pastor bio

Bishop Reginald E. Smith is a native of Detroit, Michigan having graduated from Murray Wright High School in 1985; he had no choice but to further his education.  Growing up in a loving home under his late father and pastor Rev. Dr., Major E. Smith who founded the 1970’s civic group called (SIS) Stay in School and his educator-mother, Edith Smith obtained her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling and Administration.  Both parents were equally responsible for planting the seed of his deep faith and his thirst for knowledge at an early age. 

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Bishop Reginald E. Smith pursued his undergraduate degree at Alabama State University where he received his B.A. and where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Soon after graduating ASU, he attended Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union and completed his Master of Divinity Degree, and Canterbury University awarded him his Doctor of Theology degree in honors.

 

Under divine providence, in April 1998, Bishop Reginald E. Smith succeeded his father as the leader of Union Grace Missionary Baptist Church.  With his feet firmly rooted in the Word of God, there was no doubt that this young man, of great faith, was called to preach the gospel and to lead the congregation of Union Grace. He promptly began blazing his own trail.

 

Through his leadership, Union Grace is being transformed into a Bible Institute.  Bishop Smith has also established several ministries including The Tutorial and Scholarship Ministries, The Pastor’s Honor Roll Awards Program and monthly Community Projects that assist and educate members and the community.  He formed a 501©3 Community Development Corporation (UGCDC) focused on economic development. He also teaches an internet Bible Study called Wednesday in the Word and is expanding the church into multiple locations for worship.

 

Always seeking new ways to spread God’s relevant word, Smith hosted a weekly T.V. broadcast called “Keeping It Real” that reached over a million viewers weekly.  He’s a published author of Surviving Tough Times, a collection of daily meditations.  You can now find him on Social Media teaching and preaching the gospel.   

 

Bishop Smith served from 2016 through 2019 as the Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Building Pastors & People International - A Fellowship of Bahamian and American Churches and locally he is a member of The Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention and The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity.  He supports many charities through his “Run-With-The-Bishop” initiative and works within the local schools to help students in need. In December of 2019 He was awarded the highest honor by the American Red Cross, with the Certificate of Merit Award, for his live saving efforts. Currently, Bishop Smith is a member the John Maxwell Team, providing training and teaching services to companies.

 

Bishop Reginald E. Smith exemplifies an honorable man of God, a dynamic, inspiring leader, a strong loving father and a loyal dedicated husband.  His beautiful, loving wife is Lady Tracy Smith, Esq., who is a gifted, respected woman of God.  They have been married nearly 30 years and are the proud parents of three sons Tkhari, Tyre, and Tavis. His powerful, life-changing messages reach beyond religious and denominational barriers transforming lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. His demonstrative, profound, passionate sermons challenge hearers to worship God at a deeper, spiritual level.  His favorite scripture is Acts 4:31 “When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”