Pastor’s Bio

The Rev. Wiley James Smith

Pastor Smith was born in St. Louis, MO to Wiley James Sidney (III) and Carol Lucinda Smith in June of 1963. The youngest of five siblings, Wiley (IV) was ordered up by his parents due to the death of an older sibling (muscular dystrophy). The elder Wiley was a chemical engineer and Mrs. Smith was a homemaker.

In 1971 the Smith clan relocated to Oregon where Wiley the younger grew up playing tennis and generally getting into trouble. After graduating from the University of Oregon (psychology) the future pastor met the love of his life and the world was forever changed (at least for him and Alise). Alise Delaine Larsen took a remarkable leap of faith and agreed to wed her adoring suitor. May 23, 1987 was the day God blessed the young couple with the gift of Holy Matrimony.

After serving four years in the U.S. Navy (NAS Miramar – San Diego) the Smiths (now plus one – Madison Joy ’91) ventured off to the great Midwest and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. No greater theological education is possible than the one Pastor Smith received at CTS. Vicarage (Palo Alto/Stanford) was a tremendous success. An extra year at the seminary after graduation to pursue a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) was also a highly enriching experience. It was in that year that the family added the fifth in a long line of Wileys (Wiley Jones Sorelle ‘95), named after the first (it’s a long story).

God smiled on the seminary graduate as he received his call into the holy ministry to serve Christ the King Lutheran Church of Redlands, CA (’96). A warm and generous congregation, served admirably for many years by Rev. Eugene Paulus, CTK welcomed the Smith family and the journey of new pastor and parish began auspiciously. The omega Smith child (Samuel Markis ’99) has completed the family structure.

Pastor Smith enjoys tennis but could do without the surgeries (shoulder, knee, and elbow). Gardening (how domestic!) is also a sideline. Pastor Smith is a soccer dad, a devotee to the ducks (Oregon not Anaheim), and the St. Louis Cardinals. The greatest thing he has ever done was marry his wife – seriously. Pastor Smith has a high regard for the historic liturgy of the church, the heritage of the Lutherans, and the Gospel narratives of the life of Jesus Christ.