PASTOR

Terry Smith has been the pastor at Free Spring since August of 1995, along with Wanda his actively supporting wife. He has served the Juniata County School District as a teacher or assistant principal for the last 31 years. He received his undergraduate and Master of Educational Administration degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and his Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana (May 2002).

Pastor Terry and his wife Wanda reside in Bunkertown where they have lived for almost thirty years and where he was licensed into the ministry of the Church of the Brethren. They have three adult children, Jeremy, Amy, and Randy, who are Penn State Nittany Lions, also.

Terry regards the opportunity to minister as both teacher and pastor a real blessing and responsibility. While his schedule is demanding, it does offer a wealth of experiences that help him to relate to people of all ages on a personal basis. Meeting and greeting people before Sunday School or church services are more than mere routine for him. Wanda is involved with children ministries such as Sunday School, Junior Church, and Vacation Bible School.

He emphasizes, "I am really interested in what is happening in people's lives and look forward to talking with them. It amazes me how much people grow over the years as you minister with them on Sundays, at the hospital, in their homes, or during special service projects. When you know how much trust they place in your leadership, it is a humbling feeling. There have been so many formative events, baptisms, child dedications, weddings, funerals, and communions, which have drawn us closer together as a faith family."

Pastor Terry is a firm believer that ministry is something that is done with you and not to you. The number of people involved in the planning and directing of activities at Free Spring is evidence of that belief. It is also apparent that the welcoming nature of the congregation has offered a home to people from several denominational backgrounds. Free Spring may just be the church home you have been looking for.

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2023