Pastor Anthony Smith
Pastor Anthony Smith is the anointed, visionary shepherd who God has sent to lead Forest Chapel Baptist Church into the next level of success and achievement in this season. Pastor A. Smith accepted his calling to preach the gospel in 1994. He was licensed (May 1995) by Pastor James C. Harris, Sr. of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. Reverend Smith was later ordained (December 2002) by Pastor Jimmy R. Gibson, Sr. of Forest Chapel Baptist Church in Forest Park, Georgia. As a son of the ministry, God allowed Pastor Anthony the opportunity to venture out and mature in his calling, all while preparing him for his return to his home church and congregation in January 2018.
Through his bold, principled leadership, Pastor Smith has led other ministries and many people in making great strides in spirituality, administration, and ministry expansion. Reverend Smith gained pastoral experience while serving both Millers Chapel Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia and O’Kelly Chapel Baptist Church in Loganvile, Georgia. Pastor Anthony is also the founding pastor of Nehemiah Ministries in Conyers, Georgia. Serving since Nehemiah’s foundation in June of 2009, under the direction of God, Pastor Smith continues to bring the church through a period of transition and transformation.
God has blessed Pastor Smith with an amazing combination of diverse life experiences, which have prepared him for his divine appointment in ministry. His God-directed developmental path prepared him to handle the spiritual side of the church as well as the administrative and business sides. From stints in law enforcement, as a Georgia State University police officer, to a Rockdale County Code Enforcement employee, God’s invisible hand was gently guiding and preparing Pastor Smith. From his primary education in the Muscogee County (GA) public schools, to his participation in continued education through classes at both Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Luther Rice Seminary & University, God’s invisible hand again was constantly guiding this leader, who is also the accomplished author of Heaven’s Bouquet: Planted and Picked by God.
Through his novel, Pastor Smith is able to minister to the everyday saint and offer encouragement for how to overcome the bondage and challenges of losing a loved-one. The call on Pastor Smith’s life is not limited to his writings. Pastor Smith ministers throughout the community on a daily basis—personifying Forest Chapel Baptist Church’s motto of impacting the world by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. He has strong ties with both community and civic organizations. He is an active participant and supporter for the Democratic Party in Rockdale County. He frequently engages in the activities of the Minister’s Alliance of Rockdale/Newton County. He supports the local NAACP. He is a mentor to many young men in the surrounding area. He has touched many lives in his day-to-day interactions, with all that he meets. In 2012, he was recognized by the Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as a Legend for Outstanding Community Service.
Pastor Smith readily admits that he is a country boy from Columbus, Georgia by way of Geneva, Alabama, whom God has blessed tremendously. Pastor Smith’s down-to-earth disposition in no way reflects his powerful, anointed preaching ability. His baritone voice articulates with clarity, with precision, and with succinctness, a Christ-centered, Bible-based message with relevance for the 21st century. Pastor Smith draws from a plethora of sources to illustrate his points. His anointed preaching addresses the issues and problems of today and provides Biblical answers in a positive, uplifting way. Some of his most memorable and impactful sermons are “Making it on Broken Pieces”, “Designed for My Destiny”, “Play Your Position”, “When the Church Straightens Up”, “Praising God Through Your Pain”, and “How to Handle Sin.”
Pastor Smith, who considers himself “just a little ol’ preacher from Columbus”, is humbled and honored that God has chosen him as the anointed vessel to lead Forest Chapel Baptist Church, in such a time as this.