Name: John B. Smith

Position you hold at the church and for how long: Pastor of Rosemark Church of God in Christ, 8815 Millington Arlington Road in Millington, for three years

Family: Wife, Carol; daughter Lauren, 4; son, John II, age 7 months.

What did you do before you were a pastor? Before I became senior pastor, I was minister of music and administrative assistant

Why did you become a pastor? I became a pastor because of the spiritual calling on my life to lead God's people. This spiritual calling was acknowledged and seen by my father, pastor emeritus Readus C. Smith, who was the pastor at that time. I embraced the calling to lead God's people into a deeper relationship with God and continue the Godly morals and values of family, faith, and community.

What do you like to read? I like to read spiritual development literature such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Charles Stanley, Bishop I.V. Hilliard, Bishop Charles E. Blake, pastor Jackie McCullough and many others. During my leisure, I like to read business journals and golf magazines; I'm always trying to get better at hitting with my irons.

What is the best advice you have ever received? My father taught me how to be a provider and a protector of my family. My wife and kids are very important to me. Now, I understand the sacrifices that my father made and how he kept things together without us knowing how bills got paid, the lights staying on, food on the table, and our personal needs met.

What inspires you? What inspires me is to see the people of God blessed by the Word of God. It keeps me going to see individuals participate in worship and then take the Word and live by it. That's how people are empowered; not just having a form of power but developing a relationship with God that will bring personal growth and empowerment. That's what ministry is all about ... seeing people reach their spiritual and natural goals in life. Most of all, possess the discipline needed to maintain their growth and help others.

What are you excited about at your church? I'm excited about the fact that nothing stays the same. I'm always looking for new ideas and how we can be better. I'm excited about looking for the next opportunity in meeting the needs of God's people. Every Sunday and Wednesday night, God ministers to us in an awesome way.

Fill in the blank: People may be surprised to know that ... I always wanted to be an FBI agent. When I was in college, the FBI came and recruited. I signed up and they sent me a packet; well, I reviewed the packet and saw what was expected at the FBI Academy and I decided to stick with playing the organ. Even now, I always study the FBI agents on television as they protect and serve. I guess God had another calling on my life and I'm glad He did.