Throw Out the Lifeline
Lessons to Encourage the Soul in Seasons of Uncertainty
Volume 1

In the heart of the pandemic's upheaval in early 2020, Rev. Dr. Craig Melvin Smith birthed a spiritual refuge titled "Lifeline." The pages of Throw Out the Lifeline unfold as a guiding light, offering timely and essential lessons to navigate the stormy seas of life during seasons of uncertainty. Dr. Smith invites readers to reflect on the divine message amidst the global pause, pondering whether it was an intrusion or an introduction from the hand of the Lord, a revelation that will only be fully understood when we stand face to face with Him.

Inspired by John 6:63 and the hymn Throw Out the Lifeline, Dr. Smith addresses the crucial question of how to prevent believers from drifting or sinking in the absence of the normal gathering places. Drawing parallels between a lifeline and the Scriptures as a source of life, he unveils the profound impact of the teachings during the COVID-19 storm, emphasizing their role in keeping the Light on in homes, lives, and families.

As the world moves past the darkest days of the pandemic, "Lifeline" continues its mission after 200 consecutive weeks, maintaining a consistent audience of 150 hearers weekly. Dr. Smith's dedication extends to a broader audience through the publication of this series, transcending conventional gatherings. The multi-volume endeavor becomes a testament to faith's resilience and the enduring power of spiritual teachings in the face of uncertainty.

Rev. Dr. Craig Melvin Smith is the Senior Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church in Hillside, Illinois, within the Greater Chicago Area. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, he was called to preach in 1972 during his junior year at the University of Illinois. Ordained in 1974, he holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Northern Baptist Seminary, and United Theological Seminary. With a diverse professional background, including roles as a banker and crime analyst, he became the pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Rockford and later Metropolitan Baptist Church in Chicago. In 2000, guided by the Holy Spirit, he founded Freedom Baptist Church, which has grown significantly under his leadership. Dr. Smith, having achieved various degrees, including a Doctorate in Ministry, also passed the LSAT in 2013 with aspirations for a law degree. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Freedom Forward, a renovation and expansion project, is set to begin in 2024. Dr. Smith's preaching ministry extends globally, including visits to the Holy Land and South Africa, where Freedom launched a church in 2006. He actively engages in preaching and teaching and has been married to Patricia Ann for 51 years.