Rev. Dr. R. LaMont Smith completed his undergraduate education at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Virginia Union University School of Theology. In addition, Dr. Smith holds a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education. In 2003, Dr. Smith received a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. He also has completed additional training in New Testament Studies and Homiletics at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Dr. Smith was certified to the Ministry at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, and was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel at Bexar Street Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.
Prior to accepting the Pastorate at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Smith served as the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. His early ministry experience includes serving as Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also served as Executive Assistant at the Liberty Temple Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan, and as Administrative Assistant / Director of Education at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, also of Detroit. Dr. Smith initiated and directed the Detroit Education Extension Program of the Virginia Union University School of Theology. He has lectured for the EC Morris Institute of Arkansas Baptist College and he served as a lecturer/instructor for the Metropolitan District Congress of Christian Education. Dr. Smith currently serves as lecturer with the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and as an adjunct professor for the Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio. He is a noted preacher, lecturer and seminar leader throughout the United States and abroad.
During his tenure at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Smith has given leadership to the renovation project of the church sanctuary, fellowship hall and the Roy A. Allen Family Life Center. He is also responsible for acquiring several lots of land in the surrounding area and the property located at 9200 Grand River.
The vast increase of Education outreach ministries is the heart of Dr. Smith’s ministry. He believes in a Seven Day Ministry, Church and Outreach.
Dr. Smith believes in ministering to the total person with serious commitment by reaching out into the community.