Rev. Andrew Whitaker Smith

 

Andy grew up in Great Bend, Ks where a number of his family still resides. Andy graduated from the University of Kansas in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Studies. It was during this time that Andy became increasingly involved at FUMC in Lawrence, attending multiple bible studies, participating in mission projects and interacting with the congregation and clergy. The strong support of his pastor and congregation soon led Andy to discern a call into the professional ministry.

 

Andy enrolled at Saint Paul School of Theology in the fall of 2007 and graduated this year on May 14^th. At the June session of the Kansas East Annual Conference he was commissioned a provisional elder in The United Methodist Church.

At Saint Paul’s Andy married the girl of his dreams, Morgan Whitaker, at the school’s chapel. Morgan is currently serving as Pastor at McLouth UMC. She has served in that appointment for 2 years.

 

Pastor Andy has served two churches during the last 3 years of his seminary. He has served part time at Winchester, KS for the last two years and prior to that he served at Hiattville, KS.

 

In his closing remarks Andy shared this observation that he has made: “I have found that if we simply share the story of Christ in a way that we have experienced Christ, that our own story can be one of the most powerful ways to reach others. Our stories can reinforce to the entire world the love of Christ and all the opportunities that await all God’s people.”

In his spare time, which has been minimal, Andy enjoys going to the movies, swimming and boxing.