Karsten Smith

When You Were Saved: I was Kindergarten and I received Christ in the drop-off line for school!
Favorite Movies: Any good 90s to early 2000s ROM-COM. My go to “Comfort movies” usually are How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle, Pride and Prejudice, and The Proposal!
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 3:20
Favorite TV Shows: I usually switch back and forth from Friends, Gilmore Girls, or NCIS.
Dream Vacation: Anywhere in Greece!
Things That Fascinate You: The change in color of the leaves in the fall. It is all so beautiful and reminds me of the creativeness of our God.
Least Favorite Food: My least favorite food is Seafood…I just cannot stand the smell.
Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating from Baylor University was my dream growing up. My parents went to Baylor and shared so many precious memories with my sibling and me. I was privileged to attend Baylor and graduated in May 2022. I graduated with a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation. I was so proud of myself walking across the stage to receive my diploma. Truly, a dream come true!
Favorite Holiday: My favorite holiday has always been Christmas!
Things You Collect: I keep every card I receive from birthdays, thank yous, or in general. I love the thoughtfulness behind cards!
Inspirational People: William Wilberforce
Favorite Thing to Do: Black bass fishing on a small lake
What Makes You Laugh: My wife and kids
Favorite Movies: Patton, Star Wars, Tombstone, Amazing Grace
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 2:4
Something People Don’t Know: I was a competitive water skier in college.
Previous Jobs or First Job: Del Taco, Target, Chick-fil-a, Paperboy
Pet Peeves: People with pet peeves
Most Exotic Trip: Bali
Personal Hero: My grandfathers
Tell Us About Your Family: My wife Kim is violinist in the band at Cottonwood – 3 grown children.
Nickname: The Edge
Favorite Movies: The Untouchables, the Bourne series
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
Favorite Sports: College Football
Favorite TV Shows: The Andy Griffith Show, Seinfeld
Something Most People Don’t Know About You: I used to snow ski race growing up in Santa Fe, NM
Previous Jobs or First Job: Director of Broadcasting, Dallas Mavericks – Coordinating Producer/NBA, Bally Sports
Tell Us About Your Family: I am married to the love of my life, Daniel. We have the perfect blend of 4 wonderful kiddos. Kenzie, Sam, Addie, Ellie and a fur baby named Arlo!
Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
People Who Inspire You: Mother Theresa and Helen Keller
Weird Quirks: I am clumsy and blind. I also have a spiritual gift of never tightening lids on things.
Something People Don’t Know About You: I was a children’s behavioral health counselor before going into ministry.
Things That Fascinate You: Psychology and human behavior has always been a passion of mine. It fascinates me to learn about the mind and human behavioral patterns to get a better understanding of why people do the things they do and how I can better relate to them.
Life-Changing Moment: One of the biggest life changing moments I have ever experienced was while I was doing mission work in Uganda. I have experienced worship on many different levels, but I never experienced worship in the way I did while I was at a children’s prison. To see these children, who had nothing to offer according to the world’s standards, worship with full surrender and thankfulness was beyond humbling.