I’m excited to share the news that I’ve accepted a new ministry position. On June 21, 2021, I’ll become the next Executive Director of the White Rock Center of Hope.
This big next step is possible because of so many other steps of varying sizes I’ve already taken. The following account is an attempt to provide a high level overview of my preparation for this step. My approach is primarily chronological utilizing a series of phases or acts.
While give thanks for the hundreds of people who have shaped who I am today I’ll avoid naming names (other than my parents and my spouse) in this post to ensure it doesn’t grow to become the length of a long chapter or a short book.
Act 1: Growing Up
My story begins with my parents, Greg and Linda Smith, raising me in a Christian home and introducing me to the church. It continues with my childhood and young adulthood in First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Arlington, Texas – the congregation where I was confirmed, preached my first sermon, and experienced a call to ministry. And, it extends to my foundational academic preparation for ministry at Dallas Christian College. Throughout these years, I was affirmed, encouraged and, nourished by an incredibly diverse group of teachers, coaches, and mentors.
Act 2: Starting Out
My first several professional roles were with the Texas Health and Human Services. My time at the agency included time assisting refugees, improving general caseworker performance across a region, and leading a team serving residents of a three zip code area in South Fort Worth. During these experiences I married Susan (our wedding was held in a congregation affiliated with the Episcopal Church). Then, with her encouragement and amazing support, I quit THHS to attend seminary full-time. I completed a Master of Divinity degree at Hardin-Simmons University after starting on that degree at Baylor University. And, while finishing this degree I entered the world of congregational ministry.
Act 3: Congregational Ministry
I served nine congregations in nearly every role imaginable (except for music ministry). These faith communities varied in size from under 100 to nearly 2,000 members, and were located in the Dallas – Fort Worth area of Texas and in Southwest Florida. Notably, they are affiliated with five denominations: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; National Association of Congregational Christian Churches; Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.; and United Church of Christ.
- First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Duncanville, Texas
- Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – Dallas, Texas
- First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – Garland, Texas
- King of Glory Lutheran Church (ELCA) – Dallas, Texas
- First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Naples, Florida
- Naples United Church of Christ – Naples, Florida
- United Church of Marco Island (UCC & NACCC) – Marco Island, Florida
- Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ – Fort Myers, Florida
- West Fork Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Grand Prairie, Texas
During my time in the Disciples of Christ and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I returned to school, completing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Amridge University. And, while in the United Church of Christ I completed appreciative interim ministry training through the Clergy Leadership Institute.
Act 4: Higher Education & Healthcare
My fourth, fifth and sixth congregational ministry roles focused on education or discipleship. I utilized that background to enter the realm of higher education at Hodges University holding a position that focused on empowering and supporting faculty to develop and deliver quality online courses. I enjoyed this enough that I extended my other role there – as an online adjunct profession of religion – for almost a decade.
Later, I took what I learned in my work in higher education, and applied it in healthcare. First, I oversaw the training and development function for Evolution Health – a 4,000 employee company that focused on delivering mobile integrated healthcare and home health. Then, I led the development and sales of educational products (including online learning courses for continuing medical education) for the nearly 40,000 members of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
While in healthcare, I returned to school yet again. This time I studied business, earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas Woman’s University.
Act 5A: Faith-Based Non-Profit Ministry
I discovered the perfect opportunity to return to ministry in a role that utilized my business expertise. I joined the staff of the Wesley Mission Center as their first ever Director of Social Enterprise to help relocate and scale their thrift store. This faith-based non-profit ministry was founded by First Methodist Mansfield, which is a congregation affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The organization rebranded, becoming the Mansfield Mission Center, serving more neighbors and welcoming churches affiliated with wide ranging denominations as partners. Next, I had the opportunity to utilize my background in healthcare when the organization acquired a medical clinic that had been part of another non-profit.
Finally, I became the organization’s first Associate Executive Director, overseeing all neighbor services and the operations of the expanded thrift store. I managed to adjust to life in this role just in time for it to change dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obvious challenges, this season of ministry allowed for and at times required more rapid innovation to ensure we continued to serve more than 5,000 neighbors with holistic services (including medical, employment, emergency financial assistance, and empowerment coaching enabling them to both meet immediate needs and also have the opportunity to thrive physically, financially, and relationally.
Interlude
My life has been influenced by thousands of incredible people, including those affiliated with dozens of Christian denominations. Interestingly, I’ve now also been more closely involved with nine denominations: serving congregations affiliated with five, receiving theological education in colleges and universities associated with three, getting married in another, and serving an ecumenical mission center founded by a congregation affiliated with yet another denomination. Importantly, these connections span the mainline and evangelical worlds.
Act 5B: White Rock Center of Hope
Now, I’m ready to take another big step of faith at the White Rock Center of Hope – an ecumenical faith-based non-profit founded in 1988 by Donagene Christian, and initially supported by 13 area churches affiliated with several denominations. Over the last 30+ years, the organization has grown considerably while remaining focused on a mission of providing for the basic human needs of those in their immediate area. In recent years WRCH has impacted more than 5,000 unique individuals a year with wide-ranging support including food, clothing, financial assistance, and transportation assistance. Currently the organization provides hope with love to neighbors residing in five zip codes: 75214, 75218, 75223, 75228, and 75238.
I look forward to leading WRCH into its next chapter, building on the work of those who came before me – especially Donagene Christian who served as the organization’s first Executive Director and Ted Beechler who served in that role for longer than anyone else before retiring earlier this year. I’m excited to begin meeting the people who make this ministry possible. And, I’m confident that together we will make the community a better place for all people.
So What?
This is my story – so far.
It is a story of growing into the person I’ve always known I was. And, it is a story of doing my best to make a real difference in the world.
I welcome your prayers and support during this season of transition. Please pray for the ongoing work of the Mansfield Mission Center and the White Rock Center of Hope. And, please pray for me as I strive to end well at MMC, and begin well at WRCH.
