Christ Fellowship Church in Dawson County is welcoming Todd Smith, who recently accepted the position of senior pastor.

Smith had served as interim pastor since May 2010, helping the congregation to develop a vision for the church’s future. In an interview last week, he elaborated on that vision.

“We want to bring life changes to people and encourage them and help them,” Smith said. “In addition, we want to bring them hope, especially in the world we’re living in right now.”

The Clermont resident and wife, Karen, have two sons: Ty, 19, and Ethan, 16.

Born in Marietta, Smith has lived in the northeast Georgia area since 1991.

Smith founded The Rock Ministries in Gainesville more than a decade ago. The church later moved to Flowery Branch.

Smith said he still oversees the ministry and stays busy with other church-related projects.

“In my spare time, I travel around the country, teaching pastors about church growth,” he said.

He also said he’s involved in the lives of his sons.

Smith said his experience as a pastor has taught him that the key “is concentrating on people, making people your priority. Love people and take care of them, and the church will grow, and people’s lives will be changed.”

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from Samford University in Birmingham. He also has a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, Texas.

He is the author of three books about Christianity. His wife, Karen, is also a pastor and teacher.

Christ Fellowship is located at 139 Hightower Parkway. Sunday services are held at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday services are at 7 p.m.