By Rachel Crenshaw, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Rev. Matthew E. Smyzer Jr., executive director of Baptist Fellowship Center and pastor of Beargrass Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., will be the speaker at Campbellsville University’s chapel series Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Ransdell Chapel at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
The Baptist Fellowship Center is a missions center that is noted as a national model for cooperative ministries between all races of people, with a major focus on Angelo and African-American relationships.
Smyzer is also the superintendent of missions for the Central District Baptist Association. The association is made up of 150 churches in the Louisville and Jefferson County area. The superintendent’s main objectives are to offer training in missions and to assist the church in growing stronger in all areas needed.
In addition, Smyzer is the vice chairman for the State Mission Board of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky. The General Association consists of 546 churches throughout the state.
Smyzer also serves as chairman for the Church Relations Council of Campbellsville University.
Smyzer received an associate degree in physician assistant from Brook Army Educational Center at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. He also received an associate degree in medical laboratory technology from Louisville College, in Louisville, Ky. In addition, he received a bachelor of arts in Biblical literature from Simmons Bible College in Louisville.
Smyzer is seeking his master’s of theology degree at Campbellsville University’s Louisville Campus.
In November 2004, Smyzer was called to serve as senior pastor at the Beargrass Missionary Baptist Church. Since then the church has seen a substantial amount of growth.
Under his leadership, a record number of people have joined the church with 33 percent of that number joining by baptism.
In addition, new ministries have been added, the church has purchased five acres of land in order to build a new worship center, and it has also purchased a new church van. Smyzer’s motto to the church is “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
Smyzer served as pastor of the Zion Hill Baptist Church of Park City, Ky., for 12 years, from 1992 to 2004. Under his leadership, a $600,000 Community Housing Project was undertaken which constructed nine new homes. The church also had a complete renovation of its facility and grounds, in addition to the purchase of a new van. Smyzer also instituted several educational classes and conducted a yearly job fair.
Smyzer has received several awards including: “Who’s Who World of Global Business Leaders,” Honorable Kentucky Colonel, National Certification of Special Olympic Sports, Kentuckiana Manger of the Year and Kentucky Baptist Pastor of Distinction.
His community stewardship has consisted of serving as president of the student body at Simmons Bible College, president of Student Government at Louisville College, chairman of publishing board, American Baptist newspaper, and objective of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky and state and local government faith based community director.
Smyzer is married to Joann E. Carter, and together they have two children, Felicia and Machika.
Chapel is designed to provide opportunities for corporate worship and exposure through of a variety of informative speakers and presentations.
All chapels are open to the public free of charge.
For information, call the Office of Campus Ministries at (270) 789-5227.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2009 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.