The Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Smith, Jr. has served as Pastor of the New Friendship Baptist Church for 38 years.  His outreach extends to numerous community meetings on spiritual and social issues.  He is the Past President of the Union of Churches in Lonsdale, the Former Moderator of the Knoxville District Missionary and Education Association, the Former Chairman of the Directors of the Empowerment Zone of Knoxville, TN.  He is currently on the board of Directors of the East Tennessee Housing Development Corporation and has served on the board of Directors for the Project Grad of Knoxville, and the Board of Directors of the Success by 6 of Greater Knoxville.  Pastor Smith is the founder of the HOPE Ministries (Help Other People Excel). 

 

In July 2010, Pastor Smith earned his Bachelor of Ministry degree from the Covington Theological Seminary.  In July 2011, he earned his Masters of Ministry degree from the Covington Theological Seminary, and in July 2013, he persistently earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Covington Theological Seminary.

 

The church body considers Pastor Smith to be a dedicated pastor, God’s servant in the vineyard – a person to be respected and trusted, not only for the preaching and teaching but also a role model in living.  He is patient, loving, kindhearted, and forgiving.  Pastor Smith is not only faithful in his ministry as a pastor, but he is also actively involved in teaching.  He mentors leaders to share in the teaching of various ministries, such as midweek Prayer & Bible Studies on each Wednesday and New Members and Sunday School Class on Sunday.

 

Pastor Smith has a loving family that prayerfully encourages him and is constantly at his side.  He has been married to Minister Mildred Smith for 56 years.  He is the father of 3 daughters and 2 sons and has 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.