Meet Bishop-Elect Charles W. Smith Sr.

When you meet Bishop-Elect Charles W. Smith Sr., you’re not just meeting a pastor—you’re encountering a man who has walked with God, served his community, and led with unwavering integrity. Known throughout El Paso, Texas, as a preacher, teacher, counselor, and community builder, Bishop-Elect Smith is the founding and Senior Pastor of Citi Del of Praise Inc., a thriving, multicultural ministry rooted in worship, outreach, and transformation.

Born and raised in El Paso to the late Pastor Albert Smith and Esther V. Smith, ministry runs deep in his DNA. But Bishop-Elect Smith’s journey has been anything but conventional—it’s been shaped by real-life experiences, long nights of faith, and a heart that beats for people.

In September 1988, Bishop-Elect Smith heard the unmistakable call of God to preach. Just two years later, he delivered his initial sermon at Friendship Baptist Church, stepping boldly into what would become decades of fruitful ministry. Over the years, he has served faithfully in the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, the Full Gospel Baptist Church Elders Council, and the College of Elders, all while becoming a trusted voice of wisdom in the El Paso community.

On August 27, 1994, Bishop-Elect Smith married the love of his life, Carol J. Smith. Together, they’ve built a life marked by faith, love, and legacy. The Smiths are proud parents to Charles Jr. and Asia, and proud grandparents to three precious grandchildren. Their nearly 30 years of marriage serve as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and their unshakable commitment to both their family and their calling.

Before stepping fully into ministry, Bishop-Elect Smith served over 20 years at Greyhound Lines, breaking barriers as the first African American chief union steward, a position he held with distinction for 13 years. His ability to lead with integrity, advocate with wisdom, and unify people from all walks of life continues to influence how he pastors today.

A faithful member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church for 16 years, Bishop-Elect Smith pursued theological training through the church’s college and served as First Assistant to Bishop H.B. Johnson, Director of the Elders Council at Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church, and a trusted leader in spiritual development. These years of mentoring, studying, and serving laid the foundation for something greater—something God would call him to birth from the ground up.

On November 2, 2011, with nothing but obedience to God and 19 committed believers, Pastor Smith launched Citi Del of Praise—right in his living room on Golden Pond. Within two weeks, the group had grown and moved into the McCall Neighborhood Center. On February 17th, surrounded by family and spiritual leaders, he was officially installed at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, ushering in a new era of Kingdom ministry.

Since then, Citi Del of Praise has become a staple in the city—a church known for being transparent, Spirit-led, and radically committed to the everyday needs of people. In August 2014, the church acquired its first building, a permanent home for worship and outreach. Under Bishop-Elect Smith’s leadership, the church board expanded, ministries multiplied, and the impact deepened.

Today, Citi Del of Praise is home to thriving ministries like:

• C.D.O.P. Choir
   
• Men of Valor
   
• Women of Worth
   
• Children’s Ministry
   
• And numerous community-centered initiatives