Michael Darbouze took his first lead pastoral role in 2018 at a struggling church, an experience that ignited a passion in him for church revitalization.
In 2020, he completed a church planting residency, and by 2021, he was co-pastoring another declining church. Both ministries, by God’s grace, grew and transitioned into permanent spaces within two years. These experiences revealed a clear calling to replant dying churches.
Over the past year and a half, Michael has served as a pastor in residence, discerning the right replant opportunity. When the Nashville Baptist Association offered the chance to replant Smith Springs Baptist Church (SSBC), Michael and his wife, Jomar, knew this was God’s direction.
Michael, Jomar and Darbouze family
Replant Pastor, Smith Springs Baptist Church
The Darbouze household found two particular things appealing about the opportunity to participate in the replant work of SSBC.
- Supportive Partnership – The NBA, Bob Bickford, and a network of churches offer vital backing for this replanting mission.
- Community Calling – Smith Springs is a densely populated, diverse area—perfectly aligned with their passion to see the gospel unite across cultural divides.
If you are interested in learning more about the replant or supporting the work of revitalizing a dying church, please click on the links below.
- Give to the Smith Springs Replant
- Read, Download and print the Prospectus below