LAFAYETTE, Ind.—Dr. Bob Smith is the recipient of the 2007 Simeon Award, presented by the Indiana Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches on September 18. The IFRBC’s Simeon Award is presented each year to an individual in our fellowship who has, over many years of life and ministry, demonstrated faithful effectiveness for the Lord. The award is named after Simeon, who is described in Luke 2 as a righteous and devout man. Smith and his wife, Leona, were recognized for their 30-year effort to expand and promote biblical counseling.
Smith moved from Northwest Indiana to Faith Baptist Church in 1977 to assist in the formation of what is now known as Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry. Professionally, he continued his medical practice in association with St. Elizabeth Hospital and Arnett Clinic until retirement.
Through the 1970’s Smith was a member of the Board of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation in Pennsylvania. That board then established the National Association of Nouthetic Counseling in 1975. Bob was a charter member of the NANC Board of Trustees, and he held the positions of Executive Director, Board President, and Board Secretary. He continues to serve on the Board of Trustees and is a NANC Fellow.
At the present time he teaches, counsels, and trains counselors in the Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry. He also teaches an Adult Bible Fellowship and is chairman of the deacons of Faith Baptist Church. Bob and Leona have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Bob stated that none of these accomplishments could have been achieved without God’s motivation, gracious provisions, and strength; and the loyal partnership of his wife Leona.
