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Meet Our Pastor
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Pastor Walter “J.J.” Smith
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Pastor Walter “J.J.” Smith is an expository preacher and bible teacher. Pastor Smith dedicated his life to the Lord at 18 years old and has been ministering the gospel for the past 20 years. Originally from Seattle, Washington Pastor JJ began his ministry in Dallas, Texas at the age of 18, which was inspired by his love of apologetics and theology. He serves as an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College, and has taught numerous courses on the collegiate level including General Epistles, Poetical Books of the Old Testament, Minor Prophets and Apocalyptic Literature. In 2008, he established Godz Army Empire Church, where he served as the Senior Pastor and Founder for over 10 years.
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Pastor Smith comes from a legacy of ministerial leaders. His grandfather was a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ, Greater Harvest in Dallas, TX and his father Frank Walter Smith was the pastor of New Vision Ministries. Likewise, his mother has been in education for over 20 years, receiving multiple degrees in Education and receiving several honors and awards during her tenure. Pastor J.J. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Theology from Lancaster Bible College. He has also received a M.A. in Biblical Studies and Masters of Divinity from Capital Seminary. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry at Capital Seminary
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Pastor JJ is a dedicated husband to Maria Smith and father to three children, Elijah, Victoria and BoVon. Pastor Smith is very happy to call Decatur Heights Baptist Church his “lifelong ministry” and believes it is his mission to create an environment for both critical thinking and hermeneutical clarity.
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Join Our Church
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