Meet Reginald Smith, Your Diversity Ministry Consultant

What is a Thrive Ministry Consultant?

Ministry Consultants bring together a wide array of experiences and expertise that allow them to serve congregations with wisdom and compassion. They are practitioners, pastors, and seasoned ministry leaders who are eager to develop tools or serve as resources for the wellbeing of your congregation.

In what areas of ministry do you encourage and equip congregations? 

I serve the growing edge of the church that includes various diaspora and home-grown multicultural churches and leaders navigating the CRC terrain, church consultations where conflict or pastoral transitions have happened, and convening gatherings of leaders to increase greater understanding and participation in classical life and leadership.  With my over three decades of pastoral ministry experience, I am a guide and a support for congregations undergoing cultural changes in their church and community. 

How did you come into your role? 

My position has morphed over the seven years I’ve been in denominational ministry. I was hired as the first director of the Office of Race Relations and the Office of Social Justice for four years. Then, I became the second director of the Office of Diversity in 2020. Then, with the ascension of Thrive, I became the ministry consultant in diversity, which is my present position. I have been in many cross-cultural spaces for the last three years as a pastor, community leader, and active in CRC denominational ministries. I am motivated by the notion that the CRC continues to reveal the Revelation 7:9 portrait that is greatly needed in the world today.  

What brings you the most joy as you journey alongside churches and ministry leaders? 

What brings me joy is the excitement and gratitude of young Korean leaders who felt Thrive was a denominational supporter for their pastoral well-being. I am joyful in hearing stories of new diaspora communities joining white CRC churches that gave birth to the new things God has been up to. I give thanks to many churches that support the work of Thrive and trust us to have their back and become a partner they can trust for help and advice.  

How can congregations connect with you?

Visit the Thrive website at crcna.org/thrive/consultants