Pastor Search Update
9/21/2025
We are pleased to report that we have concluded step 3 of our process, which is described in detail below. That said, we are no longer receiving candidates for our Senior Pastor Position.
Please continue to pray as we seek God to point us to the man He wants to lead FBC Smithville. Thank you!
About our Pastor Search
In February of 2025, Michael Murphy retired from pastoral ministry after faithfully serving and shepherding First Baptist Church for 20 years. Since then, this pastor search committee (PSC) has been seeking guidance from the Lord to bring us to the pastor that He has already picked for this church.
The Scripture that we hold dear is Proverbs 25:2.
It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
God knows the man that will lead FBC Smithville, and we hope to glorify God by searching him out as the Lord leads. We will follow God in our search.
We are currently accepting Resumes through August 7, 2025 for our Senior Pastor position.
Your PSC Members are Josh Cunningham (Alternate), Lela Derr, Jody Kadlecek, Katrina Ralph, Ron Samek,and Ramon San Luis (Chairperson).
About our next Pastor
The PSC team has created a Pastor Profile for you. Download it here - Our Pastor Profile
Qualities, Skills & Experience Desired
We are seeking a leader, teacher, disciple and communicator who can assist in equipping our church in a growing relationship with Christ our Lord.
What we desire is a pastor that has a heart for God and His people. He would be a humble man that gives all the credit to God for all our successes and accomplishments.
He would have a positive outlook on life – upbeat with a sense of humor.
He would be an approachable person that can relate to us, and be willing to meet members face-to-face (by appointment), and also be available by phone, text or email.
We would like to see a strong leader with conviction – willing to lead the congregation, deacons and ministries. A proactive person, not reactive. A pastor willing to confront issues Biblically with grace.
He would be a man of prayer that emphasizes the importance of prayer – both corporately and personally.
A counselor that is willing to help marriages and domestic disputes. Willing to help troubled youth. Willing to help in times of physical and psychological stress and be confidential and circumspect in what is shared with him.
We are hoping for someone that will be committed to the church, not just getting experience to move on to bigger and better opportunities. We are hoping for someone who wants to put his roots into the community.
He would be spiritually mature and God led, not showing favoritism (rich or poor, young or old, etc.)
This person needs to know the Bible to be God’s word and infallible.
He would have:
- Biblical Studies training, seminary experience (appreciated but not required). Our Church is willing to work with someone who is pursuing continuing education through various means.
- Has the ability to delegate responsibilities and share the load with deacons and teachers.
- Someone who has a good understanding for business/finances, including church policy and is proactive in managing these items.
- He would have the ability to work with all age groups.
- He would have good communication skills and can preach God’s Word so it can be understood and applied.
Non-church work experience and ability to relate to a diverse congregation and their needs are appreciated.
What Are Key Priorities For FBC Smithville?
- To promote unity and strength in our church.
- Community presence/outreach – To be a light unto the community - prominent and active. To be a Church that people would like to be a part of.
- Growth – both spiritual maturity and in attendance. To attract young families – the future of the church. And to engage more people into Bible study – to learn God’s word and what His purpose is for us.
- To encourage membership and membership involvement – Helping attendees understand membership and find their place and spiritual giftings to actively serve in the Church and community.
- Financial stewardship – Conveying to members the Biblical teaching that we are, as a Church and individuals, stewards of God’s resources.
