Honoring our Missionaries: Dr. Dave & Jill Smith

Recently Retired from Active Missionary Service

Chad Braley • Senior Pastor
May 27, 2026

2 Minute Read

Matthew 25:21
...well done, thou good and faithful servant...

After 55 years of faithful ministry, Faith Baptist Church is rejoicing with Dr. Dave and Jill Smith as they step into a well-deserved retirement from active missionary service.

At their request, we recently sent our final support check to the Smiths, and with it goes with our deep gratitude and love. Supporting missionaries is one of our great privileges as a local church, and it has been an honor to partner with Dave and Jill in the work of the Gospel.

Over more than five decades, Dr. Smith has faithfully preached the Word of God, loved people well, and carried the message of salvation to the world. In every role, he has served with humility and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth. And none of it was done alone, Jill has been right beside him every step of the way, modeling a Christ-centered marriage and a faithful ministry partnership that is a blessing and an example to us all.

Dr. Smith's ministry has meant something very personal to our church family here at Faith Baptist. During a season of transition between pastors, before the Lord brought Pastor Braley to us, Dr. Smith was an incredible help and a steady, encouraging presence. He stepped in with grace and faithfulness at a time when our church needed it most, and we have never forgotten it. That kind of servant-hearted ministry is a mark of a man who truly loves the Lord and His people.

Dr. Smith's own heart for those of us still in the race says it best — his desire is that each of us would finish well, that we would one day stand before our Lord and hear those precious words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

What a testimony.

Thank you, Dr. Dave and Jill Smith, for your steadfast faith, your sacrificial service, and your devotion to Christ. Faith Baptist Church loves you and is grateful to God for every year He worked through your lives.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

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From this Author: Chad Braley

June 24, 2026 • 5 Minute Read

Marked Pages: More Than an Offering Plate

I have recently been reading material to help me get a better grasp on what biblical giving looks like in modern economic times. When I read the Old Testament, I find God's people bringing offerings that often look very different from what we see today. They brought grain offerings, firstfruits, livestock, produce from their fields, and various other sacrifices. Their giving reflected the way they earned a living and the resources God had entrusted to them. That raises an interesting question: What does biblical stewardship look like in today's world? As I studied this subject, I came across a resource that identified three primary "pockets" from which believers give today. The concept challenged me because most Christians are familiar with one of these pockets but rarely consider the other two. I wanted to pass this thought along because it is something worth contemplating, praying about, and engaging in as faithful stewards of God's blessings. The principle is simple: everything God entrusts to us is meant to be stewarded for His glory. Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. We are not owners. We are stewards. God blesses His children not merely so they can possess resources, but so they can manage those resources in a way that honors Him. The purpose of blessing is that it is stewarded by God's children for His glory. 1) The Earned Income Pocket This is the pocket most of us immediately think about when the subject of giving arises. Earned income is the money we receive through our labor—our paycheck, salary, wages, commissions, or business income. For many believers, faithful stewardship begins here. As God provides through our work, we return a portion to Him through regular, cheerful, and sacrificial giving. When we place an offering in the plate, support missions, or give toward a ministry need, we are often giving from our earned income pocket. This type of giving is important, biblical, and should be practiced consistently. Yet it is only one aspect of stewardship. 2) The Capital Pocket The capital pocket includes assets that have accumulated over time. These may include savings accounts, investments, stocks, retirement funds, real estate, land, business interests, valuable collections, or other resources God has entrusted to us. Many believers carefully consider giving from their income while never considering how God might use their accumulated assets. Throughout Scripture, God's people gave not only from what they earned, but also from what they possessed. There are seasons when God may lead a believer to use a portion of their savings to advance a ministry project, support a missionary, assist a family in need, or invest in a kingdom opportunity. The question becomes: Are our assets serving God's purposes, or are they simply sitting idle? The capital pocket reminds us that stewardship extends beyond our weekly paycheck. 3) The Estate Pocket The estate pocket concerns what happens to our resources after we enter eternity. Every believer will one day leave behind possessions, property, investments, and accumulated wealth. Most people spend considerable time planning how those assets will be distributed among family members. Yet few consider how their final act of stewardship can impact the work of God. One statement I encountered that every believer should consider including in their will is this: "After all my bills are paid, I want 10 percent of my estate (a tithe) to go to ______ Church." What a powerful testimony of stewardship. Estate giving is not about neglecting family responsibilities. Rather, it is recognizing that everything belongs to God and intentionally including His work in our final plans. For some believers, this may involve leaving a percentage of their estate to their local church. For others, it may include missionaries, Christian schools, camps, or ministries that have played a significant role in their spiritual lives. Estate planning allows us to continue investing in God's work even after we have gone home to be with the Lord. A Stewardship Mindset When most people hear a message about giving, they immediately think about what is in their wallet or checking account. Yet biblical stewardship is much broader than that. God has entrusted us with income. God has entrusted us with assets. God has entrusted us with an estate. Each of these represents an opportunity to honor Him. The goal is not simply to give more. The goal is to recognize that everything belongs to God and to ask, Lord, how would You have me steward what You have entrusted to me? Whether from our earned income, our accumulated capital, or our eventual estate, every gift becomes an opportunity to invest in something that will outlast this world. After all, we cannot take any of it with us—but we can use it now and direct it wisely so that it continues to bring glory to God long after we are gone. These are simply a few thoughts from my recent reading. I am thankful to be part of a church that is sensitive to the Lord and gives in a way that honors Him. God Bless, Pastor Braley Highlighted Reading: Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate by Cliff Christopher & Mike Slaughter As with any book outside of Scripture, Pastor Braley does not endorse every view or conclusion the author presents. The Bible alone is our final and infallible authority — Scripture alone holds that distinction.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

June 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read

Sunday Setup: Is Christ being formed in you?

Tomorrow we'll be in Galatians 4 and wrestle with a powerful question: Is Christ being formed in you? Many believers spend their lives measuring spiritual growth by church attendance, Bible knowledge, or religious activity. But Paul points us to a deeper question—not simply whether Christ is in us, but whether Christ can be seen through us. In Galatians 4:19, Paul writes: My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. As you prepare for worship tomorrow, consider: Is my faith centered on what Christ has done or what I am trying to do? Can others see the character of Jesus in my attitudes, responses, and relationships? What might God be asking me to surrender so that Christ can be more clearly reflected in my life? Am I living as a child of promise or slipping back into spiritual bondage? The Gospel does more than save us from judgment—it transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Take a few moments tonight to read Galatians 4:12-31 and ask the Lord to prepare your heart. We look forward to worshiping together tomorrow as we explore Paul's passionate prayer: "Until Christ be formed in you." Can't make it tomorrow? Watch Live HERE!Can't make it tomorrow? Watch Live HERE!

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

June 12, 2026 • 5 Minute Read

GriefShare is coming to Faith Baptist

Grief is one of the heaviest burdens a person can carry. Whether you have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a sibling, or a dear friend, the pain of that loss can feel overwhelming, and far too often, it feels very lonely. You may be sitting in the seat on Sunday morning with a smile on your face while your heart is quietly breaking. If that is you, we want you to know: you do not have to walk through this alone. We are thrilled to announce that Faith Baptist Church will be launching a GriefShare ministry beginning Monday, September 1. This is a ministry we have been praying about, and we believe God's timing is perfect. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. What Is GriefShare? GriefShare is a 13-week, Christ-centered support group designed to walk people through their grief journey with compassion and biblical truth. Each week features a video seminar with respected Christian counselors and pastors, followed by small-group discussion and personal workbook exercises to help participants process what they are going through. Every session addresses the real challenges that come with grief, the loneliness, the anger, the questions, the sleepless nights — and points you back to the One who is "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). At its heart, GriefShare points to Christ as the ultimate source of healing. That lines up perfectly with who we are as a church and what we believe God's Word teaches about comfort, hope, and restoration. Why This Ministry Matters In any church family, individuals are silently struggling with the pain of losing a loved one — some may have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, another relative, or a close friend. The grief does not end after the funeral. It does not stop after a few weeks. Many people suffer in silence for months and even years, not knowing where to turn. GriefShare provides a safe space where individuals can process their grief, share their stories, and find support from others who understand their pain, not just to help them move through grief, but to offer biblical hope and encouragement. That is exactly the kind of ministry the local church is called to provide. Is This for You? If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, recently or even years ago, we warmly invite you to come. You do not need to have it all together. You do not need to know what to say. You simply need to show up, and we will walk through it together, with God's Word as our guide and our church family by your side. GriefShare is also open to friends, neighbors, and coworkers in our community who are hurting. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone you know who needs the comfort that only Christ can give. Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. When: Tuesday, September 1 - Tuesday, November 24, 2026 Location: Faith Baptist Church — Fairless Hills, PA Time: Tuesday Nights at 7:00 p.m.Register Here We love you, Faith Baptist family. If grief has found you in this season of life, we want to be right there with you. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who may need a place of healing and hope. Interested in serving in GriefShare? GriefShare groups don't run themselves — they run because someone in the church was willing to say yes. Leading a GriefShare group does not require a counseling degree or a personal expertise in grief. It requires a heart for hurting people, a willingness to show up faithfully week after week, and a love for the local church. GriefShare provides all the training and materials a leader needs. Your role is to facilitate — to create a safe, consistent place where people can be honest and where God's Word has room to work. Paul's words in Second Corinthians describe this kind of ministry beautifully: 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. If you have walked through grief yourself, that experience is not a disqualification. God does not waste our sorrows. He redeems them, and often uses them to open doors of ministry that nothing else could open. If you sense the Lord leading you to serve in this way, we want to hear from you. Group leaders will go through a brief GriefShare orientation before the ministry launches in September, and pastoral support will be available throughout the 13-week cycle. Serve Team Schedule: Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Interest Meeting Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Worker Training To express interest in serving, let us know HERE! This is a meaningful opportunity to serve your church family in one of the most tender areas of life. Don't talk yourself out of it — reach out, and let's have a conversation.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

