Munfordville—Lynn Association has called John Smith as its new director of missions. He assumed the role Jan. 1.

Previously, Smith served as the pastor of Munfordville Baptist Church in Lynn Association for more than eight years.

Smith served as pastor of Upton Baptist Church, also in the Lynn Association, for 13 years. Before this, he was youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Paris.

A 1985 graduate of Campbellsville College, Smith is in his 30th year of ministry.

“I just see the position as the ‘encourager, equipper and engager,'” Smith said of his new role.

“The role of the director of missions is to be the ‘Chief Encouragement Officer,’ to stand alongside the churches and encourage the churches and pastors,” he added. “It’s to be an equipper to provide training and materials when necessary and to engage our churches to be involved actively in missions.”

He and his wife Becky have two sons, one a student at Western Kentucky University and the youngest at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. (WR)