Dr. Anthony A. McCallum faithfully pastors as the Chief Servant of Bethlehem Baptist Church(College Place) in Columbia, SC. Dr. McCallum’s focus through his ministry is to “manifestJesus as Lord, by strengthening, renewing, and restoring the Body of Christ within hiscongregation. He does this by structuring workshops on the spiritual disciplines inscripture, which helps foster discipleship.”
Dr. McCallum’s journey of preaching and teaching began at a very young age. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the tender age of twelve. It happened one day while washing dishes. He heard a call from God tearfully responded, “Send me, Lord. I will go!” When he uttered those words, he did not realize the speech impediment that had afflicted him for many years wouldgradually be removed by God. It was replaced with a voice divinely gifted to spread the gospel and bring lost souls to Christ.
Reared by loving God-fearing parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul McCallum of Maxton, NC, he continued to grow in faith. Early on, he joined Shallow Baptist Church under the direction of Dr. Herbert Edwards. During this time, he became an active member of various ministries. Later, rejoined the Star of Bethlehem Baptist church in Laurinburg, NC, under the direction of Pastor James C. McClain. At Star of Bethlehem Baptist where he taught Sunday school and used his gift of song in the choir. Hewas called to preach the gospel at the age of 21 and later transitioned to youth pastor.
After graduating from high school, Dr. Mccallum continued his theological studies and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Shaw University and his Master of Divinity degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He continued his academic and spiritual education. He went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia of Morehouse School of Religion. Where he graduated with honors as “Magna Cum Laude” and awarded the Benjamin Elijah Mayes honor for scholarly leadership in Theological Education. He’s been inducted into the International Honor Society of Theta Phi in 2023 and was elected as the Vice-President of his class. Dr. McCallum studied aboard in South Africa at the University of Pretoria and Ghana at the University of Ghana.
In regard to service beyond the walls of the BBC, Dr. McCallum wholistic ministry includes services in the city, state, and country are as follows:
County, Richland Sheriff Department Chaplain
State, South Carolina School of the Deaf and Blind
Country, United States President Obama Faith Advisory Committee
Nationally, Preached for the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America Inc.
Affiliations, and awards include and not limited to be as follows:
Presidential Prayer Advisory Committee
South Carolina School of Deaf and Blind; Board Member
Who’s Who of Religion
Who’s Who of Historical Society
Advisory Board of Youth First in Richland County
Lander University Board of Visitors
Former Instructor, Interdenominational theological Center (ITC) of Morehouse College Extension
Richland County Sheriff’s Department Chaplin
2005 recipient of the “Living the Legacy” Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
2007 recipient of the S.C. Council of Deliberation Vanguard Community Service Award
2007 recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Community Service Award
2010 recipient of President’s Volunteer Service Award
2012 Prayed Inaugural Prayer, Governor Nikki Haley
2019 recipient of Key to the City from Mayor Steve Benjamin for Outstanding Community Involvement around the City of Columbia
In 1990, Dr. McCallum met the love of his life, Angela Marie Holland of Shelby, NC. They were blessed with two children, Tiffany, and Anthony, II. and their beloved grandson, Titus. In 1995, Dr. Mccallum was called to pastor at St. John A. Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. During that time, he completed the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at St. Joseph’s Hospital. While at St. John’s Baptist Church, Dr. McCallum initiated several new ministries as well as increased the growth of church membership.
In 1998, he became pastor of the historic Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC. AtMorris Chapel, he was instrumental in developing a leadership training curriculum, a new member orientation program, and several bible study ministries. He was also responsible for increased discipleship.
In 2002, Dr. Mccallum was elected pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1028 Eastman Street,(College Place) Columbia, SC, where he currently leads passionately for God with wisdom andvision. During his 20 plus years tenure at Bethlehem Baptist, the church continues to experiencesubstantial growth in discipleship. Additionally, Dr. McCallum has helped establish several ministries at Bethlehem:
Ministry of the Hearing Impaired
Couples Ministry
Mime Ministry
Veterans Ministry
Mental Health Ministry
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
Children’s Church
Noon Day Bible Study
Men and Women Bible Studies
Seniors Bible Study
Youth Ministry
30/30 Youth Bible Study
Written Several Booklets On Deacons And Deaconess In The Church
Together, Dr. McCallum and First Lady Angela, continue to serve and assist in and beyond the walls of Bethlehem Baptist Church with a holistic ministry approach. Despite Dr. McCallum’s many degrees, awards, and honors, he remains humble and dedicated to teaching and preaching the Word of God.