Senior Pastor

Kelly E. Smith

"We live in a hectic culture. There are many differing pressures and stressors affecting us. How to raise a family? How to navigate emotional challenges? How to face depression and anxiety? As a pastor my calling is to proclaim a Word from God’s Word that can help, empower, and guide us through these challenges. Here at Providence we study the Bible one verse, one chapter, one book at a time to better equip our hearts for the journey. Please join us."

About Our Pastor

Pastor Kelly was born in Ogalalla, Nebraska and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1990. He has been the Pastor of Providence for 32 years. He is married to his wife, Gayle, who serves with him at Providence. Pastor Kelly has a B.A. from West Texas A & M and a Master's Degree in Theology from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his family also served in Russia, for one year in 1995, training new pastors as church planters. In addition to preaching the Word in love and truth, Kelly continues to have a strong passion for mentoring and discipling men, especially men called to the ministry.

Pastor Kelly will be retiring from PBC at the end of August 2022. He has worked tirelessly and selflessly for 3 decades—pastoring, shepherding, working, caring, visiting, raising a family, marrying and burying. He has walked people through countless tragedies, while, at times, he was walking through his own. He has faithfully preached the gospel even when what he is saying is not popular. His phone never stops ringing and he answers. We have watched him pour his life out in his ministry for the sake of the gospel and as an offering to the Lord. A few words can’t seem to do justice for half a lifetime of sacrifice and love. The church will be holding a special retirement celebration for him on the afternoon of Saturday, August 27,2022 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.