Joel Smith, Pastor of Children and Family Ministries

“It is my vision to have each child graduate from Lake Bible Church’s fifth grade with a desire to know and love God.”

In Deuteronomy 6:5-7, we are told to love God with all of our heart, soul and strength. We are to impress God’s commandments upon our children and to talk about them when we sit at home. This continues to guide him as it was through the blessing of godly parents and a CEF five-day club that he placed his faith in Jesus Christ. These verses express his and the staff’s desire in the Children’s Education department as they recruit, encourage and train teachers. Along with planning programs for Sunday classes and special events, these verses uphold AWANA, Mom’s Morning Out and the Nursery.

Joel was born in Maryland, but as a child of a military officer lived in six different states. He considers, since his last home was in Oklahoma, that he is an “Okie”.

Since 1993, Joel has served full time in children’s ministry which has ranged from youth-at-risk in Indianapolis to teaching and missionary service in Russia. His travels continued throughout North America with the Children’s Institute as a team leader and logistics coordinator. He has also written curriculum designed to teach character in elementary schools.

Joel married our former Children’s Ministry Director, Melinda Reid. They have combined each of their heart’s desire for children’s ministry into one and now have 5.9 children of their own to minister to: Joel (“JD”), Milee-Kate, Avi, Tucker, Corban and Zane. If you would like to know more about our Children’s Ministry, please contact Joel at 503.699.9840 or joels@lakebiblechurch.com