Pastor Ron and Kathy Smedley bring more than four decades of faithful, life-giving ministry to the body of Christ. Ron is a native Texan, and although Kathy is originally from Missouri, Texas has truly become home. They met in college while Ron was preparing for pastoral ministry, and for the past 45 years they have walked hand in hand in marriage, calling, and Kingdom purpose.

Throughout his ministry journey, Pastor Ron has served in a variety of leadership roles and has pastored seven churches, shepherding people with wisdom, compassion, and steady faith. In addition to his pastoral calling, he also served the State of Texas as a caseworker. Ron carries more than 20 years of experience in recovery ministry and has a deep passion for seeing lives restored and people walking in spiritual freedom.

Kathy has faithfully ministered alongside Ron every step of the way while also cultivating a powerful and effective professional counseling ministry. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with multiple certifications in Christian counseling and has extensive experience helping individuals and families navigate trauma, healing, and wholeness. Kathy provides counseling for adults, children, and youth, offering both biblical truth and practical tools for transformation.

Together, their shared love for Jesus and their combined ministry and professional experience have positioned them to bring hope to the hurting and strength to those seeking a fresh start. They are deeply committed to helping people face real-life challenges through the lens of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Their greatest desire is that every person who walks through the doors of Encounter Dike encounters the love, healing, and presence of the Father.

Beyond the church, Ron and Kathy are actively engaged in their community. They have invested in youth through sports, served on the boards of local agencies, and Ron has faithfully served on the Winnsboro School Board.

In their personal time, Ron enjoys sports, golf, hunting, and fishing, while Kathy loves reading and traveling. Yet their greatest joy—outside of serving the Lord—is being “Papa” and “Koko” to their five grandchildren. They also count as one of their greatest blessings raising four adult children who are faithfully serving the Lord.