It’s been almost 20 years since Zack Smithson was a part of the Kingfisher community.

Although he and his family weren’t anticipating the move, Smithson said he’s excited to be back.

Earlier this year, Smithson accepted the lead pastor position at Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene and is looking forward to having the opportunity to reconnect and serve here.

While previously serving as youth minister of the Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene, Smithson said he and his wife, Corrie, loved their time in the community, even though it was brief.

“We loved the people, the church and the community,” Smithson said.

A graduate of Southern Nazarene University, Smithson earned a bachelor’s of theology, then worked as a youth pastor four years at Waldron Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Ark.

Smithson then accepted the same position in Kingfisher in 2005, where he served for 11 months, followed by four years of service as a youth pastor at Abilene First Church of the Nazarene in Abilene, Texas, and 14 1/2 years as lead pastor at Euless Church of the Nazarene in Euless, Texas, before returning to Kingfisher.

Smithson has been taking time to get involved in various things in the church and community, while Corrie and their five children, Lillie (16), Luke (13), Isaiah (13), Naomi (12) and Elijah (11), are planning to make the move from Euless at the close of the school year.

Havingmovedalotduring his childhood, Smithson said he and his wife weren’t sure about uprooting their family, but after spending time in prayer and discussing the opportunity with their children, they felt it was the right move.

“It was very much a family decision and it took a long time to get there,” Smithson said. “Through it all we saw the hand of God open doors and make it very obvious that this is where we’re supposed to be as a family.”

Starting his ministry here in March, Smithson said although it’s been diffi cult being separated from his family, from a career standpoint, he’s really enjoying the change and “it’s been like a shot of fresh air for me.”

Attending the Ministerial Alliance Lenten Services, Compassion Clinic and other community events, Smithson commented on how impressed he is with the way the community comes together and is working to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

“A lot of the things in the community that I loved when I was here before, is what I still love,” Smithson said.

At the Church of the Nazarene, Smithson said, “Everyone I’ve come into contact with are just wanting to serve and find ways to help the community.”

Finding ways to serve in the community is also one of Smithson’s passions.

“My philosophy has always been that if a church closes its doors, will the people in the area even know that it did or will it just become another abandoned building,” Smithson said.

Stressing the importance of the church being invested in the community, Smithson said his desire is to make connections with people and walk alongside them through good and bad.

“God has never called me to build a castle, but he’s called me to build his kingdom,” Smithson said.

“Everything I do is about spreading and enhancing God’s kingdom and if it grows the local church that’s awesome, but if they wind up connecting to another church because it’s a better fit, it’s still okay.”

It is important for the church to love with no strings attached and no ulterior motive of bringing you in, Smithson said.

“I want to learn to love and teach other people to love with zero strings attached, because if there are conditions to my love for you, it’s not love,” he said.

“I want to love you because whether you know it or not, you’re made in the image of Christ and my job is to love all his creation.”

With the church called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Smithson said, “sometimes it’s our job to throw the seed, sometimes to water it and sometimes to harvest it.”

Some of the moments Smithson said he loves the most as a preacher are also some of the hardest.

Walking with people through death, grief and everyday struggles can be some of the hardest and most joyous things, because it’s about being there with people through the highs and lows of life and building relationships, he said.

As the Church of the Nazarene celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer, one of the ways it intends to reach out to the community is by installing a large commercial playground on the church grounds which will be open to the public at all times, Smithson said.

Reflecting on his role as a minister, Smithson said it’s the greatest job in the world and he’s looking forward to meeting more people and getting involved in the community.

“My goal and dream going forward is that we want to impact our community with the love of Jesus…becoming the church that just loves, investing in our community and making a difference,” Smithson said.