Our Pastor

Since 1970, he has been an active delegate of both the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. and Congress of Christian Education. Where he has presented as a singer, teacher, lecturer, and preacher. Serving on the Theological Commission. President William J. Shaw appointed Pastor Smith Chairman of the Board of Evangelism and Dawning of A New Day Conference. In 2020, convention President, Dr.Jerry Young appointed Robert as Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board. Most of his denominational efforts are invested in Mission and Evangelism.

The love he has for people and the “least of them” have cultivated Pastor’s Bob missionary work in Haiti. Since 2004, Robert has traveled to Port Au Prince, Haiti. As founder and Chair, of the Haiti Mission Alliance, he has led many charity initiatives to raise resources and awareness of the oppression of the Haitian people and provide goods that meet their basic needs. Through the Alliance, a school, mission housing, and church have been built. As well as, a farm, providing food and fresh drinking water.

Pastor Robert Smith Jr. has served as the senior pastor of The Historic New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan for forty years since 1982. Pastor Bob is a courageous leader who encourages the congregation to carry out the work and will of God through the word of God. A church where ministry extends beyond the four walls. He designated New Bethel as a meeting space for support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Also, introducing “Bank Day”, to encourage the church to connect and support with African American Businesses in the city of Detroit. Through his leadership the church purchased four buildings in the Linwood community to increase the churches mission and outreach work. 

Under Pastor Smith, New Bethel opened the Emergency Relief Center, a ministry providing food and clothing to the community, still operating today, known today as the Samaritan Ministry, partnering with Forgotten Harvest. Angel Land Child Care and Parent Institute, a ministry that provided early childhood services in a Christian environment. Now a licensed daycare center through its Head Start partnership. As CEO of The New Bethel Redeemer Development Corporation , a 31-unit apartment complex was purchased and renovated. Providing affordable housing in the Linwood community, known as the Rehoboth Plaza Apartment Homes.

For forty year, Pastor Smith has been a “Fisher of Men”. Training, nurturing, and mentoring over 20 “Son’s and Daughter’s” of New Bethel, as preachers of the gospel. Half of which have gone on to become effective and influential Pastors throughout the city of Detroit and the country.

Not only preacher, but an author as well. Having published 4 books, that exude his theological approach, leadership, and influence.

Robert is married to Dr. Cynthia Diane Perkins-Smith and in December of 2022 they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They have four adult children. Sherique, Conderidge, Terique, and Erma. His pride and joy are his grandchildren, Joshua, Austin, Grace, Lauren, and Josiah.

Robert Smith Jr. is a native of Pensacola Florida. He is the third of ten siblings born to the union of the late Pastor Robert Sr., and Ollie Mae Smith. Pastor Bob received his early education in the Pensacola Public School System. After the family relocated, he graduated from Western-Olin High School, in Birmingham, Alabama. He pursued his undergraduate degree from Miles College, receiving his Bachelor of Science, in Birmingham, Alabama. After which, obtaining his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Theological Seminary, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Later furthering his graduate studies at Drew University and Houston Theological Seminary.

At an early age , Robert was called by God to spread the news of Jesus Christ. He has been preaching now for over five decades. His gifting has afforded him many opportunities to proclaim the gospel in pulpits, stadiums, and convention centers across the United States, and abroad.