Paula Smith Sawyer was born and raised in North Carolina. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University and UNC School of Medicine. She has over 30 years of experience in healthcare.  In her role as Minister of Connections and former deacon, she is passionate about working with God’s people to educate them on health issues and also helping them use their gifts to His glory.  She is passionate about church organizational structure to improve efficiency and ensure that God’s resources are used most appropriately. Paula and her husband, Raeford, have been disciples of Pleasant Grove since 2007.