Five years ago, I thought I knew what I was saying yes to (see My Ministry Journey: Another BIG Step). After decades serving in congregational ministry, higher education, healthcare, and an earlier faith-based nonprofit role, becoming CEO of White Rock Center of Hope seemed like the natural next step in my vocational journey. What I could not have anticipated was how deeply this work would resonate with my sense of calling. At Hope, I have been able to bring together the best of my Read More …
Leadership
Courageous Leadership: Called to the Fire (#2324)
The message over the radio was brief, "Greg, come to the Donation Door." There was no explanation and no sense of urgency. I replied that I was on my way and started walking in that direction, expecting to greet a donor, answer a staff question, or receive some routine update. When I arrived, I immediately understood why the message lacked details. The dumpster was on fire. It wasn't a small fire that looked like it might burn itself out. The flames were growing more intense, sending thick Read More …
Speaking the Truth: Things are Not Fine (#2320)
Ministry in 2026 bears little resemblance to ministry in previous generations. Every day brings new challenges alongside new opportunities for connection, service, and faithful witness. The pace of change is relentless leaving many congregations and church leaders feeling pressures unlike anything they have previously experienced. Recently, Justin Cox, an ordained minister with standing in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist Churches USA, reflected on this reality in his Read More …
Pastoring in the Mainline: Conflicts and Challenges (#2307)
Several months ago, Lifeway Research released a report titled Pastors in Different Protestant Traditions Face Unique Challenges, highlighting notable differences in the pastoral experience across three Protestant streams: Black, evangelical, and mainline. Reading as a mainline pastor, I found myself engaging the findings from within that particular context. Three statistics, in particular, stayed with me: Taken together, these findings offer a glimpse into both the resilience and the Read More …
My New Role: Interim Minister at First Christian in Fort Worth (#2302)
20 months ago I announced that I was Returning to Parish Ministry as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran (ELCA). 14 months later that role concluded and I devoted myself to guest and supply preaching. Now, I am pleased to share that, beginning this week, I will serve as Interim Senior Minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth. Returning to Fort Worth It is a joy to return to downtown Fort Worth where my wife and I lived until moving to our current Read More …
Celebrating My Ordiversary: Reflections on Another Year of Ministry (#2267)
While I have been in ministry for more than 25 years, I have only been an ordained United Church of Christ minister since 2023. Two years ago today I was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ and installed as the CEO of White Rock Center of Hope (for more on that experience see My Ordination and Installation). On the occasion of the first anniversary of my ordination, I wrote this reflection. Today, I offer an update on what has happened in the Read More …
Meet Greg Smith & Learn the So What Faith Story (#2241)
I recently updated the About page here at SoWhatFaith.com. I’m sharing it below as a post so that you know who I am and what So What Faith is all about. Additionally, it provides a permanent copy of the About page as it appeared in July 2025. Note: The content below is written in third person, while most of my blog posts (including this intro) are written in first person. I’m aware of the shift in voice—it’s intentional and fits the format of the About section. About Greg Read More …
Interim Ministry: Then and Now (#2235)
Then This morning when I opened my Facebook feed I saw a number of "on this day" memories, including one from 11 years ago. On June 18, 2014, I highlighted the conclusion of my interim ministry role in Southwest Florida, "Final meeting with the Board of Trustees at United Church of Marco Island earlier this evening. It has been a blessing to serve as the Interim Senior Minister for the last 10 months." Now I am currently 11 days away from completing my first year as the Interim Read More …
Leading Well Starts Here (#2219)
Yesterday, I attended the 2025 Texas Health Community Hope Summit, which was held at the Hurst Conference Center. The one-day experience included a gathering session, a keynote session, and three breakout sessions along with time for networking and visiting the many relevant exhibitors. Keeping Yourself Healthy The first breakout session I attended was a panel discussion titled Keeping Yourself Healthy While Serving Others: The Emotional Toll of Ministry. Expertly facilitated by Rev. Read More …
Is Pastor the Most Fulfilling Job? (#2176)
There is more than enough bad news about clergy. ranging from stories about the stress of leading a parish through a pandemic to concerns about clergy health and wellbeing to accounts of clergy misconduct. In recent days, I've seen content on social media again and again about how many clergy are choosing to exit ministry all together. In contrast, there is good news. According to a recently published Washington Post article by Andrew Van Dam, clergy are more fulfilled in their work than Read More …