Rev. Karl V. Smith, Sr.

Rev. Karl V. Smith, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Rev. Karl V. Smith, Sr., is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as the pastor of the Greater Bethel AME Church in Gainesville, Florida. He has distinguished himself as a devoted Minister and Pastor as well as a corporate executive.

Rev. Smith conducted undergraduate studies at Nova Southeastern University and Edward Waters College. He also completed graduate studies at Northwestern University’s School of Business and Executive Leadership. He obtained his ministerial training at B.F. Lee Seminary. Pastor Smith is also a trained facilitator in variety of management, professional and leadership disciplines and has trained a number of executives in leadership and management effectiveness programs.

As an ordained minister, Rev. Smith has worked with his congregation to enhance their understanding of ministry in action. Under his pastorate, the Greater Bethel AME Church operates a variety of ministries and continues to seek and to save lost souls for Christ. He encourages his followers to join the band of Christians who are striving under the banner of African Methodism to become H.O.T. for the Lord (Hear, Obey and Trust God)

In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Smith serves as the secretary of the East Annual Conference and the Secretary of the Central Jacksonville District. He also supports the work of the Alachua-Central District by serving as a member of the committee for persons seeking admission into the ministry and the finance committee.

In his professional career, Mr. Smith was employed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., for 35 years and served as an Operations Director until his retirement in June 2009. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AGAPE Business Consultants. His firm specializes in small business development and economic empowerment/self-help consulting services.

Rev. Smith is a native of Jacksonville and is the fourth of six children born to James F. and Mary K. Smith. A devoted husband and father, Mr. Smith has been married to his wife Diane for 36 years. God has blessed them with two loving children; a son Karl, Jr., and a daughter Kimberly. They are the proud grandparents of Taylor Nicole Smith and Malcolm Smith.