David Goforth, Senior Pastor
David was reared in a Christian home in Michigan and was a member of Rochester Hills Baptist Church. Daye was a “preacher’s kid” in Tennessee at Franklin Road Baptist. They met at Pensacola Christian College and were married in the summer of 1993. The Goforth’s traveled as college representatives and ensemble leaders for two years after graduation. In August 1995 they moved to West Columbia and began a more than fourteen-year ministry at Grace Baptist Church. The Lord grew their family (with five daughters!) and their ministry as David served as youth pastor, assistant to the pastor, and interim pastor and Daye taught at Grace Christian School. In 2010, they then served as senior pastor at Providence Baptist Church in Riverview, FL, where God grew their family again (a son-in-law). In August 2020, the Lord brought the Goforth’s back to West Columbia where they are now serving as the senior pastor here at Grace, and loving the grandparent life!
David Smith, Music Pastor
David grew up in a Christian home and at the age of seven trusted Christ as Savior. He is the son of the late Dr. Alfred B. Smith, “Mr. Singspiration”, and has been involved in music most of his life. He came to Grace in October 2002 after spending nine years in ministry in South Florida. He holds earned degrees in music and theology. God has allowed David to be involved in a variety of ministries, including Christian camping, teaching, administration and preaching; but closest to his heart is the music ministry of the local church. He enjoys encouraging the hearts of believers with music through choral workshops and “Hymn History” concerts. He and his wife Ginger continue David’s father’s ministry through Al Smith Ministries.
David enjoys encouraging the hearts of believers with music through the local church, choral workshops and “Hymn History” concerts. David and Ginger have four children and one dog named Gigi.
Gavin Lockaby, School Administrator
Colton Gideons, Outreach Pastor
Colton grew up in Brandon, FL, and attended Providence Baptist Church for most of his life. He came to know Christ at the WILDS Christian Camp when he was eleven years old and has desired to serve the Lord in ministry ever since. Colton and Aly met while attending West Coast Baptist College. They were married in March 2019 and moved to North Carolina so Colton could attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Colton and Aly are passionate about missions and believe the Lord is leading them to serve overseas after gaining ministry experience.
Austin Smith, Youth Pastor
Austin graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2018 with a degree in Pastoral Ministries. Having grown up in Africa as a missionary kid, Austin got to experience ministry first-hand and knew that this was a life path he wanted to pursue. After graduation, he and his wife, Holly, spent two years traveling as representatives for their alma mater. Austin also served as a Student Pastor at Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Jamestown, Tennessee for over 3 years. He has a love for teens and a desire to see them grow spiritually in order to make a difference in their generation. Austin and Holly have been married for five years and are parents to Judah and Ezekiel.