Hal grew up in Moncks Corner, SC, as did Elliott, his wife of 52 years. Both attended Berkeley County schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina. Hal received his MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his D. Min from Fuller Seminary. Elliott is a retired schoolteacher, an award-winning artist, and member of both the Berkeley and Charleston Artist Guilds.
They have two children. Their daughter, Laura and her husband, Joe, live in Haverhill, MA and have two children: Bella, 12, and Joey, 10. Their son, Brian and his wife, Brittney, live in Pinopolis, SC, and have two children: Davis, 11, and Andrew, 9.
After serving 21 years as Senior Pastor of FBC Moncks Corner, Hal founded and leads Compass Coach and Consulting, a religious non-profit ministry. He is a certified pastoral coach and church consultant with the SCBC, as well as a certified Transitional Pastor. He serves as a part-time Regional Strategist with the Christian Life and Leadership Team of the State Convention. Old Fort will be his third transitional pastorate.
Hal and Elliott enjoy traveling together when possible. Hal enjoys getting into the woods to hunt, wildlife management, gardening, and writing. He has authored three books. Elliott, aside from her art, loves working in her flower garden. Both enjoy family time and, especially, the grandchildren!
Dr. West's first Sunday will be July 14, 2024.