About our Church and Smithville, Texas
Church Profile
The PSC team has created a Church Profile for you. Download it here - Our Church Profile
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SMITHVILLE
Traditional Southern Baptist Church with 135 years in thecommunity with a welcoming membership Community Driven Church
- Sonshine School daycare - 16 years in community with
- 91 children in attendance
- Smithville Ministerial Alliance leader
- Born Again Emporium volunteer/collaborative local church initiative
- Annual VBS program
- Annual Youth and Children’s outbound Church camps
- Community Bible-read through events and programs
- Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Program
Mid-Week Dinner with Contemporary Worship, and Bible Study
Prayer Ministry
Praise & Worship team lead worship
Mix of traditional and contemporary with special music and guest singer once a month
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
Total Membership: 829
Resident Members: 472
Weekly Worship Attendance: 135
Total Small Group Enrollment: 160
Weekly Bible Study Attendance: 146
Weekly Online Worship Participation: 90
CHURCH PROPERTY
Church Property: 1.6 acres
Church Seating: 330+
Church Meeting Rooms:
3 seating 20+ people each
Normal Parking: 199 slots
Handicap Parking: 13 slots
Click here for a Map of our Property
Community Profile
The PSC team has created a Community Profile for you. Download it here - Our Community Profile
HISTORY
Founded in 1827 by Dr. Thomas Jefferson Gazley, Smithville found its first calling as a home to a railroad depot opened on July 4, 1887. It was incorporated in 1895 and found itself a robust community centered on commerce and culture. Today it has two historic districts and is a member of the Preserve America program and was designated a Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 4,506
Median Age: 44
Education:
- 88% High School or higher
- 35% Associate Degree or higher
- Median Income: $63,592
ECONOMY
191 businesses, 69% have 1 to 4 employees
Top Industries:
- Transportation
- Warehousing
- Education
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Smithville Jamboree | Community Wide Garage Sale - twice a year | Sustainable Home & Garden | 4th of July Celebration
Annual Wingfest | Festival of Lights & Lighted Parade | Airing of the Quilts | Smithville Music Festival
Tour of Homes | Family Crisis Center Annual Dinner & Dance | Music in the Park
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
https://www.visitsmithvilletx.org/
https://www.smithvilletx.org/
https://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/
About the Process
As the Pastor Search Committee of First Baptist Church Smithville, we are committed to seeking the Spirit’s guidance through prayer and careful discernment to find God’s chosen leader for our Church, guided by the SBTC Pastor Search Handbook. We understand that seeking a new ministry opportunity is a significant step for you and your family, and we aim for a process that is both thorough and respectful of your confidentiality.
Our goal is to identify God's man in God's time, with no exceptions.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect as we prayerfully seek His will. We are presently in Step 2 of the process.
Our Nine Step Search Process
Create Three Profiles - Before we begin actively reviewing resumes, our committee undertakes crucial preparatory work and develop three essential profiles:
- A Church Profile: This answers "Who are we?" (A description of FBC Smithville)
- A Community Profile: This addresses "Who are they?" (The community that our Church is reaching out to)
- A Pastor Profile: This answers "Who is our next Pastor?" by prayerfully discerning the characteristics of the ideal leader, involving congregational surveys and listening sessions to gather input from our church family.
- Post the job and receive Pastor candidates - We create a website where we can receive candidate resumes. We announce a specific 45 day cut-off date. We actively post our open position on relevant job boards and seek recommendations from trusted sources, like state convention offices or associations. Every candidate who submits a resume receives an acknowledgment of its receipt.
- Narrowing the Candidate Field - Once the resume submission period closes, our committee begins the diligent task of narrowing the field of candidates. We consistently refer to our three established profiles to objectively evaluate resumes. This process helps us narrow from potentially hundreds of candidates to a select group. Through further prayerful evaluation and committee consensus, we consolidate these to a smaller, agreed-upon list of our top 3-5 candidates. At each stage of this narrowing, candidates who are no longer being considered receive a notification.
- First Contact and Deeper Dive - If you are among our top 3-5 candidates, we will contact you to verify your continued interest in the position. We will then email you a theological and leadership questionnaire, typically consisting of 20-30 questions. In this same communication, we will request your permission to contact your professional and personal references, and to run comprehensive background checks. We will also ask for links to a few of your sermons for evaluation.
