Bro. Charles L. Smith, Evangelist

(2002 – Present)

In 2002, Bro. CHARLES L. SMITH was added to the team to serve side-by-side with Bro. Gilbert.  As a result of Bro. Gilbert’s and Bro. Smith’s  humility, obvious love of God, His church, and their wisdom on the power of working together as a unified ministry team, they are sometimes affectionately referred to as “The Dynamic Duo.”   or “The Bad Boys of Sheldon Heights.”

It was this move, of bringing a close comrade, who was also one of Samuel L. Jordan’s sons in the gospel, which has helped (and will continue to help) fortify this church for years to come.  Having two ministers working side by side to turn the community and world “upside-right” for the Lord is a tremendous blessing.

Bro. Smith, who was born on July 17, 1959, says he “feels blessed to labor with one of God’s greatest and unselfish preachers in our brotherhood – Bro. Leonardo D. Gilbert.”  Together, these two gifted ministers complement each other and work well together for the cause of Christ, setting an unprecedented and astonishing union of leadership among ministers. 

Prior to coming to Chicago to minister to the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ family, Bro. Smith, an alumni of  SwCC, Oklahoma Christian College, and David Lipscomb College, used his time, talents, and treasures, to serve a number of congregations and organizations.  He married his wife, Sandra in June 1983.  Then in June 1984 Bro. Smith accepted his 1st work as Minister of the Glen Arvin Church of Christ in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Over the years, Bro. Smith and his wife, have served at the East End Church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky, Little Rock Church of Christ and West Palm Church of Christ in Antelope Valley, California, and the Southside Church of Christ in Tucson Arizona. 

In California, he was active in the minister’s alliance, taught and counseled at the Acton Rehab Center, owned and operated the “Free at Last” Sobriety Home, served as Executive Board Member of the NAACP, and as an Advisory Board Member of the Palmdale local school.  He also started a new work in Palmdale.  After moving to Arizona, Bro. and Sis. Smith worked diligently with the church and in the community, including starting a Certified Teachers’ Training (CCT) program, chairing the annual marriage retreat, and setting up ministries with a focus on community outreach.

Currently Bro. Smith directs the Evangelism ministry, serves as President to the Sheldon Heights Community Empowerment Council (CEC), Chair of the Marriage Ministry,  Board Member of the 34th Ward Ministers’ Alliance, Assistant Director of the National Teachers’ Workshop, Advisory Board Member of the Midwest Lectureship, just to name a few.

Bro. Smith and his wife, Sandra, are spiritual, dedicated servants of the leadership team at Sheldon Heights.  We are blessed that, after much prayer and supplication, the Smith family relocated to the Chicago area to serve at the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ, a congregation where Pop Jordan had opened the door and introduced Bro. Smith to a wonderful and loving church family.  Having this husband-wife team become part of the TEAM of leaders working together to fulfill the mission of the Lord’s church has empowered this congregation. 

In the words of Bro. Charles L. Smith, “it is truly a blessing to minister to the Sheldon Heights Church, a congregation with such a rich and profound history, and to follow in the footprints of God’s most prolific preachers in His vineyard”.  

Sis. Smith is also a diligent servant whose love of God is evident by the roles of service she assumes at Sheldon Heights.  She serves with her husband as Chair of the Marriage Ministry.  In addition she is one of the Assistant Directors of the Sheldon Heights Education Ministry.  Apart from this, she often lovingly and spiritually ministers to the sisters of the church.  In addition, she teaches, sings with the chorus, and stays actively involved in a number of the programs, committees, and ministries at the church.  And of course, she is a strong, spiritual, loving helpmeet to her husband and his ministry.

Bro. & Sis. Smith have three beautiful daughters:  Charlandra, Sanitra & Caneara.