Pastors Ryan & Jessica Smith

Their story ebbs and flows with grace as they continue to work out their salvation. Ryan grew up across many denominations and found his personal relationship with Jesus at a high-school youth camp; Jess was being prepared in parallel, walking through insecurity and identity struggles. Their relationship began halfway through high school — a floral bouquet, a sweet poem, and a polite "Thank you for the flowers."

Since that January morning they've grown inseparable, deeper in love with each other and even more with Jesus. A couple years after graduation, Jess was offered a job as church secretary and Ryan the youth pastor role. Wearing every hat imaginable — administration, pastoring, small groups, event planning — they've seen countless miracles, signs, and wonders, with the breakthrough of wrong mindsets a crucial part of their walk.

"When I ponder everything we've overcome, my eyes leak with tears of awe. How could the God of the universe love a broken little girl in such a way that she can minister to anyone? It's awe-inspiring. It's the GRACE that Jesus offered to me."

The couple enjoys DIY projects, are avid football fans, and are deeply involved in their community. In 2019 they founded Rugged Ministry, a worship band proclaiming the Finished Work of the Cross across the region. Ryan and Jessica share five children — Alexis, Ian, and Adeline, plus two babies born into the arms of Jesus. They've been part of the Lena community since 2006 and Beloved Church since 2015.