Center for Continuous Learning

Rev. Christine A. Smith, Ph.D., was called to serve as senior pastor of Covenant Baptist Church, Wickliffe, Ohio in 2006. In 2014 the church relocated to Euclid, Ohio. Subsequently, in 2019, the church changed its name to “Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc.” She is the founder of “Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland,” and author of the blog, “Shepastor,” dedicated to equipping and encouraging female clergy. She has authored two books published by Judson Press: Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors (2013) and Deconstructing Power and Isms within the Church and Society (2025). Dr. Smith served as the National President of American Baptist Women’s Ministries from 2021-2024. In the fall of 2024, she was called to serve as the Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center at ABWM – a hub designed to advance leadership, empowerment, and educational opportunities for women and their families. In 2025, Dr. Smith was called to become the Associate Executive Director of ABWM. She also serves as the Assistant Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Midwest Region. Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from the University of Akron and a Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse School of Religion. In 2022, Dr. Smith earned a PhD in Human Services: Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Capella University. She was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1995 (Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., ordaining pastor). Dr. Smith and her husband, Aristide Smith, Jr., have three adult children, Aristide III, Caleb, and Aris. For all of these blessings, she simply says, “To God be the glory for the great things He has done!”