SMITH
DONNELL
biography
Superintendent Donnell Smith is a Christ-centered, people-focused and conscientious clergyman. In September of 1991, he was appointed as Pastor of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, which was located in the Southeast corridor of Washington, DC. Since that time, he has fervently poured himself into the Southeast DC community and under his leadership, Emmanual Church has been graced to become a more positive presence. He has been recognized by the Government of the District of Columbia for his dedicated service to incarcerated citizens and their families. He and Emmanuel Church have hosted community outreach initiatives in collaboration with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, to help reduce the flow of crime activity and to provide an inspirational presence for local residents. In September 2003, the Emmanuel Church was graced to purchase a beautiful sanctuary located at 2600 Minnesota Ave, SE, Washington, DC, to accommodate the numerical growth of the membership.
Aside from Pastoral Ministry, his works as an inspirational author formally began with the publication of his first book in 2009, titled "Miracles In Slow Motion". He also co-produced a short film documentary in 2010 titled "A Place Where You Can Start Over", in order to give viewers an in-depth perspective of the Emmanuel Church. From 2011-2013, he served an elected Co-Convener for the Servant Leaders Community Fellowship (formally known as the Southeast Ministers Alliance). He is a worshipper, and as a vocalist, he released a very uplifting solo music album with Right Sound Productions titled "Life After The Storm", in addition to his second book under the same title. In January of 2016, he was appointed to The Office of District Superintendent. Under a mandate from God to "...keep writing...", his most recent book titled "Why A Man Needs A Wife" was published in 2017. In 2019 he was appointed as Chairman of The Board of District Superintendents for the Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of The Church of God in Christ. After serving as the East Coast Regional Chairman for eight years, in February of 2022, he was appointed to serve as the 2nd Vice-Chairman for the General Counsel of Pastors and Elders of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Pastoral Ministry. He has the privilege of being the dedicated and faithful husband to the joy of his life, Mrs. Betty J. Smith.
