Hello everyone!
If I have not had the chance to meet you all yet, my name is Matt Smith. I am the new Student Pastor here at Piedmont Church. I could not be more excited for the opportunity the Lord has provided my wife Olivia and I to come and lead these incredible students.
I know that it has been a long, long time since there has been a Piedmont Students blog post. I want you to know that the Student Ministry Staff plans on using this portion of the website much more frequently. You can expect a blog post just about every two months. Typically, it will be written by either Madelynn Phan or me. It will normally revolve around something big happening in the life of Piedmont Students. (Hint: Be on the lookout for a blog post in March that will be about Winter Retreat.)
I want to use this blog post to introduce myself, as well as share some of my interests.
I have been going to church pretty much since the day my mom and dad felt comfortable taking me out of the house. It was when I was six that I decided, on my own, to commit my life to Jesus Christ, my Lord. I was baptized just a few months later at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. I grew up at BHBC. I was a member there from the time I was in second grade, until I left to become the Student Pastor here. I grew up under the leadership of Matt Petty in Burnt Hickory’s student program. He is now the head pastor of BHBC, but he has always been my mentor. He taught me how to minister to students by hiring me as a 9th and 10th grade intern. Then, he taught me how to be a pastor by hiring me as Burnt Hickory’s part-time college pastor. So, I have been blessed to be walking in student ministry, in different capacities, over the last six years.
Interestingly enough, the college ministry that I led, was actually the college ministry where my wife, Olivia and I met when we were just students. I have been with my wife since our sophomore year in college (2014), and we have been married for almost 3 years (May 2017). She is the love of my life, and she completes me! I cannot imagine doing life without her, my best friend.
I am currently finishing up my Masters of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (online). It has been a three-year program, but I finish in the Summer. Almost there! I received a BBA in Marketing from Kennesaw State University in 2016. I plan to pursue a Doctors in Ministry, Lord willing.
One of the best ways to get to know someone is through their hobbies! I have a very interesting collection of hobbies. I live and breathe football of any nature, NFL or NCAA. Rise up! When I need something to pass the time or escape into, I will play video games. Olivia and I love to travel. We are going to Iceland this year! Working out is something I enjoy doing a couple of times a week. We are also huge Disneyworld fans. I am definitely into movies, specifically Marvel, Star Wars, and Batman.
That is who I am! I hope through this blog, you have gotten to know me just a little bit more. I look forward to leading students and having fun with them. Please e-mail me at matt.smith@piedmontchurch.tv if you have any questions for me.
Matt Smith
Student Pastor
Piedmont Church
