Meet our Team

Our Pastor

Reverend Akeem J. Downs is a proud son of Ebenezer Baptist Church—his home church—where he was raised, baptized, and first discovered his call to ministry. In June 2016, Pastor Downs had the unique blessing of returning home to serve as Ebenezer’s sixth Pastor, continuing a legacy that helped shape both his faith and his life.

He was licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Byron Corbitt and the Antioch New Life Christian Center. This experience helped sharpen his calling, character, and commitment to faithful service.

Pastor Downs earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Winthrop University and a Master of Education from Southern Wesleyan University, with additional studies through the College of Charleston, Clamp Divinity School at Anderson University, and the School of Wisdom and Higher Learning Bible College. His background in both education and theology deeply influences his preaching, leadership, and love for lifelong learning.

A gifted musician, Pastor Downs has spent years directing and performing with various ensembles, using music as a powerful bridge for worship and community connection. He remains actively involved in organizations such as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the South Carolina Band Directors Association, the National Association for Music Educators, and the Spartanburg County Baptist Association. He also serves the community as a music educator in Spartanburg School District 7.

Above all, Pastor Downs is a husband and father. He is joyfully married to Mrs. Latoya Downs, and together they are raising three beautiful daughters. He is passionate about helping people grow in faith, purpose, and wholeness—inside the church and beyond its walls.

Leadership Team

Associate Minister: ‍ 
Minister Genise Bennett‍ 
Rev. Bobby Walters

Administrator:‍ 
Erica Gist‍ 

Deacons:‍ 
Mark Stewart 
Ronald Clyburn 
Jimmy Young 
Jeff Gist

Trustees:‍ 
Beverly Gist 
Willie Rainey 
Calvin Rainey 
Anthony Smith 
Andre Downs
Jamesia Downs 
Gashika Jones 
Erica Gist 
Dan Dudley 
Bennie Downs‍ 

Music Director: 
Bennie Downs

Emerge Youth Ministry:
Jasmine Kelly