David Smith

First Baptist Church Grayville, Illinois
Disaster Relief Chaplaincy
Grayville Illinois
First Baptist Church Grayville
December 28
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About My Family

I am married to Stevi Smith. We have known each other since elementary school and began dating while working toward our undergraduate degrees. We were married shortly after graduating with our bachelor degrees. Together we have three children—two girls and one boy.

God called me to ministry while a junior in high school. I ran from this calling until 2005 and have served churches across Southern Illinois since. My hobbies include coffee (roasting, brewing and consuming), furniture making and all things Milwaukee tool.

About My Ministry

I’m an SBC-endorsed disaster relief chaplain, serving with the Illinois Baptist State Association since 2023. I am the lead pastor at First Baptist Church of Grayville, Ill. I also lead a ministry called Celebrate Recovery at the church on Wednesday evenings and get to see lives changed for the glory of God.

SBC Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is a vital frontline ministry and extension of the local church. Chaplains reach the lost among the thousands of men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, correctional facilities, healthcare settings, public safety, disaster relief sites, and corporate environments. SBC Chaplains care for the broken, offer hope to the hopeless, and advance the gospel of Jesus Christ in hard-to-reach places.
The qualifications expected of a Southern Baptist applying for endorsement as a chaplain or counselor are established by their institution and the Chaplains Commission, SBC. These qualification requirements vary according to the type of chaplaincy or counseling ministry involved but all are expected to meet a high level of ministerial competence.

Pray

Pray I would be boldness to share the gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit would soften hearts, open eyes of sinfulness, unplug ears and loosen tongues for a response. Pray that through my ministry, more people would come to faith in Christ. Pray I would have stamina and longevity for ministry amidst the attacks of the enemy.

Participate

Commit to long-term prayer support. Explore the opportunities to extend the reach of your church by becoming a chaplain. Be involved in supporting chaplains and their families. Send notes of encouragement. Talk with a chaplain about his or her ministry context. Send resources that support a chaplain’s ministry context. Pray for chaplains and their families.
Learn the ministry strategy and context, so you can provide relevant resources. Support a missionary financially.
EMPTY POSITION