Service to others is a substantial part of what it means to be a Christian. The Bible says God gives gifts to church members to build up the church. Some verses give the impression that this only applies to men in leadership positions in the church. But in I Cor. 14:1 Pauls speaks of desiring that we ALL could "prophesy." But we limit the meaning of this word to teaching about Bible prophecy. But it means far more than that. Some translations refer to it as having the gift to teach God's truth. This includes areas such as: knowledge, encouragement and comfort, all based on God's word. This is clearly not limited to the ministers or even to men. Another purpose for God giving gifts is seen in Matthew 25 where Jesus speaks of those DOING things to help each other in times of need that please God. There he says "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me."

Gary Smith

United Church of God Pastor

Gary Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent most of his youth in the Pasadena, California area. He graduated from Ambassador College in 1976 and he and his wife, Liz, moved to Peoria, Illinois. For the next six years he worked as a nursing home administrator in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.
In 1982, he and Liz began to serve in the full-time ministry. Since that time, they have served in a number of congregations in the Midwest.
Gary and Liz now pastor in Houston, Texas near their two children and grandson.