Meet Our Staff

Center Grove’s current pastor is Rev. Donald F. Smith. Smith was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He matriculated at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work. Pastor Smith wen ton to receive a Master of Divinity Degree Degree with an emphasis in Christian Ethics and Biblical Studies from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Pastor Smith has held numerous offices and served in many capacities within the United Methodist Church.

Ruth Smith serves as one of the Associate Pastors at Center Grove. She attended J.F Drake Technical Trade School and graduated with an Executive Secretary Certificate, following her enlistment in the United States Army and served for over eight years. She is currently employed as a civilian for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Smith began preaching in 2000 as a laity minister at Lowe’s Chapel UMC and in 2004 was appointed Associate Pastor at Lowe’s Chapel in 2004. Since 2005, she has served in the role of Associate Pastor at Center Grove. While at Center Grove, Smith has developed a passion for youth ministry and lay speaking.

Tina Moore is a native of Huntsville, Alabama. She is an active member of Center Grove U.M.C. She currently serves as the Office Administrative Assistant and has served in this capacity for the past 12 years. She is the proud mother of three children and has four lovely grandchildren. Her favorite scripture is: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37.

Carmen Hale  is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, She is second to the youngest of four sisters and one brother. Carmen Hale graduated from Columbia High School and Jacksonville State University. She loves God and is a firm believer in Jesus Christ. She has worked with children and youth for over 10 years. As a child she desired to be a lawyer but found her purpose in helping and learning about children and at-risk youth. Carmen Hale loves youth and children and her family at Center Grove United Methodist church, her desire is to see all youth prosper and grow and develop in the Lord and that Center Grove’s Youth Ministry will always serve as a safe haven and strong hand for youth and children.