The Special Ministries Committee provides the means by which special interest groups and people with common interests can unite and organize to minister to the needs of congregation members.

ELCA-sponsored GSLC programs include Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) and the Women of the ELCA (WELCA). Good Shepherd programs range from small-group supper clubs to sports such as softball, kickball, and golf, and a generational fellowship in the fall that brings together all ages of GSLC members for fellowship and worship.

Men's ministry is alive and well at Good Shepherd! The primary mission of South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission is to strengthen the spiritual development and witness of men and to provide financial and other support to mission congregations of the South Carolina Synod. In 2011, the Good Shepherd LMM had a successful year in carrying out this mission, and it was accomplished while participating in some of the best times of fellowship and Bible study. The group focused on three areas in 2011 -- spiritual growth, service, and participation -- and for 2012 the LMM will be experimenting with new ideas and events. The group meets the first Monday of the month in the Family Activities Building at 6:30 p.m. for a meal and program and lots of lively conversation. All men of all ages of Good Shepherd are automatically members of LMM and are always welcomed.

All women of Good Shepherd belong to a WELCA Congregational Unit. The Women of the ELCA commit themselves to grow in faith, affirm their gifts, support each other in their callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. The work of WELCA is accomplished at Good Shepherd through committees for growth, action, community, and food. The Congregational Unit is also broken down into four Circles, which have their own projects in addition to supporting the Unit projects. In 2011, the Circle projects included collecting supplies for Harvest Hope Food Bank and Manantial de Vida, providing meals for Meals on Wheels, Manantial de Vida, and the Palm Center, hosting a luncheon for Lowman Home residents, and providing curtains, blinds, and paint and painting three Sunday School rooms. 

Young adults of Good Shepherd (Y.A. Way) continues to increase its participation and work to accomplish its mission of Fellowship, Learning, Outreach, and Worship (F.L.O.W.). Y.A. Way hosts a monthly fellowship event, usually on the first Sunday of the month. The event rotates between meeting in local restaurants to the Family Activities Building to a member's house. Free childcare is provided for all fellowship events, which is an important part of the ministry. Y.A. Way has its own Sunday School class and, in addition to supporting GSLC service projects, plans its own outreach/service projects each year. In 2011, the young adult group participated in Operation Inasmuch, made dinner for families living at the Ronald McDonald House, and adopted a family for Christmas.

Seniors have their own organization in the Live Wire Society. Generally meeting in the Family Activities Building on the third Friday of the month for a potluck lunch and program, this active group also sets off on various outings throughout the year to concerts, plays, and other intellectual and cultural events. And sometimes they just play Bingo!

Small-group supper clubs were reorganized and revitalized in 2011. Open to all members, the supper clubs provide a comfortable and relaxed way to meet other members of the congregation while enjoying a wonderful meal.

The recreation ministry sponsored a summer co-ed kickball team and a fall co-ed softball team in 2011. Two congregational golf outings also were organized to great success, one in the spring at Woodlands Country Club and the other in the fall at Crickentree Country Club.

Generation Celebration is becoming an autumn tradition at Good Shepherd. On consecutive Wednesday evenings in late fall, members of all ages come together to celebrate with music, visual arts, and a meal. The inter-generational fellowship opportunities abound, and special recognition is given to GSLC members who are 90 years or older at the final celebration.

For the readers in the congregation, the GSLC Book Club meets monthly. Early selections for 2012 include The Year of Living Dangerously by Christoper Kock, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, and Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly. The club meets on the last Monday of the month.