Click to Login or Sign Up

Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

On vacation (Cartoon: Fletch) Dad’s cooking (Cartoon: Preacher’s Kids) Trained by God (Cartoon: Joe McKeever)
  • About
  • Archive
  • Contact
  • John 3:16
  • Louisiana
  • U.S. & Intl
  • Facts & Finds
  • Culture & Society
  • Editorial
  • Cartoons
    • Joe McKeever
    • Beyond the Ark
    • Church of the Covered Dish
    • Fletch
    • Preacher’s Kids

Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe, honored William Smith for 45 years of service as pastor. Smith and his wife, Luna, were recognized by Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn (right) for Smith’s faithful service at a July 10 service. Submitted photo

Smith honored for 45 years as Lakeshore Baptist pastor

July 26, 2022

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer

MONROE, La. (LBM) – William Smith has led Lakeshore Baptist Church as pastor for nearly half a century.

For his 45 years of service to the Monroe congregation and community, Smith was honored during a service July 10 that included two baptisms, memories shared by friends and family, a song composed in his honor, a monetary gift from the congregation and a word of appreciation from Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn.

“It is a calling,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “When you know God has called you, it is who you are. We have had opportunities to go other places, but I have known this is where God wants me.”

Raised in Crowville, Smith surrendered his heart and life to Christ, at age 10, while attending First Baptist Church, Crowville, and responded to the call to ministry while attending a missions emphasis week at the former Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center, Black Mountain, N.C., when he was 18 years old.

“I spent a lot of time in the prayer garden and asked God what was I supposed to do,” Smith said. “During one of the services at camp, the song ‘I Surrender All’ was played and it was then that I told God I was surrendering my future plans to him.”

The Lord reaffirmed his call to ministry during his freshman year at Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University). Since that time, he has served as music minister, Lee Heights Baptist Church, Tioga; music and youth director, First Baptist Church, Georgetown; pastor, Zion Baptist Church, Georgetown; and finally, as pastor, Lakeshore Baptist.

Smith also has served Louisiana Baptists as a member/trustee with the: LBC Executive Board (1977, 1989-95 and 2019-present); Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries (2010-2016); Louisiana Christian University (1982-88 and 1999-2005); and Northeast Louisiana Baptist Association. He also is a board member for Family Promise of Ouachita, a non-profit organization that helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

Smith and his wife, Luna, have been married 55 years. They have two grown children and three grandsons, all who are a part of their church family at Lakeshore Baptist.

Looking to the future, Smith said he is excited about what God has in store for the congregation.

“God has given me good health and I am energetic,” Smith said. “I have given my life to minister and preach His Word and I am thankful God has not let the fire leave my bones. I am excited for what lies ahead for me at Lakeshore.”

Comments

Search

  • Trending
  • Recent
  • Must Read

Trending

  • Letlow encourages women to choose hope By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – U.S. Cong...
  • Archer tapped to head up South Carolina WMU By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDR...
  • Beth Moore charges SBC conservatives with ‘sin’, recants 2009 statement on ‘homosexual sin’ By Will Hall, Executive Editor HOUSTON (LBM) -- LifeWay’s...
  • Louisiana Baptists challenged to ReGroup discipleship efforts By Baptist Message staff LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) - Pastor Jo...

Recent

Grocery prices in July had largest price increase since 1979

Planned Parenthood spends ‘unprecedented’ amount of money on lobbying post-Roe

Cubs co-owner launches search engine to bolster free speech

Must Read

Sen. Kennedy offers encouragement, insights to Louisiana Baptists

Bahamian church re-dedication July 24

Horn ‘gives thanks’ for Supreme Court decision, still more work to do

Editorial

AFR feature: Rhonda Kelley shares her dad’s story of redemption

… Read More

Copyright © 2022 by The Baptist Message · Built by Megaphone Designs