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Dr. Mike Whitson has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Indian Trail since April 1, 1983. During his ministry here, the church has grown to over 7,000 members. Nearly 8,000 people have been baptized at FBCIT during Dr. Whitson’s ministry.
“Preacher Mike,” as he is affectionately known, deeply loves the Bible because he knows it has the power to transform lives and guide anyone through any situation. He has a God-given ability to communicate the message of the Gospel with great clarity through straightforward Biblical preaching. He shares the Word with great sincerity and candid application as he encourages his audience to deepen their walk with Christ.
Dr. Whitson graduated from North Greenville Junior College and Furman University. He attended Erskine Theological Seminary and has received honorary doctorates from both North Greenville University and Liberty University. He held two pastorates in South Carolina prior to coming to FBCIT.
During Dr. Whitson’s tenure at FBCIT, he has led several building programs, a complete renovation and an addition to the Worship Center. Under his leadership, Metrolina Christian Academy was started in 1992 and now has over 1,600 students. He founded two satellite campuses — East Campus in Marshville, NC and Restoration Church of the Carolinas in Fort Mill, SC — which are both thriving and within 45 minutes of the Main Campus. Preacher Mike remains committed to First Baptist Church Indian Trail to do whatever is necessary to reach our world for Christ.
Though he has led ministry efforts around the world, he would quickly tell you that his most important ministry is his family. He has been married to Kathy, his childhood sweetheart, for over 50 years. They have two children and five grandchildren.