Maryl Smith

Maryl Smith – Creative Director

Dr. Tim loves to minister alongside his wife. Maryl is a gifted flutist as well as a drama enthusiast who has written, directed and performed in a broad variety of musical theater presentations. She developed and taught Creative Ministry classes for Portland Bible College, and has written for Good Catch Publishing, creating quality evangelistic books of personal testimonies. 

Maryl holds degrees in Theology and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies through the North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies in partnership with Sioux Falls Seminary. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she has been awarded for her work preserving Cherokee community and culture. Her unique understanding of how spiritual expression arises out of culture and place helps her to convey scriptural truth in a way that blossoms in diverse faith communities.

Maryl is Assistant to the Minister at Great Spirit Church, where she serves Portland’s Indigenous Community preaching, teaching, leading groups and providing pastoral care. She brings a depth of pastoral experience to Worship Without Borders. Her ability to speak to the relational dynamics of growing healthy worship teams is invaluable.

Over the past forty years, Maryl has cared for hundreds of families as a Licensed, Certified Professional Midwife with a specialty in trauma-sensitive care. She served on the teaching staff of a midwifery college, and her contributions have appeared in various professional and peer reviewed publications. She continues to speak at conferences and her birth-related songs are sung around the world.

 Dr. Tim and Maryl have four grown children, 2 beautiful grand-daughters (both delivered by their grandmother) and one very opinionated cat.