About Pastor Tony

Tony Ray Smith is a husband, father, preacher, musician, director, and entrepreneur. He is a native of Northern Virginia and a product of the Fairfax County Public School System. Pastor Tony's ministry is marked by wisdom and depth well beyond his years that astounds listeners of all ages. One verse of scripture describes the ministry of Elder Smith which is found in Isaiah 61: 1 - "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."

Elder Tony is married to Cardhia Smith, who faithfully serves by his side and supports him in the work of the ministry. They have been blessed with one son, Xavier Malachi Smith. Elder Smith is also currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He is an Assistant Vice President at The Business Bank in Vienna, VA., where he oversees seven branches and heads the Security Department.

In 2002, The Empowerment Church formerly Greater Zion Community Church (GZCC) called Minister Tony Smith to be their Youth Pastor. During his tenure with The Empowerment Church, he accomplished many achievements for the Kingdom:

• In 2006, Tony was elevated to the office of Assistant Pastor.
• In June 2008, Tony received a Certificate of Ministry from the Calvary Bible Institute in Washington, D.C.
• In October 2008, Tony Smith was lead by the Lord to join the Greater Mt. Calvary Church in Washington, DC; under the leadership of Bishop and Co-Pastor Owens.
• In May 2009, Bishop Alfred A. Owens, the Archbishop of the Mt. Cavalry Holy Churches of America, Inc. and Tony's spiritual covering, recognized the anointing the Lord placed on Tony's life and ordained him as a full pledged Elder.
• In May 2009, Elder Tony was called upon by the The Empowerment Church then GZCC to serve as the Presiding Minister for an interim period. Under Elder Tony's leadership, by the grace of God, the church grew and continued to flourish.
• In September 2010, Elder Tony became The Empowerment Church’s then GZCC new pastor. This makes him the youngest Pastor to serve the church in its 121 year history and the youngest Pastor in Loudoun County.