Theological Distinctives
Expositional Preaching
Committed to text-driven preaching that submits to the authority of Scripture, I labor to unfold the meaning of the biblical text in its context and bring its truth to bear on the lives of contemporary hearers, persuaded that what God has said, He has said with purpose.
Elder-Led Congregationalism
Here is a paper that I wrote for my previous church on God’s design for healthy church leadership.
Elder-Led Congregationalism
Theological Alignment
I wholeheartedly affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and also the 1689 Second London Confession as a personal conviction.
My Testimony
My journey with God began at the tender age of 7, during a Vacation Bible School, where God revealed His Son to me, and I first grasped the profound truth of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for my sins. It was a moment of clarity and understanding that altered the course of my life forever. Growing up, my parents ensured I had exposure to Christianity, though our walk with God often ended when we left the church building.
​In the tumultuous years of my early adolescence, I found myself grappling with the instability of youth group leadership and a church split. Despite the challenges, I began to witness growth in my own life, a testament to God's unwavering presence even in the midst of chaos. It was during this time that my heart began to stir with a calling to ministry, although I was uncertain of its form.
However, life took an unexpected turn when my family was uprooted due to my father's job loss, moving us across the state, the summer before my freshman year. This transition was difficult, and I struggled to find my place in a new community. During my time in High school we drifted from one church to another, lacking the guidance and discipleship I needed.
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In 2008, I enrolled at Southwest Baptist University with the intention of pursuing a ministry degree. Yet, during my freshman year, I found myself disconnected from the church community. In my pride, I resisted God's call to surrender, until He mercifully intervened and humbled me, leading me to a place of repentance.
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Since that moment, I have been seeking to pursue God, seeking to follow Him wholeheartedly, and serve Him faithfully. Though my journey has been marked by twists and turns, I am continually reminded of God's faithfulness and steadfast love. He never gave up on me, even when I strayed, and He has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Philippians 1:6
Today, I stand as a testimony to God's grace and mercy, a living testament to His power to redeem and restore. My heart overflows with gratitude for His relentless pursuit of me, and I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose as I walk in obedience to His calling on my life.
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Soli Deo Gloria
Meet The Smith Family
Meet our family: my beloved wife Becca and our three delightful daughters, Ryleigh, Elsie, and Ensley. We also serve as a foster family, so we may have a few more with us from time to time. We are dedicated to offering love, stability, and support to children in need. We are on track to adopt our little boy by the end of this year. (not allowed to be pictured)
God has blessed us beyond measure!