Reference Letters
Jim Holloway
Fellowship Baptist Church - Search Team Chair
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my honor to recommend Travis Smith for the role of Senior Pastor. I served as the head of the pastor search committee for Fellowship Baptist Church. I have had the privilege of knowing Travis for almost three years, and during that time I have come to respect his character, his faith, and the steady way he leads both in ministry and in life and these reasons are why we chose Travis, Becca, and their family.
First, Travis demonstrates strong spiritual maturity and biblical leadership. He is a man who seeks to honor God in his decisions, teaches with conviction, and carries himself with humility and integrity. Travis believes that Scripture and Scripture alone is the only true authority for a church to follow; in teachings and practices.
Second, Travis has a genuine heart for people. He is approachable, compassionate, and thoughtful in the way he cares for others. His pastoral presence reflects both kindness and discernment, which gives people confidence that they are being led by someone who truly uses God’s word as his foundation for all things.
Third, Travis can lead with vision and wisdom. He understands the importance of helping a church move forward with clarity, unity, and purpose. He brings a steady leadership style that encourages others while keeping the mission of the church at the center. You may find a pattern here. Travis meticulously examines Scripture for the map of any church decision. While an excellent planner, Travis also demonstrated his faith in God and God’s sovereignty in everything.
Finally, Travis is an excellent husband and father. The way he leads and loves his family speaks deeply to his character. His faith is not only something he teaches, but something he lives out daily in his home, which strengthens my confidence in his readiness for this role.
Sincerely,
Jim Holloway
Dr. Jay Lowder
Pastor of First Baptist Church of Beebe, Arkansas - Current Church Home
Dear Church Leaders,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of endorsement for Travis Smith. I know the ministry and the ministers. I have ministered for over three decades across five states and have two seminary degrees from two different Southern Baptist seminaries. I am also a published author of three Christian books (one published and two under contract). In addition to this reference letter, feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
Rightly did Jesus say we will know them by their fruits. My endorsement of Travis is mostly indirect, but that is irrelevant because I have seen the fruit of his life and ministry. I met Travis about 3 months ago, but over the past year, I have met many Christians who have thrived under his ministry. His sheep were well fed, protected, and nurtured. I can think of many who were under his teaching in past years, and who thrived there. They found him to be an honorable man and a skilled expositor of God's word. Most importantly, from my perspective, Travis has a passionate pastoral heart, which conveys authenticity.
Also, now as Travis's current pastor, I have come to know him and his family, both casually and through membership interviews. The joy of his family is evident! His wife, three daughters, and soon-to-be adopted son are full of life and excitement. That is remarkable, as many pastors’ family members struggle under the pressure of ministry. Their whole and holy lives are a testimony to Travis's heart for his family, something he extends to his spiritual family. He takes doctrine seriously, and I am sure that he is a great church administrator, but he does it all with joy and humor. In the process of joining our church. I heard the testimony of his two oldest girls, and I was very impressed. So, having been in his home and become acquainted with some of his flock, I can unreservedly endorse Travis for ministry. I look forward to seeing all that God will do as he moves him forward into his greatest days of ministry ahead.
In Christ,
Dr. Jay S. Lowder
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Founder of Study Practice Teach Ministries
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MDiv. (SWBTS) and Ph.D. (SBTS)
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Author of 2024 book by Wipf and Stock: Transformative Time Travel: Deepening
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Discipleship through Meditation on the Future, Past, and Present
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Author of Forthcoming 2026 Books by Ambassador International: Already Ready
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Book and Companion Workbook
Ricky Sands
Pastor of First Baptist Church of Weston, Missouri
To the Pastor Search Team,
I want to acknowledge that I do not envy your position. I have been on both sides of the Pastor search and know that this is a daunting task. I have full confidence the Lord will lead you to the man He has set apart to serve as your next Pastor. Thank you for giving yourselves to this vital and special work in your church.
My purpose of writing you is to give a strong endorsement of Travis Smith. When I think of the 15 qualifications of a Pastor in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 I believe that Travis exemplifies every one of them intentionally. I have always been intrigued that Paul mentions both aspiration and desire in that first verse. “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” Paul goes on to list 14 other qualifications that must be observable in his life. To aspire to something is to rise to it. Travis aspires to the office of Overseer out of a desire to serve the Lord with his life. This is what I have observed in him over the years that I have known him as a friend and brother in Christ. He is a wonderful Husband, Father, Friend, Pastor, and well rounded man of Christ. He loves the Lord, loves God’s Word, and loves the local church. This has been evident in the various ministries I have observed his leadership in.
Coupled with his shepherding leadership, I have personally benefited from Travis' teaching and preaching over the years. He is theologically sound, loves to learn, and approaches the Scriptures with humility. He preaches in a way that is accessible to all people and I truly believe that he would be an excellent shepherd to the saints at your church.
“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” -Jeremiah 3:15 ESV
Ricky Sands