Biography
Minister Tony Ray Smith
More than 19 years ago, Minister Tony Ray Smith made a commitment to spend his life honoring and praising The Lord Jesus Christ. Since that time, he has developed and cultivated his tremendously powerful gift of bringing forth God's Word and sharing it with people from all walks of life.
Although Tony is relatively young at only 24 years old, his ministry is marked by a wisdom and depth well beyond his years that astounds listeners of all ages. His engaging and moving oratorical style captivates audiences, motivates them to build a closer, more personal relationship with The Lord, and soon moves entire congregations to raise their voices in praise that honors God the Father.
Tony was raised in Reston, Virginia and today he travels extensively throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area to disseminate the Word of God far and wide. He delights in delivering The Lord's message at churches, Christian youth conferences, revivals, seminars, and many other events where people gather together to hear God's message, celebrate the gift of life, and spread the Holy Word.
Tony is an active member and leader of the Greater Zion Community Church in Ashburn, Virginia, where he seeks and receives spiritual guidance from the pastor, Reverend James L. Swanson. Tony was licensed to preach the Gospel by Reverend Swanson in August of 2003.
Today Tony serves the Greater Zion Community Church in many ways. For the past four years, he has served as the church’s youth pastor. In January of 2006 he was elevated to the office of Assistant Pastor of the Greater Zion Community Church.
Even while Tony actively ministers to congregations and community groups throughout the greater Washington, DC area, he continually seeks to advance and deepen his spiritual education. In June of 2008, Tony will receive a Certificate of Ministry from the Calvary Bible Institute in Washington, DC, under the leadership of Bishop Alfred and Co-Pastor Susie Owens. His studies have included courses covering diverse theological and spiritual topics, including Old & New Testament Survey and Bible Characters I & II. The concepts he studies in these and other courses have helped Tony deepen and strengthen his personal relationship with The Lord as he ministers to others, guiding them through difficult times in their personal and professional life.
Today Tony continues to be active in the Church as well as the secular community. An entrepreneur, he owns K.E. Consulting Services, which specializes in website design and development for churches, ministries, and Christian business. The company also provides consulting services to small churches for their youth programs and event planning. In addition, Tony recently founded Kingdom Empowerment Ministries, which focuses on empowering small churches and ministries to take their ministry and outreach efforts to the next level.
On a personal note, Tony is married to Cardhia Smith, who serves beside him in the work of the ministry as the two support each other in their faith, honor, and praise for The Lord.