Featuring Rev. Efrem Smith
Bayside Church-Midtown Sacramento
Being a Pastor is a challenging role. Being an African American pastor in predominantly White communities is perhaps an even more challenging role. And being a Pastor who is an advocate for racial justice in times of racial turmoil may be harder still. But Rev. Efrem Smith is a pastor and advocate for times such as these.
Rev. Smith is passionate about life transformation, multi-ethnic development, thriving churches, and community development. He is a pastor, consultant, speaker, and author. He is also known as an advocate for urban ministry and outreach to marginalized communities. As a product of the African American Church, he also serves as a collaborative catalyst for African American Church Planting, Disciple Making, and Urban Empowerment Movements.
Raised in Minneapolis, MN, Rev. Smith is a graduate of Saint John's University and Luther Theological Seminary. He completed the Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and received an honorary Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.
With his education and urban community experiences, Rev. Smith became the founding pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church, a multi-ethnic church in Minneapolis, MN. He served as the Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. He also served as the President of World Impact, an urban missions organization. Currently, Rev. Smith is the Co-lead Pastor of Bayside Church Midtown, a thriving and multi-ethnic community in Sacramento, California.
In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Smith is Co-Owner of Influential LLC, a speaking, consulting, and coaching ministry. He is a highly sought after keynote speaker who has presented in many contexts including Together LA, Urban Youth Worker’s Institute Convention. Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit, Exponential Conferences, and Q Commons.
Rev. Smith is also the author of several books: Raising Up Young Heroes, The Hip Hop Church, Jump, The Post-Black and Post-White Church, and Killing Us Softly. Each of these books helps communities and churches navigate issues of race and culture to reach better results.
Throughout his ministries and outreach efforts, Rev. Smith has committed himself to sharing the Gospel and encouraging racial justice through engagement and inspiration. He has helped many within the church and within various communities and cultures to gain deeper perspectives on faith and race.
G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice was pleased to feature Rev. Efrem Smith in our Race & Justice Forum held July 2020.
