Rooted in faith
His ministry has remained centered on Christ, biblical teaching, prayer and the preservation of Apostolic identity.
The man and the ministerA life dedicated
A life dedicated
to service.
The life and ministry of Bishop Leo Clifford Smith Jr.
Executive Biography
More than five decades of ministry.
Bishop Leo Clifford Smith Jr. is a senior Apostolic minister, church founder and episcopal leader whose journey has encompassed pastoral leadership, church development, biblical teaching, episcopal governance, international ministry, mentorship, prayer and community service.
The Founding of Bethlehem
On April 6, 1970, Bishop Smith and his wife, Minister Joyce Smith, established Bethlehem Community Church in Irvington, New Jersey, with the consent and blessing of his pastor, the late District Elder Sanders.
The congregation subsequently became established in East Orange, where Bishop and Minister Smith provided pastoral leadership across generations.
That local work became a foundation for wider service: preaching and teaching the Apostolic faith, developing leaders, strengthening the Church and serving the community.
Responsibility enlarged
His work expanded beyond the local congregation into episcopal service within the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
International service
His episcopal journey included leadership of the Eastern Caribbean Council of Nations before his present New Jersey assignment.
Marriage and Family
A partnership in life and ministry.
Bishop Smith and Minister Joyce Smith have served together across family, pastoral ministry and Christian service.
Their family story
His Ministry Today
The journey continues.
More than five decades after establishing Bethlehem Community Church, Bishop Smith remains actively engaged in episcopal leadership, teaching, prayer and service to the Church.
Explore his episcopal journey