Pastor Jerry P Smith

Called of God to proclaim the gospel at the age of 16, Pastor Smith committed his all to follow Christ. From full time evangelistic ministry, he entered into pastoral responsibilities at the age of twenty-one. He spent the next twenty-six years in pastoral ministry in South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. During the decade of the nineties and up until July 2003, he served as State Overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy in Illinois/Wisconsin and also in Kentucky.

Pastor Smith says: "I have known since the spring of '96 that it was God's will for Joyce and me to minister in Nashville. Our desire to and accepted the pastorate at The River as a divine appointment on September 1, 2003. The mandate from the Almighty was to build a house of grace and mercy that God could flood with healing waters. It is to be a Spirit filled house balanced with the authority of His Word and to provide pastoral care to the spiritual homeless of the greater Nashville area.

While some would look for security of assignment that leads to retirement, Joyce and I have embarked on the greatest adventure of faith of our entire ministry."

The driving passion of Pastor Smith's heart is to see the lost experience salvation and revival return to the church community. Brother Smith says, "I am convinced that this day is God's gift to us, what we do with it is our gift to Him."

Pastor Barry P Smith

Barry has spent his entire life in ministry.  He began singing and playing music at the age of 3 and performed with the greatest Gospel groups in the nation.  He has become an accomplished musician, songwriter, recording artist, and worship pastor.  He is married to the most wonderful woman in the world, Kathy, and together they serve the Lord daily in ministry.

 
Although his love for music is strong, Barry is positive that God purposed him from a small child to preach and teach the gospel. His life's goals are to love God, his wife and family, and then others according to the way the God has loved him.  Next, he is committed to creating the atmostphere of worship, and delivering a powerful, uncompromised, relevant word that is filled with inspiration and life application.

 
Whether he is leading in worship or bringing an anointed word, Barry is committed to ministry with excellence that brings people closer to their God given purpose.  His desire is to be a servant to the Lord and the people to whom he is called to minister.