Welcoming Rev. Jeremiah Hamby as Minister of Youth and Missions.
by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor
Smoke Rise Baptist Church is delighted to announce that Rev. Jeremiah Hamby has been called as our new Minister of Youth and Missions.
Jeremiah has already been serving faithfully in this role as interim, bringing with him a deep passion for ministry, teaching and the spiritual growth of young people. His ministry experience spans several years of serving youth and students in both church and university settings. He has led youth groups through seasons of transition, organized camps and mission trips, and guided young people through the challenges of the pandemic with creativity and care.
In addition to his church ministry, Jeremiah has served in higher education as an admissions counselor and academic advisor, walking alongside students in their personal, academic, and spiritual journeys. He has pursued extensive theological and academic training, earning a dual Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion from Gardner-Webb University, followed by a graduate certificate in English Studies. His academic journey reflects both excellence and dedication, with strong language study in Biblical Greek and Hebrew deepening his knowledge of scripture.
With a heart for service and a gift for connecting with youth, Jeremiah seeks to nurture a ministry where students feel seen, valued and encouraged to live out their faith. His leadership emphasizes discipleship, community and opportunities for growth through study, service and worship.
Members of the Youth Minister Search Committee shared the following reflections on Jeremiah’s call and ministry:
Adam Arnold: “I have been so impressed by Jeremiah’s thoughtful approach to the theological development of our youth, as well as his ability to connect with them on an individual level. I know that he is already beloved by the youth group, as they celebrated together when it was announced to them that he would be their full-time minister.”
Clarissa Strickland: “Jeremiah’s love for our youth developed early during his time as our interim. And it was reciprocated by our youth. I feel it will continue to grow as he inspires them with his love of missions.”
Lynne Felton: “Jeremiah is an authentic and shining example of Christ’s love and acceptance of everyone!”
Rudy Wilson: “Jeremiah is truly a warm, friendly person in our midst who is a positive influence in the lives of everyone he meets. His involvement in missions and youth will positively impact many lives.”
Ruth Perkins Lee: “Jeremiah’s passion for youth ministry and missions work compels him to continuously invite others into the story of God’s love.”
As Jeremiah begins his new role, we also pause to express deep gratitude to Rev. Page Fulgham for his faithful service and leadership during his time of service as an interim minister of missions.
Pastor Chris George shared: “In this important time in our church, Rev. Page Fulgham has provided great leadership to our church’s missions ministry. During his tenure, Smoke Rise has been able to financially and physically participate in missions around the world, providing help and hope while shining God’s light and sharing God’s love. He led our efforts to send a mission team to help those in North Carolina whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Helene and our efforts to send financial support for suffering families in Ukraine. We are extremely grateful to Page for his Christ-like commitment to our congregation, our community and the missions’ ministry.”
Page will come alongside Jeremiah in the first months of this transition in our missions’ leadership. We give thanks for both Page’s dedicated service and Jeremiah’s faithful calling, trusting that God will continue to guide and bless the youth and mission ministries of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in the days ahead.
Together, we celebrate this new chapter and look forward to the ways Jeremiah’s energy, gifts and calling will bless the youth of our church, our missions commitments and the wider congregation.
From Page Fulgham
I am enthusiastic about Jeremiah’s new role as minister of youth and missions. He brings fresh ideas and perspective along with a massive amount of energy and skill. Congratulations, Smoke Rise!
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the congregation for the privilege of serving as missions associate for these past few years.
Smoke Rise has enabled me to fulfill my life’s goal in missions around the world. I am forever in your debt and I remain truly grateful.
From Jeremiah Hamby
I am humbled and thrilled to serve as the next Minister for Youth and Missions at Smoke Rise!
Pastor Chris talks about how Smoke Rise is a special place. From my experience, I whole-heartedly agree, and I am honored to offer my gifts in service to our church community.
As you know, the youth in our church are incredible. They ask excellent questions, are exceptionally creative, and care deeply about the world around them! They also wrestle with their faith and want to find new ways to be even more engaged with our church community. Many have already publicly committed to follow in the way of Jesus in their lives. I am excited to journey with them, wherever they are on their journeys, during this season of their lives as youth in our community.
Along with our youth ministry, I am also excited to begin working with our missions partners and their leadership. Smoke Rise has a storied history as a church that supports mission work, and I am honored to bring my experiences from my time in Kenya with CBF’s Student.Go, and in Israel and Palestine with Gardner-Webb, and other previous work to serve our community in this season.
I also offer my deepest gratitude for the work of Hannah Biro, my friend and predecessor, who cultivated a wonderful space for our youth to continue to grow, and to Dr. Page Fulgham who has been serving as our Minister of Missions and who will help me as I take on this role. I am excited to build upon their good work and to serve our community in the years ahead.
If I can ever be of service or if you just want to talk with me, please do not hesitate to reach out!
