Daniel Smoak

Rev. Dr. Daniel has served as Lead Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2015. A native of Orangeburg, SC, he grew up on a cotton farm and was baptized, confirmed, and ordained at First Presbyterian Church, Orangeburg. He often says that he has been aware of God's love for him in Jesus Christ for as long as he can remember. His understanding of faith was shaped first by his family and then by influential teachers at Presbyterian College (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Erskine Theological Seminary (DMin).

Over more than 26 years of ministry, Daniel has served congregations in Thomasville, Georgia; York, South Carolina; and Charleston. Along the way, he has developed a particular interest in the challenges and opportunities of pastoral leadership, including healthy staff transitions, healing from church trauma, navigating denominational tensions in the local church, cultivating a missional mindset, and leading through seasons of crisis and change.

As a convener, Daniel hopes to bring curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to learn alongside other pastors. He enjoys creating space for meaningful conversation, sharing the wisdom that comes from experience, asking good questions, and helping colleagues discover new possibilities for ministry. He is particularly interested in what makes congregations thrive and how pastors can sustain a healthy, faithful, and life-giving ministry over the long haul.