Meet Paul & Jacqui Smith—leaders of the East Region

Vida Li Sik • October 27, 2021
Married for eighteen years, Paul and Jacqui Smith are leading the East Region of the Joburg church since 2016. Paul is also a teacher in the Southern Africa region of churches. They share their story:

How and when did you become followers of Jesus?
Paul: A friend invited me to an informal Bible discussion on campus at RAU University (now UJ) in 1999. I said yes, but never showed up (to my shame). This happened several times until he physically walked me to Bible talk after class one day, and the rest is history. A year later, I took up an internship with the church and have been serving in various capacities ever since. Jacqui and I dated, got engaged and married six months to the day on 3 May 2003. Our eldest daughter Gabriella was born in 2006, followed by our youngest daughter Isabella in 2009.

Jacqui: I went to London in 1998 to earn some pounds and see Europe, but God had other plans for me. I went shopping in a mall and an Irish and a Canadian girl reached out to me. I was blown away, because, while I’ve always loved God, I was wowed that some actually cared about other people’s salvation, and I said ‘yes please’. Someone followed up with me every Saturday at 5pm, and I went to a women’s event where I met Claire Barnard. We travelled home together and just connected. I studied the Bible for three weeks, and I was baptised in the East region of the London church on 19 May 1999. I joined the ministry staff here in Joburg in 2002.

 Which person in the Bible do you identify with most and why?
Paul: I identify most with Moses, being predominantly melancholic in temperament. I feel deeply and passionately about things which can be both a strength and a weakness. Over the years, I’ve learnt my emotions are often not an accurate reflection of reality but rather mirror my perception of people and circumstances. I need to constantly bring myself back to the Bible, seeking God’s perspective and will versus mine.

Jacqui: I’m a Moses fan, but also connect with Phinehas the Zealot. I related to the zealous part for God’s honour—I’d like to spend time with him. And, in the New Testament, it definitely would be Peter, who I feel I have more in common with than most. Naturally, I’d love to sit down with him and talk about his life, and walking on water.

Paul (second from right) with the other teachers Neil Trollip, Werner Reyneke, Solly Kganyago and Raj Chandra

Paul, what does being an evangelist and teacher mean to you, and what makes it worthwhile?

I was appointed an evangelist in 2015, and a teacher in 2019. I’m so encouraged by the growth in maturity over the years—in recognising the importance of different roles within our ministry leadership teams. Whilst our evangelists’ team is responsible for moving the church forward, the teachers are constantly thinking about different ways we can deepen, grow and mature the faith of the disciples. I look forward to a time when we can have elders fulfilling the roles of shepherds in our congregations here in Joburg, completing the tripartite leadership dynamic we see in various contexts in the Bible.


 What was the biggest challenge for the region during the pandemic?

The biggest challenge the East region faced during the pandemic was being isolated. It’s been challenging for most, even the introverts. We need to have our love tank filled with each other. As wonderful as Zoom is, it’s been hard not to be able to speak to people, not being able to hug, have a laugh, look into each other’s eyes and just have a great conversation.


Why should people consider visiting the East region?

We are the smallest region, and many of the Christians here have been around forever. They became disciples when they were single and now are the married’s ministry and the parents. So we’ve known each other for many years and are a real family. It’s been hard with Covid, but we love to have fun, have great kidzone, our teachers are amazing and we have very passionate songleaders. We need encouragement.



Paul and Jacqui with their family

Paul and Jacqui with their family

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