- Getting Serious with Evaluation - Upon receiving your completed questionnaire and permissions, we will proceed with thorough due diligence. This includes running comprehensive background checks (covering criminal, sex offender records, and credit reports). We will also check your provided references, asking specific questions to gain insights into your character and leadership style. Please note: we will not contact your current church or anyone at the church without your express written permission to ensure your confidentiality and respect for your current ministry. Your theological questionnaire responses and reference reports will be carefully evaluated and discussed by the committee. We will also review your sermons to assess their doctrinal soundness, clarity in presenting the gospel, and effectiveness in connecting with listeners.
- Pursuing One Candidate Uniquely - After diligent prayer and discussion, our committee seeks to reach a unified decision on one candidate to pursue uniquely. This signifies our commitment to focus our serious attention on you alone at this stage, comparing you against the Church and pastoral profiles we have developed, rather than against other candidates. If you are this candidate, we will inform you of this commitment and send you all relevant church information, including our budget and our bylaws. If possible, with your permission, a few committee members may discreetly visit your current church to observe interactions and culture, with strict adherence to confidentiality guidelines.
- Face-to-Face Interviews - If the pursuit continues to be favorable, we conduct two interviews to get a comprehensive understanding of your personality and suitability for the role.
- First Interview: This is typically conducted with you alone, at a neutral location or via online videoconference. We will focus on your leadership style, denominational involvement, and personal spiritual disciplines. You will also have the opportunity to ask us questions about our church and community. If this interview is favorable, we will proceed to a second interview.
- Second Interview: This interview is ideally conducted on our church campus, and we highly encourage your spouse to join you if you are married. The focus will be on your marriage and family, your thoughts about our community, and your perceptions of our church after a tour. We aim for you and your family to envision yourselves here, if it is God's will.
- Confirming God's Leadership (Church Vote) - For a candidate to be presented to the entire church, our committee must reach a unanimous decision. If unity is achieved, we will formally present you with a written salary package, comprehensive compensation details, and other benefits. We will then set a date for you to come "in view of a call". This weekend will typically include activities such as a "meet and greet" social, a corporate Q&A session with the church members, and your opportunity to preach during our Sunday worship service. Before the church vote, we will distribute your biographical information, resume, completed theology questionnaire, and links to your sermons. Following the service, the church members will cast their votes by secret ballot. Per FBC policy, an affirmative 90% vote is necessary to move forward. Crucially, before announcing the results to the church, we will privately ask if you accept the call.
- Assimilation of the Pastor and His Family - Once you accept the call, there is much cause for rejoicing within our church family! While the Pastor Search Committee officially disbands as a designated group, we will act as a liaison for approximately one year and assist with your family's move, ensure your office and any housing are prepared, confirm salary and benefits setup, and most importantly, help you and your family get settled in the Church and the Smithville community, building vital relational bridges for a smooth transition.
If at any point a candidate withdraws their application or any group decides not to pursue a candidate any longer, the Pastor search team will return to step 6.
About the Process
As the Pastor Search Committee of First Baptist Church Smithville, we are committed to seeking the Spirit’s guidance through prayer and careful discernment to find God’s chosen leader for our Church, guided by the SBTC Pastor Search Handbook. We understand that seeking a new ministry opportunity is a significant step for you and your family, and we aim for a process that is both thorough and respectful of your confidentiality.
Our goal is to identify God's man in God's time, with no exceptions.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect as we prayerfully seek His will. We are presently in Step 2 of the process.
Our Nine-Step Search Process
- Create Three Profiles - Before we begin actively reviewing resumes, our committee undertakes crucial preparatory work and develop three essential profiles:
- A Church Profile: This answers "Who are we?" (A description of FBC Smithville)
- A Community Profile: This addresses "Who are they?" (The community that our Church is reaching out to)
- A Pastor Profile: This answers "Who is our next Pastor?" by prayerfully discerning the characteristics of the ideal leader, involving congregational surveys and listening sessions to gather input from our church family.
