A congregation in the US state of North Carolina has united in support of its pastor's family following the unexpected passing of their son.

Clint Pressley, who pastors Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, took to social media on Saturday to share the devastating news.

He wrote: “Last night Connie and I got a call that our youngest son Nate died in his apartment from a probable drug overdose. We have very few details otherwise. Nate has been in the far country for a couple years now and we have prayed for him every day. We trust the Lord in this hard Providence and are so thankful for a great church and wonderful family. Please continue to pray for us.”

Nate Pressley, 24, was the youngest of the couple’s two sons.

During the Sunday service, senior associate pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church Kyler Smith shared the news with the congregation as he led an extended time of prayer for the Pressley family.

Smith shared how he had “agonised” as to when and how to share the news with the congregation but believed the Lord had led him to share the news before the sermon.  He then preached on Matthew 7.

Several church leaders have also joined in prayers for the family. Senior pastor of North Point Ministries and son of the late pastor Charles Stanley, Andy Stanley wrote: “Heartbreaking. Praying. Grace and mercy in time of need. I’m so sorry.”

“If you are a believer, God has called you to love Clint, Connie, and Nate,” Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Bart Barber wrote on Twitter. “Loving them today means interceding for this grieving family. Southern Baptists, let’s come together for these members of our family.”