About Dr. Smiley

Jan. 9, 1958  Atlanta, Georgia 

God has blessed him with a supportive Christian wife, Terri, his childhood sweetheart, who he married in 1978. They are the parents of four adult children -- sons, Brandon and Tyler, Tyler's wife, Catie, and Brandon's wife, Lauren. Dr. Smiley's family is very important to him and under God they are his number one priority. As a result of having a strong family commitment, he believes God has enabled him to be a more effective minister.

Dr. Smiley and Terri are passionate about local church ministry. Terri is currently serving at Lakewood as the Children's Ministry Program Assistant.

Brewton-Parker Junior College, Mt Vernon, GA,
Associates in Arts Degree in biblical studies  

Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Studies in recreation

Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, MS
Bachelor of Arts Degree in biblical studies with minor in social science

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC,
Master of Divinity Degree with Religious Education

Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA
Doctor of Ministry with emphasis in marriage and family ministry

Licensed, April 1977, Ordained October, 1979

Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church of Gum Branch, Hinesville, GA, 1977-1979.

Pastor, Walnut Baptist Church, Walnut, MS, 1979-1981

Pastor, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Nashville, NC, 1982-1985

Pastor, Cool Springs Baptist Church, Tate, GA, 1985-1990

Senior Pastor, Lakewood Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA, 1990-present