Lillian C. Smith

Lillian C. Smith

Pastor Lillian has served as pastor at Cheverly United Methodist Church since July 1, 2016. Prior to that she served as the pastor at St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge, PA, where she was the first African-American pastor. She implemented conversations about race and ministry to neighbors of color. She also promoted the idea of enhancing the welcoming nature of the church by cultivating a culture of invitation. Her ministry included Christian Education courses and alternative worship encounters for college students. She has also served as Associate General Secretary, Division on Ministries with Young People with the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC; and as Director, Ministries with Women and Persons of Color with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, TN. Pastor Lillian received her Master in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and her Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. She is the author of Words to Live By: Wisdom Keys that Can Change Your Life. No stranger to Prince George’s County, she grew up in New Carrollton, College Park, and Glenn Dale.

Books by Lillian C. Smith