MY
NAME
IS:
Christine A.
Smith.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In 2020, the Lord continues to do AMAZING things in my life personally and in the life of the Ministry I now serve! After 13 years of pastoring "Covenant Baptist Church," the Lord accomplished a transition, closing Covenant and establishing, "Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc.!" I am honored to serve as the Senior Pastor. You can read about this miraculous journey at www.rmgrcle.org.
The Word of God declares, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) This has been and continues to be my life testimony and guiding word of wisdom. Through prayer, faith and perseverance, all things are possible!
Do you know the Lord for yourself? Have you discerned God's will for your life? I invite you to check out my weekly blog, Shepastor where we share words of wisdom, encouragement, education and inspiration based upon God's Holy Word. If you live in the Greater Cleveland area, come and visit Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc. where we are "Revived, Renewed and Restored through Christ!"
If you have not already done so, pick up a copy of my first book, Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors
To purchase, click on the image of the book below...
Do you desire special prayer? Do you have questions about your life direction? Are you looking for a church home? Fill out the boxes below and send me a message.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Pastor Chris
Dear Ancestors...
In recognition of Juneteenth, Pastor Chris was invited by Channel 19 News News to be a part of a special series, "Dear Ancestors: Letters celebrate, reflect on Juneteenth..." acknowledging their sacrifices, their sufferings and their perseverance...
To see and hear all of the presenters, click on the Channel 19 News image below...
Ashland Theological Seminary Special Zoom Presentation, "Overcoming Barriers For Women Clergy..."
On Tuesday May 4th at 7:00 pm Pastor Chris will give a special presentation for Ashland Theological Seminary on the topic, "Overcoming Barriers for Women Clergy.”
"As church congregations in the U.S. become more and more diverse, women still hold only a small minority of top leadership positions. Rev. Christine Smith identifies issues and barriers related to women in ministry and offers strategies to overcome those barriers. Please join us for an informative presentation with time for questions and answers on Tuesday evening, May 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST."
Register HERE
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER ~ Rev. Christine Smith serves as the Senior Pastor at Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc. and is author of the book "Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors". Rev. Smith is considered an authority in the area of women in ministry, which is the focus of much of her work. Recently, Rev. Smith was quoted in the Pew report about black women pastors in their 2021 research study, "Faith Among Black Americans".
You can read Rev. Smith's bio and learn more about her ministry at http://www.rmgrcle.org/about-our-pastor
For more information and to register, visit https://seminary.ashland.edu/
In Support of Excellence...
Pastor Chris with her family:
Daughter Aris, Sons, Aristide III and Caleb, Husband, "1st Gentleman," Aristide Smith, Jr.
Prayers for our Nation and our World...
Dear Lord,
As we continue to face the pain and suffering caused, not only by the world wide pandemic, but by deep divisions, social injustices, "isms" and inequities, help us to face our individual and collective sins, repent and turn. May we see your image in our faces and treat each other with love, respect and humanness. Help us to listen, learn, repent, forgive and heal. Give us wisdom and discernment as we face the Corona Virus Pandemic. Help us to honor the guidance of scientists and medical professionals, wear our masks, cleanse our hands, keep socially distant and do all we can to walk in wisdom. Remember all of those who have lost loved ones, jobs, opportunities, and hope. Please supply our needs, comfort our hearts and strengthen our spirits. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Get Vaccinated!!!
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COVID-19 Vaccination Information...
Ohio's 'Get the Shot' site will help you find COVID-19 vaccine appointments throughout the state, including options at Cleveland's Wolstein Center. Click here for more information and to register for your vaccine!
American Baptist Home Mission Societies: ISOE Encourages Clergy Financial Literacy Through Stories of "Financial Resurrection..."
"Herself once a struggling pastor, Smith points out that African-American women in ministry are often called to economically depressed, small churches that are unable to pay a living wage.
Your gift to Beyond the Stained-Glass Ceiling Endowment Fund helps ABHMS to support, encourage and advocate for the well-being of black female pastoral leaders by helping to alleviate the economic challenges and related stress they face. Your gift helps to ensure that those who are called to serve are equipped to serve." Click the video below to hear the interview with Pastor Chris and Rev. Jennifer Sanborn, "A Story of Financial Resurrection..."
The Rev. Chris Smith had a vision of providing support to African-American women ministers who were leading small congregations, many struggling financially. Buoyed by this prophetic calling, Smith authored her groundbreaking book, “Beyond the Stained-glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors” (Judson Press, 2013).
Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland Inc., the church pastored by Smith, has established a $70,000 endowed gift with American Baptist Home Mission Societies that will support at least two African-American female pastors yearly who serve congregations of 300 or fewer members as senior solo pastor...
To read more and to make a donation, click here...
Smith Family interviewed by Action 19 News to discuss "The Talk" Black Families must have with their Children..."
"What it means to be black in America? 2 different families with the same message" On July 17th, 2020, that was the question two families were asked regarding race in America, law enforcement and obvious inequities. Following the tragic and unlawful death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN at the hands of police officers, African American families, once again were reminded of the need for necessary conversations with their children, particularly their sons.
Pastor Chris, along with her husband, Aristide Smith, Jr., her sons, Aristide Smith, III and Caleb, and their daughter Aris were interviewed by Channel 19 News Anchor, Ms. Tiffany Tucker to discuss the issue. To read about the interview and to hear the personal testimonies of both families, click here...
See additional pictures in picture grid below...
© 2015 by Christine A. Smith. Proudly created with Wix.com
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