About Ridgeville COG

Our Pastors

Dr. Charles & Betsy Houston

Pastors Charles and First Lady Betsy Houston have served as lead pastors for over 16 years and have led Ridgeville Church of God for the past 10 years. Married in December 2004, they are parents to two sons (Isaac and Malachi who awaits them in Heaven) and a daughter (Izzy). Their ministry spans more than 25 years in evangelism, college and career ministry, youth leadership, and worship.
Dr. Charles Houston is an eight-year Air Force veteran and holds multiple higher educational degrees (Associate's in Communication, Bachelor's of Science in Pastoral Studies, Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Family/Marriage, and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counselling). In May 2026, he is expected to complete a second Master's degree (Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling). In addition to his academic achievements, our pastor recently earned certification as a Level 1 Church Consultant with the Church of God.

Dr. Houston also operates a private Christian counseling practice, helping individuals and families with issues such as abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, finances, marital issues, and trauma.
Betsy Houston grew up in the Church of God and has served as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and worship team member. She is now the Worship Pastor and leads the women’s ministry, where she encourages women to grow in their faith and build community. Betsy served on the South Carolina Church of God’s Women’s Discipleship Board and works full-time as a school receptionist and principal’s secretary.
Charles and Betsy attribute every accomplishment to God’s guidance and the uncommon favor of God over their life.  They believe in living their lives to the fullest, giving God all the praise.

Our Beliefs

(Declaration of Faith)

Ridgeville Church of God believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God and has adopted the Church of God’s Declaration of Faith as its doctrinal standard. Key beliefs include:
  • Verbal inspiration of the Bible.
  • One God eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven and intercedes for believers.
  • All people have sinned; repentance and forgiveness of sins are essential.
  • Justification, regeneration, and new birth come through faith in the blood of Jesus.
  • Sanctification follows the new birth and comes through faith in Christ, the Word, and the Holy Spirit.
  • Holiness is God’s standard for His people.
  • The baptism of the Holy Spirit is subsequent to salvation and is evidenced by speaking in tongues.
  • Water baptism by immersion is for all who repent.
  • Divine healing is provided in Christ’s atonement.
  • Participation in the Lord’s Supper and the washing of the saints’ feet.
  • The premillennial second coming of Jesus.
  • Bodily resurrection and eternal life for the righteous; eternal punishment for the wicked.