Our Pastor

Elder Parrish Smith is the Pastor of the Temple of Promise Church in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Pastor Smith spent the early part of his life in Orlando, Florida and then moved to Chicago, Illinois where he matriculated from Altgeld Elementary School and Simeon Vocational High School. He is a graduate of Industrial Engineering College of Chicago where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He studied at Keller Graduate School of Management to acquire a Master Degree in Accounting and Financial Management. 

Pastor Smith was ordained an Elder in 1997 at the Apostolic Little Rock Church, Chicago, Illinois. Elder Smith gained insight and experience as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Department president and assistant pastor under the leadership of the late Bishop Alonzo W. Moyer, Sr.

On May 1, 2005, Pastor Smith launched and currently serves as the Pastor at the Temple of Promise Apostolic. He also serves in the capacity of Executive Secretary of the Illinois-Wisconsin Diocese of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc. (COOLJC).  His wife, Denise serves alongside him.  Lady Smith matriculated through the Chicago Public Schools.  Lady Smith received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts Degree in Community Agency Counseling from Saint Xavier University.  Lady Smith currently holds her license as a Professional Counselor.  Pastor and Lady Smith are parents of two children. 

Pastor Smith is of a holistic belief, ministering to encourage individuals both spiritually and naturally.  After more than 20 years in ministry, Pastor Smith effortlessly and passionately shares the good news of Jesus Christ, while winning and preparing souls for the Kingdom.

Pastor Smith believes the vision that God has put on his heart for this church is "TO BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS SO THAT JESUS CAN BUILD A GREAT CHURCH." Relationships are important in this church. Our relationship to God through Jesus Christ is primary. Second, we take seriously our obligation to build strong relationships among the members. We pray for, encourage and care for each other. Third, we understand the importance of building bridges to those friends without Christ so they may be brought to Christ

Finally, with each passing day, Pastor Smith is more determined than ever to fulfill God's purpose and plan for his life. He honors and praises God for all He has done and continues to do in his life and the life of His people.