A leader who lives what he preaches: Kåre J. Smith 80 years old

It is a respected church leader who turns 80 this fall. For 30 years, Kåre J. Smith has led the church with a steady course into a new era. For decades before that, he distinguished himself as a servant of the church with great love for his fellow human beings.


The entire adult part of the congregation has been invited to this weekend’s celebration. I meet two busy ladies who are project managers for the event, both of whom are the daughters of Kåre J. Smith. They say that their father was keen for this to be a celebration that gave the participants content to take home, not a celebration of his person.

 “When we developed the vision for the celebration, he was particularly concerned that the participants should be encouraged to grasp the love of Christ, and to use the gifts of grace they have been given in the body of Christ for selfless service,” says Elisabeth S. Nielsen.

Elisabeth S. Nielsen has worked on the vision and planning of the festivities, and now the implementation is underway. Photo: BCC

“It made a big impression on us, because that’s how we’ve seen him live, so we’ve kept this in mind throughout the planning of this event,” she says.

And using your gifts to benefit others is a common thread everywhere we go this weekend. From the smiling friends from the local church in Oslo and Follo who provide refreshments at the “Festival Square,” to the beautiful music at the anniversary concert on Friday, and especially when we now gather for the formal celebration on Saturday evening.

Hilde S. Stadven has been working on the preparations for a long time, and says that the celebration is a combination of several elements. She emphasizes that it is also a celebration as a result Kåre J. Smith’s vision for people from all over the world to be able to gather for the church’s international conferences.

Hilde S. Stadven is delighted so far—everything is going according to plan. Photo: BCC

“This is also a celebration of the completion of Brunstad. The fact that we can have a venue that is large enough and suitable for gathering for the international conferences is absolutely fantastic. Now we’re seeing how this works in practice,” says Hilde S. Stadven.

On Saturday, Oslofjord Arena is festively decked out and made ready to receive almost 10,000 guests. It’s time to celebrate the 80th birthday of a much-loved church leader.

Celebratory music and song, edifying and evocative films, and a series of speeches paint a picture of Kåre J. Smith’s life and ministry. And, importantly, we get to see and hear how his visions have led to tremendous development and change in the church. At the same time, it is secure because it has been built on what was from the beginning—the word of God.

The festivities are opened with these verses from the first letter of John:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us …” (1 John 1:1–2 NKJV)

Many can testify that we have seen the life of Christ manifested, and that Kåre J. Smith’s ministry has been of great help to many people around the world.

Gertrude (70) from South Africa points out that Smith’s preaching has left room for each individual to develop at their own pace. Bernt (82) from Norway thanks Smith for leading the church back to the way it was from the beginning, and making church life sound and good for children, young people, and the elderly.

Christoph (71) from Germany describes the importance of the conferences at Brunstad, and all the work that goes into making it possible for it to be as good as it is today, as very valuable. He compares it to an anthill, where everyone works together in harmony, and that the unity, preaching, and fellowship we have during the conferences at Brunstad is completely unique. Sara (59) is grateful for the clear preaching that has been a great help in life, even when faced with demanding situations and conditions.

For decades, Kåre J. Smith has traveled all over the world to preach the Word and help people make a personal connection with Jesus. At the same time, he has played a key role in the renewal and implementation of the conferences at Brunstad. Together with his wife Eva, he has shown great care for individuals in his pastoral ministry.

As Kåre J. Smith himself says in one of the evening’s films: “What drives me is my love for people.”  

“The life Dad talks about is absolutely true; he lives that life,” says his daughter Hanne. And many will agree with Hilde when she says, “I’ve learned that Christianity shouldn’t be a gloomy and sad life—it’s well-being and joy!” The grandchildren had made a film for the celebration, and the words they use to describe their grandfather resonate with all of us who have gotten to know him.

Grandpa Kåre is:

  • 100% righteous
  • Generous
  • Honest and considerate to all
  • Someone who doesn’t judge anyone
  • A warrior

Conferences at Brunstad—we come back here again and again

A film with a humorous slant on the great changes that have taken place at Brunstad since the beginning made the audience roar with laughter. Surely no one misses the long bathroom queues or the inadequate showers. On the contrary, we are very grateful that we have a place to travel that is adapted for the conferences, where children and young people can also have freedom and enjoy themselves.

Asked why he thinks his friends want to come to Brunstad again and again, Kåre J. Smith replies that it is because it is so faith-strengthening to experience the atmosphere here, and that we want to be with those who feel they have a heavenly calling and who long for a new life.

God’s blessing on his life and ministry

The godliness we have seen in our dear friend and leader Kåre J. Smith cannot be measured in words in this world. But the grateful congregation, the healthy church life, the on-point preaching, and the multitude of young people growing up speak more than a thousand words.

We congratulate you on your 80th birthday and wish you God’s rich blessing on your life and ministry in the future.

Facts about Kåre J. Smith

  • Born November 14, 1944, in Krokstadelva, Norway
  • Married to Eva—together they have seven children
  • Spiritual leader of Brunstad Christian Church since the 1990s
  • Contributed to renewal and development, especially in activities for children and youth, but also in the use of technology and new media to communicate the Christian message

See greetings from grateful friends from around the world: