Interview with Rev. Dr. Clayton L. Smith: 
Clayton, you have been in ministry most of your adult life. How did your journey of faith begin?
My faith journey began at the early age of seven or eight while singing in a children’s choir. I will never forget that feeling of goose bumps going up and down my body as I sang a solo in church. I sensed something of God’s love and joy that still is difficult to articulate. It was life changing. From that time to now, I love to worship God. While attending a youth camp on a college campus, I went forward to dedicate my life to Christian Ministry at age 15. I felt God was calling me to be a pastor, even though I had no idea what that meant or what would be required of me. My pastor helped me understand that I would need four years of college and three years of seminary to be qualified to serve the United Methodist Church. My pastor and my church encouraged me in so many ways that I will forever be grateful. Even today, after serving as an ordained pastor since 1971, my call is clear: I love Christ and the Church and the best way I can love the Lord is by serving others. I really love serving others, even more than telling jokes. And I do really enjoy telling jokes!
Reflecting on your life spent in ministry, what would you say has been the highlight?
All of my ministry opportunities have blessed me. I served four small country churches in college. I have served as an associate and youth pastor, a college chaplain, and was the senior pastor for three large churches for 25 years. The first church I served won our denomination’s top award for church growth in 1990. Church of the Resurrection won that same award in 2000. I could say that was the highest highlight or award. I have been on many mission trips to Central America which were most challenging and deeply rewarding. I have so many memories of bringing people of all ages to Christ and the Church. I completed my Doctor of Ministry degree after three years of study in the area of financial stewardship ministry. I have never worked harder or learned more in my life. I love learning. I served as a Protestant Chaplain on a Caribbean Cruise last Christmas. Now that was heaven on earth! I have been twice blessed in marriage as my first wife died. Lori married me in spite of my being a pastor with two small children. We have four loving and faithful children. Now we have two amazing grandchildren. My family brings me the most joy in life. But I would have to say that the greatest highlight in my ministry has been my calling. God’s call brings purpose and eternal meaning to all of my life and ministry!
I understand you are not slowing down any time soon! What new ministry are you launching now?
Yes, I have never been one to slow down in my ministry. For the last ten years it has been my greatest privilege to serve at Church of the Resurrection. While I serve as an Executive Pastor of Generosity, I direct our Foundation’s legacy program and our church’s stewardship ministries. I now also have the opportunity to give leadership to a new and very exciting ministry. My interest in this ministry need started 20 years ago. In 1995, I studied a book calledHalf Time—Moving from Success to Significance with a men’s group in my church. Since that time I have observed the need to help men and women make a meaningful and faithful transition into the second half of life. I have seen so many who find great joy and too many that don’t.
I am so blessed to now have the opportunity to help launch Crossroads! Our gifted staff and a new Crossroads Advisory team are off to a great start as we are planning our next first three years. There are over 5,000 members who are 50+ at our church. This fall we offered our third annual Pre-Retirement Seminar. Over four hundred have now attended and have been blessed! We just started a new Crossroads Sunday morning class. There are four new classes to be offered this month. Many other programs and ministries are now being designed and developed for our members who have so much talent and time to offer as we reach out to our un-churched community. Thanks for asking these key questions!
And thank you, Lord, for the joy of serving with your wonderful people at Resurrection!
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment