The Rev. Channing Smith began as our rector in September of 2020. He is passionate about the Good Shepherd mission “In the fullness of time, all people will find joyful union with God and with one another, being fully known and fully loved.” He believes given our current cultural moment of disconnection that Good Shepherd is poised to be a leader in bringing healing and restoration to the wider community through joyfully living out the teachings of Christ. There is no greater thrill for Channing than to see the Spirit move in another person’s life. He looks forward to meeting you!
Previously he was the rector of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church and School in Saratoga, CA. Channing was ordained in 1992 in the Diocese of Southern Ohio where he served as the assistant rector at the Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati. Before coming to Saint Andrew’s, Channing was the rector of Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo, California.
While at Saint Andrew’s, Channing created an annual Faith and Innovation regional conference that uses contemplative wisdom to explore the impact of innovation in a rapidly changing world. The conferences have attracted 100-130 participants from around the Bay Area. In his previous parish, Channing created the San Mateo County Interfaith Hospitality Network, now Home and Hope, a rotating shelter program that houses families in parish halls. In the Diocese of El Camino Real, Channing has served as the Chair of the Stewardship Commission and as a member of the Standing Committee.
Channing has been married to Mary Richards-Smith, a licensed psychotherapist, for 29 years. They have a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Olivia. For relaxation and fun, he enjoys playing with his daughter, fly fishing, running, and mountain biking.