May 30, 2026 • 4 Minute Read

Josiah: Lost and Found

There’s a moment in Josiah’s life that we need to slow down and really see. In the middle of repairing the temple, something is discovered that had been missing for a long time: 2 Chronicles 34:14 And Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses. “Found a book of the law of the Lord…” This wasn’t a new book. It was a neglected one. Josiah grew up in a nation that still had a temple, still had priests, and still had religious activity. But somewhere along the way, the Word of God stopped being read. That decline really started years earlier under Manasseh: 2 Kings 21:2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD… For decades, idolatry filled the land and false worship became normal. And when that happens, the Word of God gets pushed aside. You can have religion without the Word—and still be far from God. By Josiah’s time, Judah still looked like a nation with spiritual structure, but it had drifted far from truth. That’s what happens when Scripture is ignored: idols take over, conviction fades, compromise feels normal, and people keep going through the motions. If the Word doesn’t rule, something else will. The greatest tragedy wasn’t that the Law was lost—it was that nobody missed it. Then in our text, everything changes. In the middle of repairs, someone opens something that hadn’t been opened in a long time: 2 Chronicles 34:14 And Hilkiah… found a book of the law of the LORD. At that moment, everything shifts. Because when the Word of God comes back into the light, it doesn’t just sit there—it speaks. Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. And when the Word comes back, idols go out. Josiah doesn’t just read it and move on—he responds. He starts tearing things down: high places, idols, everything that had taken God’s place. Why? Because the Word always demands a response. Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. And real faith always shows up in real change “Faith… if it hath not works, is dead…” (James 2:17) The same problem still shows up today. We may not be bowing to carved statues, but idols are still everywhere. Anything that takes first place in our lives can become one—success, entertainment, social media, relationships, comfort, even good things that become ultimate things. And Scripture warns us plainly: 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Because idols don’t just sit there—they compete for your heart. Jesus said: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34) Sin always looks like freedom, but it never delivers it. It promises life—but produces bondage. It promises joy—but leaves emptiness. It promises more—but always takes more than it gives. Sin promises freedom… but delivers chains. Josiah’s story is really a “lost and found” story. The Word wasn’t gone—it was just buried under years of neglect. And when it was found again, it changed everything. The same is still true today. “When the Word of God is found again, it never leaves things the same.” Because the real question isn’t whether God is still speaking… it’s whether we’re still listening. So, where is your Bible and how did it speak to you today? This post expands on a key point from a recent sermon and is intended to further encourage your study and reflection on God's Word. While this post explores one aspect of the message, the full sermon provides the broader context, and practical application. We invite you to watch the complete sermon below.Watch the full sermon now!

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

Currently Reading

May 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read

Honoring our Missionaries: Dr. Dave & Jill Smith

Matthew 25:21 ...well done, thou good and faithful servant... After 55 years of faithful ministry, Faith Baptist Church is rejoicing with Dr. Dave and Jill Smith as they step into a well-deserved retirement from active missionary service. At their request, we recently sent our final support check to the Smiths, and with it goes with our deep gratitude and love. Supporting missionaries is one of our great privileges as a local church, and it has been an honor to partner with Dave and Jill in the work of the Gospel. Over more than five decades, Dr. Smith has faithfully preached the Word of God, loved people well, and carried the message of salvation to the world. In every role, he has served with humility and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth. And none of it was done alone, Jill has been right beside him every step of the way, modeling a Christ-centered marriage and a faithful ministry partnership that is a blessing and an example to us all. Dr. Smith's ministry has meant something very personal to our church family here at Faith Baptist. During a season of transition between pastors, before the Lord brought Pastor Braley to us, Dr. Smith was an incredible help and a steady, encouraging presence. He stepped in with grace and faithfulness at a time when our church needed it most, and we have never forgotten it. That kind of servant-hearted ministry is a mark of a man who truly loves the Lord and His people. Dr. Smith's own heart for those of us still in the race says it best — his desire is that each of us would finish well, that we would one day stand before our Lord and hear those precious words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What a testimony. Thank you, Dr. Dave and Jill Smith, for your steadfast faith, your sacrificial service, and your devotion to Christ. Faith Baptist Church loves you and is grateful to God for every year He worked through your lives. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

