Welcome Pastor Wes!
28 May 2025
Dear Faith Friends,
One of the reasons we rejoice this spring is the opportunity to welcome a new faith and life partner in our midst, Pastor Wes Smith, our new Associate Pastor at COS.
As part of the “get to know you” process, let me use this WFW to ask Pastor Wes some possible FAQs. Here we go:
“Welcome Pastor Wes! We are so thankful that the Holy Spirit has led you to Christ Our Shepherd. We look forward to enjoying life with you and your family, and connecting to Jesus‘ pathway together. Many of us got to meet you a bit at the Meet & Greets that were part of your call process earlier in the year. But let’s keep getting to know you with a few more questions.
First tell us about your spouse, Jess.
PWS: Well, first off, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Word from Wiese! This is a great chance for people to get to know me and my family a little better so thank you for the opportunity. Some of you have met Jess, but for those who have not, she is my beautiful wife going on 10 years and she has been my partner in crime through it all. She is an LCSW and currently works for Anthem as a behavioral health case manager, and moonlights as a therapist.
Wonderful. Now, how about your two cute little children, Evelyn and Nolan? What are they like and how are you finding being a parent of young children?
PWS: As you might imagine things have been quite chaotic with packing and unloading. Simply put they’ve had quite a lot of change in a span of time that would give a grown adult anxiety. Evelyn is four years old going on 14. She is a wonderfully imaginative and kind girl who is currently obsessed with 101 Dalmatians and anything and everything Disney. Nolan is our 19-month-old, and while he enjoys Disney it is fairly evident that Elmo holds sway over his heart. Being a parent is both a joy and challenge. It is so much fun to watch them grow up and to see their budding personalities. Every day brings something fresh, and there’s generally a new lesson to be learned along the way.
What are your first impressions of Christ Our Shepherd?
PWS: It’s funny you ask that, simply because I mentioned a little bit of this in my sermon last Sunday. The folks at Christ Our Shepherd have been nothing but welcoming, kind, and Christlike toward me and my family. It’s very cliché, but I have come to really appreciate the adage, “it takes a village.” COS is a village and you have welcomed us with open arms and for that I am very, very grateful.
Can our small group or ministry team invite you to join us for a session so we can get to know you better?
PWS: Absolutely, let’s get it on the calendar!
We hear that in addition to being a central part of the worship and preaching team, of course, that key ministry areas for you include oversight of the youth and children program and staff, pastoral care initiatives, and some outreach to younger adults and families. Any first thoughts about your hopes for those ministries?
PWS: Yes, I’m genuinely excited about those key ministry areas. For youth and children’s ministry, my hope is to cultivate a space where kids feel seen, safe, and spiritually formed. When it comes to pastoral care, I look forward to empowering lay leaders to walk alongside the pastoral staff in caring for God’s people, both in crisis, celebration, and everything in between. In regard to outreach to younger adults and families, authenticity and connection are key. My hope is to help foster a church culture where families of all shapes and sizes feel supported in their faith journey, and where all people, but especially younger adults, see the church as a vital, relevant part of their lives. Of course, this is just a general overview, but those are my initial thoughts.
How can we support you and your family?
PWS: For as corny and “pastory” as it sounds, prayer. God has provided so much for my family and I firmly believe that God shows up in many and various ways. As I mentioned before folks have been very proactive and asking about the needs of my family and I am so thankful for all the support that we’ve received. All I will ask for in the beginning is patience, and if anyone knows a place where Phillies games are broadcast, I am all ears!
Is there anything you want us to know in terms of how you like to communicate with folks?
PWS: That’s a pretty deep question, or, at least it is to me. I prefer folks to be as direct with me as possible. I don’t like to beat around the bush, I like to call things out as I see them and I think it is most important that people know that everything I say, I say in love. If you have an issue with me, I would prefer that you simply speak to me. At times I can have (oh boy, what should I call this…) “Resting Pastor Face”, ha. Don’t be afraid to call me out on that. But, having said that I will do my absolute best to greet everyone with a smile and the welcome spirit that has been so wonderfully embodied at COS.
What are some fun things you enjoy doing when you have some free time?
PWS: Free time is generally at a premium right now, but when I have some I very much enjoy running. I would love to get back into half or full marathon shape. I’ve been known to enjoy a good book, and if there’s baseball on, you probably know where to find me!
Anything else you want us to know about you as you begin your run here at COS?
PWS: Well, I can’t give you everything! Of course, I’m kidding. I don’t know, I am someone who takes a while to get to know, but once you get to know me, we’ll be joking around and having a blast in no time.
Thank you for sharing these responses, Pastor Wes! We wish you all the best and pledge our prayers and support as you commence serving, leading, pastoring, and living with us.
Note: Pastor Wes’ installation service will be held at the 11 AM service on Sunday, June 22, although we’ll have special recognition moments at the first two services. Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Jonathan Hemphill, will be our guest preacher.
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray: Dear God, watch over our new pastor, Pastor Wes. Lift up his family, that in their thriving, he may thrive in ministry and the other plans you hold for him. Bless him with faithfulness, energy, balance, impact, and joy in serving. Guide all of us at COS so that these years with Pastor Wes might be fruitful and fun. In Jesus’ name, Amen.