PASTOR GEORGE D. MARTIN, JR.
SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor George D. Martin, Jr. has served the Lord for many years. He accepted his calling into ministry during college, becoming licensed at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church shortly thereafter and eventually an ordained minister. His love for God has driven him to constantly strive for excellence in his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, while helping others be all they can be for Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Martin is an avid student of the Word, with formal education from both Anderson University and Wesley Seminary. Through his demonstrative method of expository preaching and teaching, he fosters holistic growth and committed discipleship of Jesus Christ, and has even been privileged to share the gospel outside of the country. As a community builder, Pastor Martin has established multiple urban ministries benefiting children and youth with a special emphasis on the development of young men.
In 2002, Pastor Martin, along with five charter members founded The Sanctuary Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He faithfully and lovingly served as Senior Pastor for 18 years; leading in many innovative ministry endeavors, multiple property acquisitions and community enhancement efforts. After dedicated service, the Lord called him away, leading him to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to share in fulfilling the vision of Amity Bible Church and to apply his many gifts as the past Executive Pastor and now Senior Pastor. Pastor Martin is characterized as a decisive, engaged servant of the Lord, who leads with integrity, love, and sees value in everyone he encounters.
He is an entrepreneur, having owned multiple businesses. He is also an author and songwriter, who has written several songs and authored the book, But What If I Fail, and has served as Executive Producer for a gospel music live recording. He enjoys fishing and is a tropical fish aquarium hobbyist. As an enthusiastic traveler, Pastor Martin has traveled across the world to more than 16 nations with his wife and family.
The youngest of 10 children, Pastor Martin values family and cherishes time spent with them. He is an intentionally engaged father of four amazing children Jeremiah, Tylin, Tyah, and George III, and a grateful husband to the lovely Toyin Martin.
DR. LESLIE W. SMITH
PASTOR EMERITUS
Dr. Leslie W. Smith is an accomplished Christian speaker, teacher, and evangelist. We at Amity Bible Church are grateful to have him serve as our Pastor Emeritus. Dr. Smith received his undergraduate degree from Grambling State University, completed additional graduate level study at George Washington University, earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and completed the Doctor of Ministry program at DTS.
After serving faithfully as a Senior Pastor for 25 years, Pastor Smith stepped down from pastoral ministry in December, 2014. In February, 2017, he put retirement on hold and answered God’s call to help establish Amity Bible Church, together with other faithful believers. Their goal is to be the church as Christ intended it to be. Under the leadership of dedicated Amity stewards, Amity continues to strive to know God and make Him known. Pastor Smith’s ministry focus continues to be on building strong marriages, strengthening families, and developing fully devoted followers of Christ. Through precept and example, Pastor Smith constantly endeavors to motivate the congregation to become a “new community” built on a “new commandment”.
He and his wife Glenna have been married for almost 50 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. Pastor Smith has embraced this new ministry opportunity as a call from God to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.