May 20, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

Summer Bible Study Modules

One of the great blessings of our church family is the opportunity we have to continue growing in our walk with God together. This summer, we are excited to offer several Summer Modules designed to strengthen our faith, sharpen our witness, and help us better serve others for the cause of Christ. These classes are more than simply additional studies—they are opportunities for spiritual growth, practical ministry training, and deeper connection within our church family. I want to encourage every member to prayerfully consider being part of one of these modules this summer. We're offering three special 3-week Bible Study Modules designed to help you grow, learn, and connect. Each module meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and you'll choose one of two available session windows: Session A: June 17, June 24 & July 1 Session B: July 15, July 22 & July 29 Browse the three modules below. Introduction to American Sign Language Taught by Mrs. Laura Braley & Mrs. Christina McHenry Session A Location: Room 10 Session B Location: Conference Room Join us for an introductory ASL class designed for church members who want to learn how to better connect with the Deaf community and share the love of Christ through sign language. Each weekly session will include: A review of fingerspelling An introduction to conversational and biblical ASL signs Learning to sign John 3:16 Signing along to one of our church's popular worship songs Participants will also gain insight into Deaf culture and the history of the Deaf community and the church. Did you know? Of the estimated 150–250 million Deaf people in the world, only 2% are followers of Jesus Christ. An alarming 98% of Deaf people are currently missing the blessing of eternal life with Jesus — making Deaf people one of the largest unreached and unengaged people groups in the world. Through this class, we hope to inspire awareness, compassion, and a heart for Deaf ministry. Snapshots of Revival Taught by Pastor Chad Braley UPDATED Session A Location: Teen Room Session B Location: Auditorium Throughout this study, we will examine moments in Scripture where God transformed lives, homes, and even nations through people who were willing to let revival begin in them personally. Revival has never started with crowds—it begins in individual hearts surrendered to God. Our prayer is that this study will challenge and encourage us to seek the Lord in a deeper and more personal way. Reaching the Religious Taught by Bro. Michael Poapst UPDATED Session A Location: Auditorium Session B Location: Teen Room In a day when many people are religious yet still without a true relationship with Christ, this class will help believers learn how to lovingly and biblically point people to the truth of God’s Word. Brother Mike is a serious student of the Scriptures and will do an excellent job helping us understand how to handle the Word with both grace and truth, allowing the Bible to do the work in a person’s heart and life. I truly believe these Summer Modules will be a tremendous encouragement and help to our church family. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to grow in truth, strengthen our witness, and allow God to continue working in our lives throughout the summer months.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

May 15, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

What is "Continue" Discipleship?

If you've recently trusted Christ as your Saviour — or if you've been a Christian for a while but feel like you need a stronger foundation — the Continue discipleship program at Faith Baptist Church might be exactly what you need. What Is Continue? Continue is a biblically-grounded, one-on-one discipleship program designed to give new (and growing) Christians a solid footing in the Word of God. The program was developed by Striving Together Publications and written by Pastor Paul Chappell. It consists of fourteen weekly lessons that walk through the core doctrines and practical truths every Christian needs to know. Each lesson is built around a clear outline, thorough Scripture references, and built-in conversation starters to help open up honest, personal discussion. At the end of each lesson, there are five daily devotional readings to help develop the habit of getting into God's Word every day. Each session is designed to take about 45–60 minutes. What Topics Does It Cover? The fourteen lessons include: The Word of God Knowing God Who Is Jesus? Your Salvation Developing a Prayer Life Your Relationship with God's Word The Holy Spirit The Life of a Disciple The Local Church Your Place in Your Church Family Financial Stewardship Go and Tell the Good News Living in Light of Eternity Continue Every topic is practical, biblical, and tied to real Christian living — not just information, but transformation. How Does It Work at Faith Baptist? When you enroll in Continue at Faith Baptist, you'll be paired with an experienced believer from our church family who will walk through the lessons with you week by week. Discipleship is meant to happen in relationship — and that's exactly how Continue is designed. When does Discipleship happen? Discipleship happens best when it becomes a regular, intentional part of your life. In the Continue program, most pairs meet once a week at a time that works for both people — before or after a service, in a home, at the church, or even over coffee. The key is consistency and a setting where you can focus on God’s Word and honest conversation. But discipleship is more than just a scheduled meeting. It continues throughout the week as you spend time in God’s Word using the daily devotions, apply what you’ve learned, and stay connected with the person discipling you. It’s not just about completing lessons — it’s about growing in Christ day by day. In other words, discipleship isn’t confined to one hour a week. It’s a lifestyle of learning, growing, and following Jesus together. How Do I Sign Up? You can sign up and learn more below. The Continue book itself is available through the church office. Whether you're brand new to the faith or looking to get grounded in what you believe, we'd love to walk through this with you. Reach out to us — we'll get you connected.Sign me up!

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor