Who we are:

The Florence Baptist Association is a network of 36 churches cooperating to make disciples and advance the Gospel for the glory of God.‍ Our journey began in 1889. Today, we continue that rich legacy through our active partnerships with both the South Carolina and Southern Baptist Conventions.

Meet Our Staff

Chris Smith

Chris came to lead the Florence Baptist Association in June 2012. The Smith family moved from Rockingham, NC, where he was lead pastor for almost seven years. Chris also pastored churches in Infield, NC, St. George, SC and Elgin, SC before moving to Rockingham. He is a graduate of Charleston Southern University (BA in Religion) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity). He began his ministry in 1981, working with children in the church his father pastored.

He met his wife of 37 years while in seminary. Tracy, other than being a partner in ministry through the years, is an elementary school teacher. They have three adult children. Drew, who is affectionately known as Chris's Associate, still lives at home. Maggie lives in Anderson, SC, and is a music teacher, soccer coach, and worship leader. Lillie lives in Columbia, SC, and is an associate at First Tuesday Strategies.

Outside of ministry, Chris has worked primarily in construction. "I never make apologies for my construction skills developed through the years; they have served me well in churches and various mission work." He has always enjoyed participating in many sports. While recently retiring from softball after 41 years, he currently enjoys fishing, golf, and pickleball.

Louanne Stewart

Louanne has served the Florence Baptist Association as the Ministry and Missions Development Director since January 2, 1999. She has a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Baptist College at Charleston (Charleston Southern) and a Master's Degree in Religious Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Louanne is married to Eddie Stewart, who served several SC Baptist churches as a youth pastor and, most recently, retired from Calvary Baptist on May 31, 2024, as their Associate Pastor of Education, Outreach, and Administration. They have two adult children and five granddaughters. Their son, Wes, is a SC Game Warden in Region 2 and is married to Jessica, who works at Inspiration Network. They have one daughter, Charlie, who loves to play soccer and hunt.

Their daughter, Jessie, is a stay-at-home mom and is married to Daniel Barta. They live in Travelers Rest, where Daniel serves as the pastor of Christ Fellowship Northwest. They have 4 daughters-Allie, Lydia, Hadley, and Macie-who all enjoy soccer as well!

Trena Cogley

Trena has served with the Florence Baptist Association as the Ministry Assistant since July 2026. She and her husband, Bill, have 2 adult sons, Nick & Alex. They are members of Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church, where her husband, Bill, is on staff as Associate Pastor of Worship.