Pastor Todd R. Smith, Sr. .

Pastor Todd R. Smith, Sr. is the son of Racquel (pronounced Rock-el) B. Smith and the late Bennie R. Smith. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he grew up in a spiritually nurturing environment that fostered his early love for the Word of God. From his formative years, he learned the value of faith, family, and service—principles that have guided him throughout his life and ministry.

In 1994, he became a devoted member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia, under the leadership of Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. During his time at Gethsemane, he served faithfully in several ministries. He was licensed to preach the Gospel in October 2004, and in November 2008 he was ordained. These milestones marked the beginning of a journey that would spark his passion for winning souls and igniting countless lives for Jesus Christ.

After serving as Pastor of the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Gloucester, Virginia and as Site Pastor of the Gethsemane Baptist Church site in Carrollton, Virginia, he was called to serve as Pastor of the Lebanon Baptist Church in Spring Grove, Virginia in March 2026. Pastor Smith believes the world often treats people like disposable commodities, discarding them when they struggle, fall or fail but the Word of God illuminates Jesus Christ – who is the hope of glory. He believes that the word of God allows people to overcome their past mistakes, rise above their present situation and endure their current circumstances to become “Oaks of Righteousness which are planted by God to display his glory (Isaiah 61:3, The Message).” His ministry is guided by 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV), which says – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology and a Master of Engineering degree in Environmental Engineering. He is happily married to the former Danielle Dortch of Hampton, Virginia and they have been blessed with two wonderful and anointed children, Todd, Jr. and Erika.

Humbled by what God has already accomplished in and through him, Pastor Smith eagerly anticipates the next move of God in his life and ministry. He remains committed to preaching and teaching a life-changing Gospel, equipping believers to serve, and reaching those who have yet to experience the love of Jesus Christ. With unwavering faith and a heart aligned to God’s purposes, Pastor Smith continues to press forward – confident that the Lord will use him, an ordinary vessel, to fulfill God’s extraordinary plan for His kingdom.