MEET OUR PASTOR & 1st lady
DR. WARREN D. CHOICE
Dr. Warren D. Choice is a native of Gray Court, South Carolina. After completing high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner -Webb University, Boiling Springs, N.C. He also holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries, and a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching and Teaching from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
He received the call from God to the ministry in 1993 and was licensed and ordained on July 15, 1993. Dr. Choice has a heart for the captives, which has led him to serve in many different areas of ministry over the years. He faithfully served in prison ministry at James Crabtree Correctional Center in Helena, Oklahoma. He was Director of Development at Hope Outreach, a non-profit services organization in Enid, Oklahoma. He has fulfilled Lay Minister duties in several Air Force Base Chapel Worship Services worldwide, including Lajes Field, Azores, Izmir, Turkey, and Lakenheath, England. Also, while in England, he served five years as Pastor of New Beginning International Church where many were led to Christ under his pastorship.
Throughout his career he has had a heart for people. He has been a probation and parole agent, a youth sports director, and served 25 years as DOD government civilian in various positions before retiring in 2024. He currently works for the York County School Division in operations and is on the football coaching staff for the York High School Falcons.
Dr. Choice was elected as the Senior Pastor at Cary’s Baptist Church in February 2019. He came with a clear mandate from God to “Developing disciples of all ages, teaching them to know that they are born of God’s Spirit, and all His promises belong to them.” Pastor Choice is committed to the affairs of the church and the business of caring for God’s people. He has a passion for seeing people grow in God. Under his leadership and God’s faithfulness, Cary’s has continued to strive and meet the needs of this community in old and new ways.
Pastor Choice is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Merlin Lyons of Laurens, South Carolina, who is a retired AF Senior Non Commision Officer. They have three beautiful adult daughters and one son in love: Dr. Charity Choice, Trinity (KeMont) Lipscomb, and Zoe Choice.
One of his favorite scriptures is Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised”
LADY MERLIN M. CHOICE
Lady Merlin Choice is committed in her mandate to assist her husband in all that God has called him to do. She joyfully serves in this capacity with grace, resilience, and an unwavering heart for service. Lady Choice brings over two decades of military experience into her ministry as a pastor's wife. After serving 24 years in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain Assistant and manager, she has touched countless lives-supporting service members and their families through moments of grief, faith, and transformation.
Her deep understanding of human behavior, strengthened by a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, makes her a compassionate listener and intuitive guide. She holds a certification in life coaching from International Coach Federation (ICF), equipping her to walk alongside others as they navigate life's complexities with purpose and clarity. She is also a certified True Colors facilitator that is skilled in helping to facilitate positive change, both within individuals and the organization in which they serve that leads to a greater effectiveness and impact.
Currently, Lady Choice serves as an U.S. Air Force civilian, Special Needs Coordinator for military families, advocating for and supporting children and adults with disabilities. Her ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy, paired with her military discipline and spiritual grounding, allows her to minister with authenticity and excellence.
Whether leading in worship, hosting church events, visiting the sick, or working behind the scenes beautifying the church to create a warm welcoming atmosphere that glorify God, she is committed to each cause. Lady Choice has a heart for everyone to know that they are important. She remains a steadfast pillar of strength and encouragement here at CBC. Her ministry is not just in words—but in the lived experience of service, faith, and love.