PASTOR CHARLES W. SMITH SR.

Bishop-Elect Charles W. Smith Sr. is a well-known preacher, teacher, counselor and community leader throughout El Paso, Texas. He is  a Founder and Senior Pastor of Citi Del of Praise Inc. He is married to his beautiful wife, Carol J. Smith and they have two children, Asia and Charles Jr., and three grandchildren.

Born right here in El Paso, Texas, to the late Pastor Albert Smith and Esther V. Smith, Pastor Smith Sr.  has dedicated his life to serving the Lord and his community.

(The  Call to Ministry)

Pastor Smith Sr. received his divine call to preach in September 1988, and by 1990, he was stepping into his calling with his initial ceremony at Friendship Baptist Church. His commitment to ministry has seen him serve in various capacities, including the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, the Full Gospel Baptist Church Elders Council, and the College of Elders, all while being a steadfast community leader in El Paso.

(Family and Personal Life)

On August 27, 1994, Pastor Charles married his beloved Carol J. Lucas, and together they have been blessed with two wonderful children, Charles Jr. and Asia. Their 30 years of marriage are a testament to their love and dedication, not just to each other, but to their faith and family.

Before fully committing to ministry, Pastor Smith Sr. worked diligently for Greyhound Lines for over 20 years. His role as the first Black chief union steward for 13 years speaks volumes about his leadership and integrity, and his advice is still sought by the company to this day.

(Journey of Faith)

A dedicated member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church for 16 years, Pastor Charles served on the Elders Council and pursued theological studies at the Full Gospel Baptist Church College. His dedication and faithfulness were further demonstrated through his 18 years of service as the First Assistant to Bishop H.B. Johnson and Director of the Elders Council at Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church.

(Founding Citi Del of Praise)

In a leap of faith and in obedience to the Holy Spirit, Pastor Charles organized the Citi Del of Praise of El Paso Inc. on November 2, 2011, starting in his living room on Golden Pond in northeast El Paso. What began with 19 dedicated members quickly grew, leading the congregation to move their Bible study and worship services to the McCall Center at 3231 Wyoming Avenue just two weeks later.

The installation of Pastor Charles W. Smith Sr. was a grand celebration held on February 17th at Mt. Zion on 3400 Wyoming Avenue, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Citi Del of Praise. Since then, the church family has grown in numbers and in spirit, becoming a multicultural ministry and a household name in the community.

(Growth and Impact)

Under Pastor Smith's visionary leadership, Citi Del of Praise acquired a building in August 2014, providing a permanent home for worship and ministry. The church's board expanded from four members to seven, reflecting its growing responsibilities and reach.

The church's ministries, such as the C.D.O.P. Choir, Men of Valor, Women of Worth, and the Citi Del of Praise Children's Ministry, work tirelessly to meet the needs of the congregation and the broader community. Pastor Charles has faithfully pastored Citi Del of Praise for the past 13 years, always striving to build a transparent, 21st-century, out-of-the-box church that meets the needs of all people as led by the Spirit of God.