Mark A. Smith Sr.
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Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
“I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Pastor Smith is a dedicated leader deeply rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he is the eldest of five children. Pastor Smith's early education took place in public schools across Hannibal, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; and Des Moines, Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, as well as a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary.
Throughout his career, Pastor Smith has been an active and impactful presence in the communities he has served. His notable contributions include serving as Membership Committee Chair on the Executive Committee of Interfaith Ministries, Secretary of the W.G. Williams Community Foundation, Inc., a member of the Ministerial League, and a member of the NAACP Board. Additionally, he has served on the Federal Bureau of Prisons Community Relations Board and participated in the Bureau of Prisons Mentoring Program.
Pastor Smith's ministry began shortly after graduating high school, although his formal pastoral work commenced in 1987 as an associate minister at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Olathe, Kansas. Over the years, he has served various congregations, including Wayman Chapel AME Church in Fort Scott, Kansas; Ebenezer AME Church in St. Joseph, Missouri; St. Paul AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas; St. Paul AME Church in Wichita, Kansas; Brookins AME Church in Oakland, California; and Allen/St. John in Kansas City, Missouri. Currently, Pastor Smith is serving at Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Smith holds several leadership roles. He is the Vice Chairperson of the Midwest Conference Board of Trustees, an Instructor on the Board of Examiners, a member of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, and a member of the 5th District Finance Committee. He also serves as Treasurer of the Midwest Conference and has been elected as a delegate to the AME General Conference on four occasions. Pastor Smith views his current role at Bethel AME Church as a holistic ministry, focusing on the physical, spiritual, and overall well-being of all people through empowerment in housing, economic development, and education.
Pastor Smith is married to Cheryl L. Parrette-Smith. Together, they have five children—Josine Guest, Mark A. Smith II, and Shawn Overton—as well as two "bonus daughters," Melissa Conley and Allyson Burns. They are proud grandparents to three grandchildren: Vaughn, Jeihlon, and Ava.
“I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Pastor Smith is a dedicated leader deeply rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he is the eldest of five children. Pastor Smith's early education took place in public schools across Hannibal, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; and Des Moines, Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, as well as a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary.
Throughout his career, Pastor Smith has been an active and impactful presence in the communities he has served. His notable contributions include serving as Membership Committee Chair on the Executive Committee of Interfaith Ministries, Secretary of the W.G. Williams Community Foundation, Inc., a member of the Ministerial League, and a member of the NAACP Board. Additionally, he has served on the Federal Bureau of Prisons Community Relations Board and participated in the Bureau of Prisons Mentoring Program.
Pastor Smith's ministry began shortly after graduating high school, although his formal pastoral work commenced in 1987 as an associate minister at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Olathe, Kansas. Over the years, he has served various congregations, including Wayman Chapel AME Church in Fort Scott, Kansas; Ebenezer AME Church in St. Joseph, Missouri; St. Paul AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas; St. Paul AME Church in Wichita, Kansas; Brookins AME Church in Oakland, California; and Allen/St. John in Kansas City, Missouri. Currently, Pastor Smith is serving at Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Smith holds several leadership roles. He is the Vice Chairperson of the Midwest Conference Board of Trustees, an Instructor on the Board of Examiners, a member of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, and a member of the 5th District Finance Committee. He also serves as Treasurer of the Midwest Conference and has been elected as a delegate to the AME General Conference on four occasions. Pastor Smith views his current role at Bethel AME Church as a holistic ministry, focusing on the physical, spiritual, and overall well-being of all people through empowerment in housing, economic development, and education.
Pastor Smith is married to Cheryl L. Parrette-Smith. Together, they have five children—Josine Guest, Mark A. Smith II, and Shawn Overton—as well as two "bonus daughters," Melissa Conley and Allyson Burns. They are proud grandparents to three grandchildren: Vaughn, Jeihlon, and Ava.