Pastor Search Update as of August 25, 2026
What We're Hearing From Our Church
As we continue the process of seeking our next pastor, we have spent time listening to our Deacons, Church Council, and church family. Each group was asked similar questions about the kind of pastor they believe can best lead our church into the future.
The encouraging news is clear:
We Are on the Same Page
Across all three groups, the same qualities continued to rise to the top. We are looking for a pastor who:
Genuinely walks with God and leads from a strong personal relationship with Jesus. Believes, lives, and teaches the Bible without compromising God's Word. Is a man of integrity who is honest, humble, trustworthy, and consistent. Genuinely loves people and is approachable, compassionate, and willing to build relationships. Builds unity while having the courage to lead and make difficult decisions when necessary. Helps people grow spiritually and equips members to become involved in ministry. Has a heart for people outside the church and will lead us in reaching our community. Values every generation while helping us place a renewed emphasis on reaching children, students, young adults, and families. Can lead us forward with God-given vision while respecting the people and history that have shaped our church.
A Few Things We Still Need to Work Through
While there is strong agreement about the kind of pastor we are seeking, there are a few important conversations we need to continue having.
What does healthy church growth look like for us? We want to see people come to Christ, believers grow spiritually, members become involved, families reached, and our church make a greater impact in our community.
Are we really ready for change? God's Word and our biblical convictions do not change. But some of our methods, programs, and traditions may need to as we seek to reach future generations.
What do we expect from our pastor—and what should he expect from us? One pastor cannot create growth, unity, outreach, and discipleship by himself. Moving forward will require all of us to pray, serve, participate, support, and follow God's direction together.
The Pastor We're Looking For
We are seeking a godly, trustworthy, Spirit-led, and biblically grounded pastor who genuinely loves people, faithfully teaches God's Word, builds relationships and unity, reaches into our community, develops believers, and has the courage and vision to lead our church toward the future God has for us.
As the process continues, three simple questions will help guide us:
Can we trust him? Can we follow him spiritually? Can he lead us forward?
I'm encouraged by what I have heard. The FBC Smithville church family and leadership appear to share a common vision for the kind of pastor the church is seeking.
Now our prayer is not simply that God will send us the right pastor, but that He will prepare us to be the church He wants us to be when that pastor arrives.
Please continue to pray for God's wisdom, direction, unity, and timing throughout this process.
