Acts20.com

One of the greatest pastors of my lifetime, Carroll Smith is retiring in June after 31 years at one church. He took Lakeside Church of God in Fort Worth in 1986 when it was struggling and stayed through thick and thin to help it become one of the most successful churches in the movement. I remember after his 20th anniversary there (11 years ago now), I told him thank you for staying with us, it has made all the difference. He was so rooted in that community that he was often asked to serve as deputy mayor, on the city council and is one of the most respected citizens there. Its easy to jump to the big church, its hard to stay in one place with no promise of it ever getting there, but the stability that he brought by standing firm changed the course of that church's history and there are many hundreds of us who are better people because of it.

Pastor Smith gave me my start in the ministry. It was 1983, he was the state youth director of Texas. He came and spoke at my home church. I sang a song that night and he went back to the state office and enrolled me in Teen Talent. He saw something in me and several other young men.

Great post my friend. I do not know Brother Smith, but I certainly appreciate you bringing up his name and placing 'roses' where they are deserved. Too many times the good guys are not recognized.This is a great post and tribute, THANKS. What a pleasure to read. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I too do not know Bishop Smith but when I hear accolades like these for a man of such awesome leadership & vision it helps me to understand that his wisdom would be very helpful in selecting his replacement.Too many times we see a highly gifted & respected pastor leave a thriving church only to be replaced by someone who knows nothing about the vision of the church, the community or the leadership of the body & failure ensues.God bless you Bishop Smith as you prepare for retirement & may God lead you & guide you in the process of finding a qualified replacement Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!