Longtime Cordele Pastor Reflects on Ministry

Pastor Rick Smarr shares his journey and the challenges facing the church today.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Pastor Rick Smarr, who has served as the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia since 2017, recently reflected on his path to ministry and the rewards and challenges of pastoral work in an interview with the Cordele Dispatch. Smarr, a lifelong resident of Cordele, discussed the spiritual calling that led him to the pulpit, as well as the shifting priorities and declining church attendance that he sees as key issues facing the modern church.

Why it matters

Smarr's perspective provides insight into the experiences and concerns of pastors serving in small, tight-knit communities like Cordele, where they often have deep personal connections to their congregations and communities. His reflections touch on broader trends impacting churches nationwide, including the decline in religious participation and the need to stay grounded in biblical teachings.

The details

Smarr began serving Grace Baptist Church as interim pastor in 2016 after previously serving the church in other roles, such as pianist, deacon, and chairman of deacons. In January 2017, he accepted the church's call to become their permanent pastor, a position he has held since. Smarr cited an "overpowering leading of the Holy Spirit" and a "deeply personal and spiritual conviction" as the driving forces behind his decision to enter the ministry.

  • Smarr began serving Grace Baptist Church as interim pastor in October 2016.
  • Smarr accepted the church's call to become their permanent pastor in January 2017.

The players

Pastor Rick Smarr

The pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia, who has served in that role since 2017 after previously serving the church in other capacities.

Grace Baptist Church

A church located in Cordele, Georgia, where Pastor Rick Smarr has served as the pastor since 2017.

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What they’re saying

“An overpowering leading of the Holy Spirit which brought about a deeply personal and spiritual conviction of the heart to surrender to the calling of God.”

— Pastor Rick Smarr, Pastor (The Cordele Dispatch)

“We face an ever-growing shift away from sound biblical doctrine preached in love and in truth. Also, there is a decline in church attendance, which stems from a lack of concern for the things of God and a change in priorities.”

— Pastor Rick Smarr, Pastor (The Cordele Dispatch)

“Watching the Holy Spirit move in the lives of the people I have the opportunity to serve. Watching them grow and flourish in their personal relationship with God.”

— Pastor Rick Smarr, Pastor (The Cordele Dispatch)

The takeaway

Pastor Smarr's reflections highlight the challenges facing many churches today, including declining attendance and a shift away from biblical teachings. However, his passion for serving his community and witnessing spiritual growth in his congregation demonstrates the continued importance of dedicated pastoral leadership, even in the face of these broader trends.