Decatur Heights Baptist Church
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Walter “J.J.” Smith
WHO ARE WE
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.
The Legacy
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
The Holy Scriptures are inspire by the words of god
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible, and God-breathed. (II Timothy 3:16-1; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 14:25; John 16:12-13).
The Scriptures are literal
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose.
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deuteronomy 6:4; II Corinthians 13:14).
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. (John 1:1-2; John 1:14; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-8; Galatians 4:4-5).
What we believe
If you’re interested in know more about Church Ministry, you can learn more about our beliefs below.
His Family
LOVELY FATHER & HUSBAND
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.
Discover our Service
Check our ministries and discover our services like the Kidz Corner!