SENIOR PASTOR & CEO

Pastor Robert Smith, Jr. is the third of ten children born to the late Rev. Robert Smith, Sr. and Ollie Mae Smith of Pensacola, Florida. He received his early education in Pensacola and Birmingham, Alabama, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miles College in 1974. He later received a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and pursued advanced doctoral studies at Drew University. He is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program at Houston Theological Seminary.

Called to ministry early in life, Pastor Smith has served faithfully for more than four decades. He succeeded his father as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, before becoming Co-Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit in 1982. Following the passing of Rev. C.L. Franklin in 1984, Pastor Smith was called to serve as Senior Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, a role he continues to hold with dedication.

Under Pastor Smith’s visionary leadership, New Bethel has grown into a dynamic ministry impacting lives beyond its walls. The church supports the community through Angel Land Day Care Centers, AA and NA support groups, and the Samaritan Ministry, which provides food and clothing to those in need.

Pastor Smith has also served in key civic and denominational roles, including Vice President of the Detroit NAACP, Moderator at Large of the Michigan District Baptist Association, and Chairman of the Evangelism Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

A passionate humanitarian, Pastor Smith is the founder and chairman of the Haiti Mission Alliance, leading annual trips to Port-au-Prince to provide vital resources and ministry support. He is also an accomplished author, publishing three books chronicling his faith journey and ministry experiences.

Known as both a powerful preacher and a gifted vocalist, Pastor Smith continues to inspire others with his unwavering message: “How Good the Lord Is.”

Pastor Smith and his wife, Cynthia Perkins Smith—his best friend and partner in ministry—have been married for over 50 years. They are the proud parents of four adult children—Sherique, Conderidge, Terique, and Erma (god-daughter)—and the joyful grandparents of Joshua, Austin, Grace, Lauren, and Josiah.