We get it. We’ve been there.
Church is different than business. And similar, too. We know the nuance.
Our Story
The 153 Effect was created by the team at SmartMetrix to help pastors and church leaders. We’re your guides to facilitate curiosity, implement systems and processes, and make your data more meaningful - and we do it all to help you make more informed decisions and fuel growth for your church.
Powered with compassion, along with a lot of our own church-leading experience, we’re ready to meet you where you are today and walk the continued path of transforming lives with you.
Our Approach
We have a responsibility to meet our clients where they are today. This requires us to invest - early and often - in every relationship we build. You’ll find as we get to know you and your church that we respond with “it depends.”
That’s because it does.
We focus on your church’s mission and craft tailored systems and processes with meaningful data to gain momentum on achieving the vision of your church.
We do our best to see the big picture, even when we’re discussing immediate needs. If we were to rush to the answer, we end up with more advocacy than inquiry, missing out on a breadth of information. Said another way, we value asking for problems rather than simply giving you a temporary solution.
It all starts with a conversation.
Are you ready?
Culture
People over process. Period. When we focus on our people first (team members, clients, partners, vendors, and pretty much everyone else we interact with) we allow for creativity, collaboration, and most importantly, fun. When we choose to look at problems with and without logic, we open ourselves up to create solutions that bring the most value to our clients. Processes are important, but they’re nothing without people.
Your Compassionate Guides
Amber Smart
Founder & CEO
Hi, I’m Amber Smart. I founded SmartMetrix to help organizations and professionals who are ready to get more out of their data but don’t know where to start. The SmartMetrix team has created The 153 Effect to help churches improve member engagement, understand momentum, and make more-informed decisions with meaningful data and discernment.
I’m a Tableau Certified Professional, Ambassador, and have created more than 4,000 dashboards in my career. I created the data strategy and formed the analytics team at Life.Church. Prior to that, I was the Operations Leader for Digerati where I helped launch the Bible App.
I’m passionate about baked goods and still regret the time I lip-synced The Thong Song in front of a crowd of 500. When I’m not helping make the complex more simple, you can find me playing with my three grandbabies.
Kevin Penry
Leadership Coach
Hello there, I’m Kevin. I work with leadership to help them recognize and become their best authentic selves. I’m passionate about being involved in the design and implementation of systems and processes tailored for church clients. My service has focused on advising churches with their multi-site strategy. I served Life.Church as the Operations Leader from 2000 - 2017.
During those 17 years on Life's Directional Leadership Team, I served as the Original Point Position for developing Life.Church’s multi-site strategy. I’m passionate about church operations including finance, property acquisition and development, missions, small groups, and security.
Outside the office, I enjoy time with my wife Nikki, our three adult children and their families which include our nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Maurine Holt
Risk Manager
Hi! I'm Maurine. Helping churches navigate the waters of risk in pursuit of their mission is one of my passions. I’m naturally curious and genuinely authentic.
A pioneer in church risk management, I developed and implemented a comprehensive risk management program and team for Life.Church, which decreased liability and reduced costs. I’m passionate about equipping and empowering churches to understand and manage risk and have spent the past 15 plus years doing so.
Outside of the office, I find joy in spending time with my three kids and friends. Spending time outdoors is one of my favorite ways to recharge. I enjoy new experiences and taking in all that this world has to offer.