“Pastor Lee Smith writes with the skill of a careful exegete and the heart of a pastor-teacher. ”
Lee Smith is a retired pastor and current author who recently collaborated with CU Press to publish Biblical Conversations in the Gospel of John – Exegetically Based Devotionals for Serious Followers of Jesus. Lee graduated from Calvary Bible College in 1970 with a B.A. in Pastoral Studies, received his Th.M from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1974, and earned his D.Min from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1990.
Lee grew up in rural Iowa in a family of farmers. At seven years old, he received Christ. He describes his mission to pastor small town churches as a “growing conviction” that remained even when he was in seminary and other students questioned him: “They thought I was crazy – asking me why I’d want to do that instead of choosing to pastor bigger churches. I chose rural churches because that’s where my passion was, and I’ve pastored them for forty years.”
Lee’s experience as a pastor played a major role in his evolving career as an author. Besides his most recent work, he has published three books: Getting Along with People: A Manual for Pastors, Reflections of a Small Town Pastor: Engaging in God’s Mission in Smaller Places, and Bible Conversations in Genesis. With the biblical knowledge Lee has gained throughout the years as both a pastor and an author, his new book is filled with insightful knowledge.
When speaking on what inspired Lee to write Biblical Conversations in the Gospel of John – Exegetically Based Devotionals for Serious Followers of Jesus, he stated it was ultimately God’s Word because “that is what will change people’s lives.” He also added that he’s always had a special appreciation for the book of John because of its emphasis on the gospel, John’s practicality in his writing, and how “Jesus speaking to the disciples throughout the book of John is still very relevant for all of Christ’s followers today.”
Lee’s purpose for his new book is two-fold. First, he desires his readers to gain a deeper understanding of the gospel as presented within the book of John from an intellectual and spiritual perspective. Secondly, he wants his book to inspire readers to “grow in their walk with Christ, all for the glory of God.”
Dr. Dodds, Director of CU Press:
Pastor Lee Smith writes with the skill of a careful exegete and the heart of a pastor-teacher. Bible Conversations in the Gospel of John is Pastor Smith’s second volume in his “Bible Conversations” series. Not intended as an in-depth commentary, this study of the Gospel of John still touches on the significant exegetical issues in the text while challenging the reader to respond to the truth in the text. Written by a pastor-teacher, this volume speaks to the reader with a conversational tone, and then encourages the reader to life-change. As with the first volume, Bible Conversations in the Gospel of John is for “Serious Followers of Jesus” – those who seek to be changed by their study of God’s Word.
Lee’s new book is available for purchase at amazon.com today!
