Mark A. Smith Sr.
Pastor Smith is the product of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pastor was born in Des Moines, Iowa and is the oldest of five children. Pastor
attended public schools in Hannibal, Missouri, Davenport, Iowa, and Des Moines, Iowa. Pastor Smith received his undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary.
Pastor Smith has been active in the communities he has had the privilege to serve. Pastor has served as Membership Committee Chair on the Executive Committee, Interfaith Ministries, Secretary of the W.G. Williams Community Foundation Inc., member of the Ministerial League and member of the NAACP Board. Pastor Smith has served on the Federal Bureau of Prisons Community Relations Board and the Bureau of Prisons Mentoring Program. Pastor Smith began his ministry upon graduating High School but did not began active ministry until 1987 as an associate minister of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Olathe, Kansas. Pastor has served congregations at Wayman Chapel AME Church, Fort Scott, Ks, Ebenezer AME Church, St. Joseph, Missouri, St. Paul AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas, St. Paul AME Church, Wichita, Kansas, Brookins AME church, Oakland, California, Allen/St. John, Kansas City, Missouri and currently Bethel AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Pastor Smith also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Midwest Conference Board of Trustee’s, Instructor on the Board of Examiners, member of Ministerial Efficiency Committee, member of 5th District Finance Committee, Treasure of the Midwest Conference and has been elected to serve as delegate to the AME General Conference four times. Pastor Smith sees his present assignment at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as a holistic ministry – focusing on the physical, spiritual well being as the empowerment of all people in housing, economic development and education.
Pastor Smith’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 – “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.” (NIV) Pastor Smith is married to Cheryl L. Parrette-Smith; they have (5) children Josine, Guest, Mark A. Smith II, Shawn Overton, (bonus daughters “Melissa Conley, Allyson Burns, three grandchildren, Vaughn, Jeihlon, and Ava.