Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Our Next Senior Minister

by Layne Smith on January 18, 2026

On Sunday, January 11 at the close of morning worship service, you commissioned your Senior Minister Search Committee (SMSC). What a great group! I encourage you to pray for them, encourage them, and be patient with them. Most of their work will have to be done in complete confidentiality. Give them the time and space to do their work. As I mentioned when I came here, you can find a Senior Minister in thirty days or less. HOWEVER, if you want a Senior Minister who is a good fit to lead you into the future that God has in store for you, that takes time.

Here’s what is going on right now:

  • Work is being done by several members to update the church profile. The profile will provide potential Senior Minister candidates with important information about MPBC and the community.
  • Another group is constructing a Senior Minister profile survey that will be shared with you ASAP.  Your response will provide critical input to the SMSC to guide them in finding the next Senior Minister for this great church. When the Senior Minister profile is created from your responses, both the church and Senior Minister profiles will be placed on the church website with information about how candidates can apply for the position. Additional information will go to various groups that might have access to the names of candidates seeking recommendations. You also will be invited to offer names for consideration.
  • After worship on Sunday, February 12, the SMSC will meet for a retreat to get organized for the search.

These are exciting times at Myers Park Baptist. I’m thankful to be a part of this portion of your journey. 

Layne

Tags: senior minister search

About the Author

Layne Smith

Rev. Dr. Layne Smith has dedicated his career to serving congregations in transition, providing pastoral leadership and guidance to churches across North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Before stepping into intentional interim ministry in 2009, he was a Senior Pastor for 26 years in Arkansas and North Carolina. He holds a B.A. from Oklahoma Baptist University, did graduate work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Baylor University, and earned his M.Div. and D.Min. at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Layne and his wife, Dianne, have been married for over 50 years. They met while students in seminary and have two daughters and four grandchildren. Their family enjoys traveling and exploring international destinations together, and Layne also enjoys playing golf. 

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