilitates rapid and effective response to service opportunities.
• Goal Seven – Kathwood Baptist Church will attract a visionary, spirit- filled, service-oriented staff that will lead the congregation toward vision attainment.
• Goal Eight – Kathwood Baptist Church will develop a strong financial plan and adequate resources to support a thriving ministry in the Columbia area and around the world.