- Post the job and receive Pastor candidates - We create a website where we can receive candidate resumes. We announce a specific 45 day cut-off date. We actively post our open position on relevant job boards and seek recommendations from trusted sources, like state convention offices or associations. Every candidate who submits a resume receives an acknowledgment of its receipt.
- Narrowing the Candidate Field - Once the resume submission period closes, our committee begins the diligent task of narrowing the field of candidates. We consistently refer to our three established profiles to objectively evaluate resumes. This process helps us narrow from potentially hundreds of candidates to a select group. Through further prayerful evaluation and committee consensus, we consolidate these to a smaller, agreed-upon list of our top 3-5 candidates. At each stage of this narrowing, candidates who are no longer being considered receive a notification.
- First Contact and Deeper Dive - If you are among our top 3-5 candidates, we will contact you to verify your continued interest in the position. We will then email you a theological questionnaire, typically consisting of 5-10 questions. In this same communication, we will request your permission to contact your professional and personal references, and to run comprehensive background checks. We will also ask for links to a few of your sermons for evaluation.
- Getting Serious with Evaluation - Upon receiving your completed questionnaire and permissions, we will proceed with thorough due diligence. This includes running comprehensive background checks (covering criminal, sex offender records, and credit reports). We will also check your provided references, asking specific questions to gain insights into your character and leadership style. Please note: we will not contact your current church or anyone at the church without your express written permission to ensure your confidentiality and respect for your current ministry. Your theological questionnaire responses and reference reports will be carefully evaluated and discussed by the committee. We will also review your sermons to assess their doctrinal soundness, clarity in presenting the gospel, and effectiveness in connecting with listeners.
- Pursuing One Candidate Uniquely - After diligent prayer and discussion, our committee seeks to reach a unified decision on one candidate to pursue uniquely. This signifies our commitment to focus our serious attention on you alone at this stage, comparing you against the Church and pastoral profiles we have developed, rather than against other candidates. If you are this candidate, we will inform you of this commitment and send you all relevant church information, including our budget and our bylaws. If possible, with your permission, a few committee members may discreetly visit your current church to observe interactions and culture, with strict adherence to confidentiality guidelines.
- Face-to-Face Interviews - If the pursuit continues to be favorable, we conduct two interviews to get a comprehensive understanding of your personality and suitability for the role.
- First Interview: This is typically conducted with you alone, at a neutral location or via online videoconference. We will focus on your leadership style, denominational involvement, and personal spiritual disciplines. You will also have the opportunity to ask us questions about our church and community. If this interview is favorable, we will proceed to a second interview.
- Second Interview: This interview is ideally conducted on our church campus, and we highly encourage your spouse to join you if you are married. The focus will be on your marriage and family, your thoughts about our community, and your perceptions of our church after a tour. We aim for you and your family to envision yourselves here, if it is God's will.
- Confirming God's Leadership (Church Vote) - For a candidate to be presented to the entire church, our committee must reach a unanimous decision. If unity is achieved, we will formally present you with a written salary package, comprehensive compensation details, and other benefits. We will then set a date for you to come "in view of a call". This weekend will typically include activities such as a "meet and greet" social, a corporate Q&A session with the church members, and your opportunity to preach during our Sunday worship service. Before the church vote, we will distribute your biographical information, resume, completed theology questionnaire, and links to your sermons. Following the service, the church members will cast their votes by secret ballot. Per FBC policy, an affirmative 90% vote is necessary to move forward. Crucially, before announcing the results to the church, we will privately ask if you accept the call.
- Assimilation of the Pastor and His Family - Once you accept the call, there is much cause for rejoicing within our church family! While the Pastor Search Committee officially disbands as a designated group, we will act as a liaison for approximately one year and assist with your family's move, ensure your office and any housing are prepared, confirm salary and benefits setup, and most importantly, help you and your family get settled in the Church and the Smithville community, building vital relational bridges for a smooth transition.
If at any point a candidate withdraws their application or any group decides not to pursue a candidate any longer, the Pastor search team will return to step 6.
