Rev. Dr. Dan Smith began his tenure at St. Peter's UCC February 1, 2022, and was installed as the settled pastor on June 11, 2023. A graduate of Indiana University, Rev. Smith was ordained in 1995 after receiving his Master’s of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio. He went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry in 2011 from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. “I was a United Methodist pastor for almost 20 years, and have loved the transition to the United Church of Christ and the grace they offer all people,” stated Rev. Smith. Rev. Smith was raised in rural Indiana, but has lived throughout the United States. He did not grow up in the church, and became a Christian at the age of 25. “I believe due to this I have a view of spirituality that sometimes gives me an edge in reaching the unchurched population,” he said. “I have a strong desire to reach the people that have not experienced the grace and love that the Body of Christ has to offer. The Church offers a healing and hopeful place to belong.” Rev. Smith's hobbies include music, reading, genealogy, golfing, and watching Indiana University basketball.
