Our Founder/Biography

Bishop Smith is the fifth of eight children born to the late District Elder Horace Sr. and Mother Mary Smith on September 3, 1961. He was raised in an environment where he was taught the importance of serving God and was baptized in Jesus’ name at the early age of 7. He was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and went on to attend Morgan State University as a “Social Work major.”

• In 1976 Bishop Smith received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the testimony as a born-again believer.

• In 1981 Bishop Smith was called to the ministry where he served as a minister under the auspices of his father the Pastor of the Open-Door Bible Way Church, Baltimore, Maryland.

• In 1984 Bishop Smith joined Greater Morning Star Pentecostal Church Washington DC where he served as an associate minister/elder/musician and in other capacities as Asst. Minister of Music and served his pastor.

• In 1985 Bishop Smith was joined in Holy Matrimony to the lovely and talented Ms. Regina La Shone who also faithfully served at Greater Morning Star Pentecostal Church.

• In 1990 Bishop Smith began the Agape Assembly Ministry in his home.

• In 1991 Bishop Smith was ordained as an “Elder” in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

• In 2000 Bishop Smith was consecrated to the office of “Bishop” under Apostle Floyd Nelson, Sr.

• In 2002 Bishop Smith graduated from the International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth where he earned a Bachelor of Christian Education, Master of Theology and Doctor of Divinity – “Summa Cum Laude” based out of Columbus, Ohio.

• In 2003 the Lord instructed Bishop Smith to change the name of the church from Agape Assembly to The New Beginnings Ministry Inc.

• In October 2014, The Lord led Bishop Smith to start another ministry – Christ Kingdom Culture Empowerment Center, Baltimore, Maryland, and this location was purchased, and it is our first property and outreach center.

• He is a graduate of Liberty University Institute of Biblical Studies.

• He is the President and Founder of the New Beginnings Community Development and Empowerment Corporation, Inc.

• In 2006 Bishop Smith was appointed and served as one of the Vice Presider of United Cornerstone Churches International serving under Apostle James Carter based in North Carolina.

• In 2009 Bishop Smith completed his project and book entitled “40 Days & Nights of Devotions that Edify”

• He serves as a member of the Maryland Clergy PAC.

• In 2011 he received an Episcopal Reaffirmation as Bishop and serves on the Executive Counsel of Bishop for Ark United Christian Community of Churches International – Bishop C. Anthony Muse, Presiding Prelate.

• In 2013 Bishop Smith served under the Obama Administration on the Democratic Central Committee in Prince Georges County Maryland as Community Liaison.

• In 2013 the Lord led Bishop Smith to rename the church from The New Beginnings Ministry to Christ Kingdom Culture Church, Fort Washington, Maryland.

• In 2013 a second book entitled “The Characteristics of a Godly Father” dedicated to his father the late District Horace S. Smith, Sr.

• In October 2014, The Lord led Bishop Smith to start another ministry – Christ Kingdom Culture Empowerment Center, Baltimore, Maryland the purchase our first property and outreach.

• In 2014 Bishop Smith received an honorary Doctorate from Break-Through Bible College of Maryland.

• In 2016 Bishop Smith organized the “24-hour Prayer Ministry.”

• In 2017 he launched the Ephesians Prayer Army Boot Camp raising intercessors to pray for the 7 Mountains of Influence.

• In August 2017 during Refreshing Conference, Bishop Smith launched the “Kingdom Covenant Global Network” where he serves as President of which have church affiliations in U.S. and Germany. This outreach ministry is a resourceful connection to give support to Pastors and Leaders.

• In 2018 Bishop Smith partnered with the Community Crises Center “Warm Night” Program for the homeless and we housed individuals and families at our church facility during the week of Thanksgiving Holiday.

• Bishop Smith served on the Executive Board of African American Bishop for Justice.

• In 2019, Bishop Smith continues to pastor and lead his congregation during the COVID 19 corona virus global pandemic.

• In 2020 Bishop Smith partnered with Celestial Manna Share Distribution and our Food Bank Ministry for our church and community in Maryland.

• In October 2020 marks 30th Pastoral and Church Anniversary Celebration!!

• Bishop Smith personal ministry as a preacher and teacher have been a total some of 38 years.

In April 2021, our Bishop transitioned this life to go from labor to reward when the Lord called him home.  We are forever grateful for his contributions, sacrifices, and his life and legacy.