Biography
One of the greatest Ministries
Pastor Tony Ray Smith is a native of the DC, MD, and VA (DMV) area and was raised by his father and grandmother. His cutting-edge, no-nonsense style of ministry has allowed him to frequent the pulpit of many denominations and reformations. As a result, he has become a highly sought-after revivalist, teacher and conference speaker. In addition to preaching, he is a husband, father, pastor, musician, entrepreneur, author and itinerant preacher.
Pastor Smith is the product of a single parent home, who was raised by his father (Tony Ray Carter) and grandmother (Beatrice Carter). He has beat all statistical odds by achieving great things despite insurmountable odds.
Pastor Smith was ordained by Archbishop Alfred A. Owens (Former Presiding Prelate of the Mount Calvary Holy Churches of America) as an Elder in May 2009 and was installed as Pastor of The Empowerment Church in 2011. Pastor Tony faithfully served The Empowerment Church for six years. The church experienced numerical and spiritual growth under his leadership. He was the youngest pastor to ever serve at The Empowerment Church (formerly known as Greater Zion Baptist Church) in its 126-year history and is currently the youngest pastor in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Lord has currently blessed Pastor Tony Ray Smith to serve as the Senior Pastor of a newly merged church, launched in January 2017, The Word Church in Ashburn, VA.
Pastor Tony is the founder of Tony Ray Smith Ministries. It is a ministry that focuses on empowering ministries and churches by the preached Word. He is also the CEO of Tony Ray Smith Enterprises, a Consulting Group that specializes in marketing, media and ministry services to businesses, churches and non-profit organizations.
He is also the author of four books: “Moving Forward,” “Goal For It,” “You Can Write A Book” and his latest release in January 2022, Affirmed, a collection of inspirational affirmations.
In June of 2008, Pastor Tony earned a Certificate of Ministry from the Calvary Bible Institute in Washington, D.C. Pastor Smith graduated cum laude from George Mason University in June 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies. He is currently pursuing a master degree in Education at University of Phoenix.
Pastor Tony is and has been submitted to the spiritual covering of Rev. Dr. Randy M. Haynes for the last eight years, who is the former and now retired Pastor of Open the Book Ministries and current Overseer of The Word Church.
Pastor Tony is married to Cardhia Smith, who supports him in the work of the ministry. They have been blessed with two sons, Xavier Malachi Smith, Josiah Makai Smith and spiritual son Matthew Harris.
