MINISTRY TEAM

Richard Smith
Lead Pastor

Jarrett Maxwell
Student & Discipleship Pastor

Nathan D'Avila
​Worship Pastor

Kelly Saunders
​Children's Minister

SUPPORT TEAM

Rebecca Prewitt
Secretary/Admin. Asst.

Melva Sutherland
Bookkeeper

Becky Smith
​Preschool Director

Ann Kurtz
Nursery Director

Richard Smith, Lead Pastor

Richard became the lead pastor of Pathway Baptist Church in March of 1993. He earned an associate’s degree from Jacksonville College, bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University and Master’s degree from BMA Theological Seminary. He married his wife Kim in 1980 and they have three children and eight grandchildren. He has a passion for making the Word of God clear as he speaks truth to people in ways they can apply to their everyday lives.
​
email: [email protected]

---

Nathan D'Avila, Worship Pastor

Nathan has a Bachelor of Church Music degree (Conducting) and a Master of Music degree (Composition) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He is an accomplished musician with over twenty years of experience as a worship leader. Nathan has a heart for blended worship, and has experience leading large choirs and orchestras, creating and directing musical productions for Easter, Christmas and other occasions. Nathan is married to Ana. They have two college-aged children, Ruth and Jonathan. Nathan began his ministry with us on June 1, 2020. 
​
email: [email protected]

---

Jarrett Maxwell, Associate Pastor

Jarrett joined the Pathway team in August of 2023 as Student Pastor. Since then, Jarrett assumed other responsibilities, leading to his current role of Associate Pastor in August of 2026. Jarrett continues to serve as Student Pastor and Discipleship Pastor within this role. Jarrett is married to Carly, and they have one child. Jarrett has a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Central Baptist College. Jarrett will graduate with his Master of Theology degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary this December. He has been in ministry since 2017. Jarrett's heart is to equip believers for ministry and to share the Gospel with the lost. ​

email: jarrett@thepathway.church

---

Kelly Saunders, Children's Minister

Kelly has been a member of  Pathway since 2004 and has been an integral part of our children’s ministry ever since. After 19 years at Texas Baptist Home for Children, Kelly joined our staff as children’s minister in April 2023. 

email: kelly@thepathway.church

---