Pastoral staff
Pastor
Drew Gardner
Drew is the pastor of Smithville Baptist Church. He grew up in Smithville and has a passion to see the kingdom of Christ grow in this place that he loves! He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2010 and taught 8th grade math for three years before moving to New Orleans to study at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Before returning to Smithville in 2021, he pastored in central Louisiana for five years. Drew and his wife, Kelly, have 5 children: Virginia, Dillard, Hannah, David, & Laura.
Student Minister
John Blount
John is the student minister of Smithville Baptist Church. He grew up in Philadelphia, MS. He and his wife, Anna, have two children: John Travis and Silas. Since highschool John has been drawn to ministry. He has 10 years experience as a student minister. John earned a Masters degree in theological studies through Liberty University.
Worship Leader
Ronnie Summerford
Ronnie is the worship leader of Smithville Baptist Church. He has been serving as worship leader for Smithville Baptist Church since 1983. He was a member of the Messenger Quartet for over 20 years. He retired from True Temper after 40 years of work. He is married to Ladonna Summerford. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
Church Secretary
Amanda Bowen
Amanda is the secretary of Smithville Baptist Church. She began this role in February of 2020. She is a apprentice facilitator in Trauma Healing and teaches at the Friend of God Recovery Center. She is married to Gordon Bowen.
deacons
Luke Harris
Luke has been a SBC member since 1980. He attends with his wife Kathy.
He and Kathy serve as the College & Career Sunday School Teachers.
He enjoys spending time with his grandkids.
Rollin Turnage
Rollin has been a SBC member since 2010. He attends church with his wife, Betty.
Rollin serves as Adult V Sunday School Teacher. He has been retired from Wood Products since 2010. He is a Vietnam Veteran.
Rollin enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, & spending time with all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Wade Murray
Wade has been a SBC member since 1987. He attends with his wife Diane. They have two children, Amanda & Chris. Amanda & family attend SBC. Chris & his family live in Oklahoma.
Wade and Diane have 5 grandchildren: Lauren, Turner, Claire, Jenna Kate, and Jillian.
Wade is retired from NMHG after 43 years of service. He enjoys studying & teaching God's Word, listen & singing gospel music, and working in the wood shop & garden.
Phil Prewitt
Phil has been a member of SBC since 2010. He attends with his wife, Shannon, and his two sons, Brady and Andrew.
He works as a cattle farmer and business owner and enjoys spending time hunting, hiking, travelling, foreign and domestic missions, MSU sports, and anything that includes family time!
Teddy Faulkner
Teddy has been a member of SBC since 1999. He attends with his wife, Judy. As well as their daughter, April, and her family.
Teddy is over the Safety and Security at SBC and serves in many other department.
He enjoys spending time with his family and helping others.
Mark Whitehead
Mark has been a SBC member since 1970. He is thankful for the blessing this church has been to him and his family. Mark worships here with his wife, Kim. They teach the 5th & 6th grade Sunday school class. They have two sons, Weston & Caleb, who also worship here.
Mark enjoys working and trying to complete projects around the house.
Barry Williams
Barry has been a member of SBC since 1975. He attends church with his wife, Christy, his son, Layne, and his daughter, Katie Beth.
He works at Tronox Chemical since 1996. His hobbies are spending time outdoors and with family & friends.
Church Staff
Church Custodian
Carol Harper
Church Pianist
Lisa McNeese
Church Organist
Ladonna Summerford
Church Grounds/Maintenance
Gilbert Whitehead