While Dr. Tom Smiley will continue as senior pastor of Gainesville's Lakewood Baptist Church for at least the next two years, a transition plan is in place for his impending retirement.
Lakewood, located on Thompson Bridge Road, is one of the larger Baptist congregations in Hall County with some 1,500 members. Smiley has served as senior pastor since August 5, 1990.
Members of a transition team announced to the congregation on Sunday a plan is now in place for Smiley to retire and for his son Tyler Smiley to take over the reins as senior pastor. During the proposed transition period, Tyler Smiley would work alongside his father with the title of Associate Senior Pastor. The younger Smiley is currently serving as the associate pastor for missions at the church.
The implementation of the transition plan is contingent upon a vote of the Lakewood congregation, which is set for 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.
Follow this link to find out more about Lakewood's Senior Pastor Transition Process.
