Meet our bridge minister who will arrive on January 6, 2023, and be with us for about five months as the search for the next settled senior minister continues!

The Rev. Dr. David Smazik grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. Shortly after his birth, his parents joined a church community which became central to his upbringing. On most Sundays, his parents’ new spiritual fervor, which was not always shared by their sons, made them some of the first ones to arrive at church and the last to leave. Post high-school, education brought him to Hope College (Holland, MI) where he met his wife, Ann, and to the University of Dubuque, a Presbyterian Church USA seminary in Iowa. In the years to follow, he also earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctorate of Ministry focused on congregational revitalization.

The Smazik’s children, Matthew and his family, and Jennie and her husband, live in the Midwest. Beyond Dave and Ann’s love of being with family, their interests include walking/hiking, exploring new areas, reading, sports, and home DIY projects, of which many valiant attempts have produced some acceptable results.

Dave began ordained ministry as the full-time Executive Director of a Christian camp and concurrently served in three part-time interim pastorates. He began full-time parish ministry as a solo pastor in rural Illinois. He then served the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford, IL for 17 years, the congregation in which Pastor Mary Herbig and her family were faithful and exemplary participants. Dave more recently completed ten years of ministry with the historic Presbyterian Church in Morristown, NJ, followed by a two-year interim position in Indianapolis, IN, which brought him back to his roots in the Midwest.

A personal note from Pastor Dave:
I look forward to working alongside Pastor Mary and the congregation in this time of transition. I am grateful to be part of Central Union’s journey as each of us seek to Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to Embody Christ.