Bishop Shawn Smith

Bishop Shawn D. Smith was born in Junction City, Louisiana to Mr. Roy C. and Mrs. Melva D. (Smith) Burris. He received Christ as his personal savior at an early age at Evergreen Baptist Church.

He is a graduate of Junction City High School. Bishop Smith has studied at Southern Arkansas University, University of Maryland and Mississippi Baptist Seminary where he initiated his Bible Training. He continued Bible Training at Slidell Baptist Seminary where he earned Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Theology. He also holds a Certification in Expository Preaching from the E.K. Bailey International Conference on Expository Preaching.

Bishop Smith is a “son” of First St. James Missionary Baptist Church, El Dorado, Arkansas, where he was licensed in the Gospel Ministry in 1997 under the Bishopal leadership of the late Rev (Dr) Talmage Dunwood, Former Moderator, Southern Arkansas District of Baptist Churches. Bishop Smith was ordained on July 18, 1999 by the late Rev (Dr) William R. Charles, Bishop/Moderator, Southwest District of Baptist Churches, San Diego, California.

In October 1999, under divine direction from God, Bishop Smith organized the body of baptized believers known as the Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church. His spirit-filled, visionary leadership has resulted in the progressive growth and development of the congregation and phenomenal impact on the Misawa community.

Bishop Smith served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring 1 August 2006 in the grade of Master Sergeant. He will continue serving the people of God in this vineyard where he is committed to Exalting the Savior, Equipping the Saint, and Evangelizing the Sinner and Edifying Society.

Elder Tammy Smith

Tammy T. Smith was born in Forrest City, Arkansas to the (late) Mrs. Alma Ingram and the (late) Mr. Willie Brandon. She received Christ as her personal savior under the leadership of Pastor Jerry D. Black at Greater Paradise Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She is an honors graduate of the Forrest City High School and went on to further her education at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock and University of Maryland.

She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Master of Arts Degrees in Elementary Education and Religious Education.

In October 1999, in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Sister Smith worked diligently alongside her husband, Pastor S.D. Smith to organize a body of baptized believers known as Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church.

She is the Founder and President of the Greater Love’s Chosen Vessel’s Women’s Ministry and serves as Christian Education Director and a teacher for Sunday School, Women’s Conferences and Bible Studies.

Bishop and Elder Smith have four children, Nikki, Keisha, and Colby; five grandchildren, Genesis, Zion, Mariah, Nadia, Kerrington, and Ryle.