Meet the Smiths

Candidate for Associate Pastor

Brent, Jessica, Weston, Roxie, Kailynn, and Harlie

“I am God’s servant, a husband, and a father. I am the repairer of broken toys and broken people that God has given me. I enjoy exploring God’s creation through hiking and when I am tired, sit me down in front of almost any Marvel movie.”

Hobbies: I am a DIY guy, and I love working on home projects. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, being outdoors, and dominating hide & seek with my kids. I will rarely turn down an opportunity to play some board games.

Favorite Food: Jalapeño Poppers

Favorite Movie: Why pick one... The entire Marvel Cinematic Universe

Favorite Verse: Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!"

Favorite Quote: "Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need like my need to be praised." - Michael Scott (The Office)
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Passion: I am passionate to see lives dedicated to serving the Lord and using their spiritual gifts for the building of Christ’s Kingdom.

My testimony and call to ministry

God blessed me to grow up in a Christian home, and I never knew anything   different than being heavily involved in serving in the church. I gave my life to the Lord when I was a child. Although outwardly I had little to no change, God       radically changed my heart and claimed my soul.  I am forever His child, and He is forever my Lord and Savior.

When I was young, my parents were called to the be missionaries in Australia and we spent several years there. While in High School, God changed the direction of my family and brought us to (the middle of nowhere) Lake County. My dad is still the Senior Pastor of Clear Lake Baptist Church in Lakeport.

For a short time, I lived in Lake County and graduated from Upper Lake High School. I vowed to “never come back to Lake County.” While I was attending The Master’s College, I recommitted my life to God and dedicated that I would follow Him wherever He led. He did not call me into full time ministry right away.       Instead, my faith and understanding of my Lord began to grow. God blessed my life.  He gave me a beautiful wife, wonderful children, a loving church, and steady job pursuing the finance industry to support my family.

During prayer one day, the Holy Spirit began pulling my heart. At first, I tried to ignore it. I felt the Lord tugging at me to step out in faith, prepare for His work, and serve Him in His ministry to build His kingdom. Although I resisted at first, the Lord miraculously through others reminded me of the dedication I had made. It was now time, and He was calling me into ministry.

After I let go of the earthly things I was holding onto, like job security, God did amazing things to direct my path. I prayed for clear opportunity and direction. God then burdened my heart and my wife's heart for this county and softened me to the spiritual needs here. God has given me a desire to show light and hope to the people of Lake County, and I am thankful God brought me back.
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I am a work in progress and God is molding me into the image of Christ. He has given me gifts that I need to share with the Body. God is clear what He expects from His servants. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 provide the standards of a spiritual leader or pastor. Although I do not always meet God’s perfect standards, I strive to be the leader God expects and I desire to be His servant with my life.

​To Him be the praise and glory forever!

Questions

What brought you to Grace Church? God has clearly directed my family to Grace. God burdened our hearts for Lake County and moved us here in 2018. I was  simply obeying God’s leading. During this time, I was able to connect with Paul Mollett. Both of us shared a passion for our churches and a desire to see God change lives in this community. We began meeting and praying over this county and our churches. In 2020 God prompted me to begin transitioning away from Clear Lake Baptist Church. At first this was confusing. We did not want to go, and we saw so much more work to do. One night my wife and I prayed and requested that we could stay in Lake County and committed that even if God directed us away, we would not hesitate to follow.  The next morning, I typed up a transition plan to present to the church but still had no direction in the next step. As I sat praying for direction, low and behold, there was a knock on my office door. I was surprised to see Paul Mollett standing there. He had come specifically to ask me about our future. God is utterly amazing, and He answered our prayer to stay in Lake County. We are so thankful to be a part of this community doing His work. 

Are you planning to be at Grace Church for the long term? I have learned that as a servant of God, He dictates my steps. I may make plans for my future, but     ultimately God is in control, and I will submit to His call. My prayer, my desire, and my hope are that my family would be established here for the long term. I have a desire to see my children raised up in the Church and trained as servants.

Are you planning to be a Senior Pastor one day? I do not see the Associate     Pastor role as a steppingstone to Senior Pastor. I am open to God’s leading and direction in where He needs me. He has called me here and has provided me the gifts to complete the task He has set before me.

How do you see yourself working with Paul Mollett as Senior Pastor? I am blessed to be able to work with Paul. I have willingly submitted myself to his  leadership and am excited to share the pastoral duties with him. I believe God has chosen him and is raising him up to lead this flock.

What do you see as your main purpose within the church? We are the church. Beautifully unified together for the purpose of glorifying God and encouraging each other to love and good works. As a shepherd my job is to preach the gospel, baptize, and disciple believers and train them to serve Christ.