Pastor Danny Smith has a deep-rooted history with Big Springs, having been raised in the Avery community and brought to the church as a child by his grandparents, Albert and Nora Owens, who were faithful members. From an early age, Danny was immersed in the church, attending Sunday school throughout his childhood and teenage years. At just 12 years old, he accepted Christ as his Savior during a revival at Big Springs, and by the age of 14, he felt the undeniable call to ministry.
His journey in ministry began right at Big Springs, where he preached his first sermon. As a teenager, he was actively involved in the church’s youth fellowship, an experience he credits with building the strong Christian foundation that has guided his life. He was also part of a gospel quartet that formed within the youth group. At just 16, Danny stepped into pastoral leadership, serving as the pastor of Shiloh Methodist Church. His passion for ministry extended beyond the pulpit, as he was involved in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship and co-founded the first Christian Students Club at his high school.
After high school, Danny pursued his education at Reinhardt Junior College before continuing his theological studies at World Harvest Bible College in South Bend, Indiana, where he graduated. It was there that he met his wife, Deb, and the two were married in 1977. They remained in South Bend for eight years, during which Danny served at Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association, overseeing the church’s sound ministry and managing the book and tape ministry warehouse.
In 1985, Danny and Deb returned to Georgia, where he served as an associate pastor under two different pastors until 2006. That year, he stepped into the role of senior pastor at Word of Life Family Church, a position he faithfully held until 2013. In 2014, Danny and Deb returned to Big Springs, where he became involved in the music ministry at the request of his longtime friend Verlyn Reece. Though he occasionally filled in for the pastor, he had no plans to take on a pastoral role again.
However, in late 2023, as Big Springs underwent its disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church, Danny felt God calling him to step up and ensure the church was not left without a shepherd during this transition. Obedient to God’s leading, he embraced the role, and he continues to be excited about the future of Big Springs and the work God is doing in the church.
Danny is passionate about teaching the Word of God, believing that Christians should be thoroughly equipped to live out their faith. His mission is to bring the restoring, recovering, and transforming power of God to this generation.
Danny and Deb have been married for 47 years and are blessed with two children and five grandchildren. They warmly invite you to become part of the Big Springs family and join them in growing together in faith.