Meet Our Interim Pastor – Phillip Malina

Hello, and welcome! I'm Phillip Malina, and it is a privilege to serve as the Interim Pastor of First Baptist Church Smithville. This church and community are especially meaningful to me because Smithville is my hometown, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve in the place that helped shape my faith.

My passion is simple: to help people discover that they matter to God and that He has a purpose for their lives. I love teaching God's Word in a practical, encouraging way that helps people grow in their relationship with Jesus and find hope for everyday life.

As we walk through this season together, my prayer is that we will keep our eyes on Christ, grow stronger as a church family, and continue sharing His love with our community. Whether you've been part of First Baptist for years or you're looking for a church home, I want you to know there's a place for you here.

I look forward to meeting you and worshiping with you soon!

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

It is our goal to help equip your teenagers with the full armor of God, grow their faith in Jesus Christ, and usher them into discipleship. 

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." - Psalm 63: 3-4

I am from Huntsville, Al and have been in church all my life singing in the church choir.  I came to know Jesus Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized by my father, the late Rev. William H. Walker. 

I am married to Dustin Ralph, and am the mother of 2 boys, Preston and Ashton. 

John 4:23 says, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." 

I believe in the power of worship where we experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit and are drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ.