Reverend Michael A. Smith (Mike) grew up in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and attended Williams Baptist College and Ouachita Baptist University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Education in 1974. He graduated summa cum laude in May 2010 from Memphis Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree in pastoral studies. Before being appointed to Calico Rock and Spring Creek United Methodist Churches in July 2010, he served as Director of Disciple Ministries at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas from August 2007 through June 2010.
Prior to serving at St. Paul UMC, Rev. Smith was employed as Director of Financial Aid at Williams Baptist College for thirteen years and the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas (SLGFA) for seventeen years. The majority of his adult professional career was in the area of higher education administering federal student aid programs for students and their families.
Since Rev. Smith has been a church member much longer than he has been a minister, he feels this perspective gives him unique insight into the life of the church and the role of a pastor. The ministry of the church is a cooperative effort, requiring the gifts and talents of every member to fulfill the mission of the church. He does not view himself as an authority with all the theological answers, but as a fellow struggler who is constantly learning new dimensions of discipleship.
Rev. Smith is excited to join the members of Calico Rock and Spring Creek United Methodist Churches as this journey of faith is made together. His personal challenge is to continue to obey God’s call to the pastoral ministry and assist the church in addressing the issues confronting God’s children, while bringing the message of hope, joy and the love of Christ in the process.
Mike is married to Nancy Kossler Smith. They have three children; Gina Smith Easterling, who is married to Matt Easterling, lives in Pea Ridge, Arkansas; Jared Smith, who is married to Jessica Lewis Smith, lives in Conway, Arkansas; and Joseph Faucett, who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mike and Nancy have three grandchildren, Allie, Andrew, and Jude.
