Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Nell Smith-ward
Hi Pastor Nell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Pastor Nell, though many affectionately call me “Little Nell”. My journey is a testament to God’s unfailing love and His perfect plan for my life—I was born to serve the Lord.
From a young age, I felt the call of God to preach and minister through music. I vividly remember the moment I heard His voice while playing in my front yard, compelling me to share His word. I rushed inside to tell my mother, the Late Overseer Cora Smith, a powerful woman of God and a trailblazer in ministry. She recognized the challenges ahead and sought to protect me from life’s storms, yet she encouraged me to follow God’s voice.
With much prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I began preaching at the tender young age of three years old. By the age of six, I preached my first revival in Henderson, NC, standing on a platform built just for me to see the audience!
At 17, my life changed dramatically with the passing of my mother, my role model and mentor, the Late Overseer Cora Smith. With a mandate from God on my life and a commitment to continue in her legacy, I took on the mantle of leading Miracle Center Holiness Church, which she founded over 50 years ago. This led to the birth of Living Waters Christian Church, where I currently pastor alongside my husband, Bishop Timothy Ward Sr.
Throughout my ministry, I’ve traveled near and far to share God’s Word, authored two anointed books—“Breaking Free” and “Healing Belongs to You”—and host a weekly radio broadcast called “Holy Ghost Radio Show with Pastor Nell.” I also hold an annual Vessels of Honor Award Ceremony to recognize pastors, community leaders, and cancer survivors.
As a national recording artist, Stellar Award nominee and most importantly a minister of the gospel, I have been honored with two honorary doctoral degrees and two lifetime achievement awards from the honorable President Obama and President Biden. Yet, my greatest accomplishment remains my service to the Lord.
I thank God for the foundation of my parents, the Late Henry Taft Smith and Overseer Cora Smith. I also thank God for my husband, my family, my church family and for the many prayer partners who continue to support and uplift this ministry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While this journey hasn’t always been easy, I believe He hasn’t brought me this far to leave me. Growing up in ministry as a child preacher, I faced questions about my calling, which fueled my determination to serve God wholeheartedly. I learned to overcome rejection and misunderstanding, discovering the true meaning of resilience and the importance of knowing who I am in God. I didn’t realize it then, but mama’s training, and sometimes stern position made me who I am today – a survivor and an overcomer!
Many seek validation from others, but I realized that when God calls and confirms His purpose in our lives, that is enough. My heart is devoted to God’s people, and I made a lifelong commitment to serve Him at a young age. Through life’s storms, I draw strength from my mother’s teachings and the great shoulders I stand upon, always reminded of God’s unfailing love. Indeed, God cannot and will not ever fail!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m glad you asked! As I mentioned, I serve as the Overseer and Pastor of Living Waters Christian Church alongside my husband, Bishop Timothy Ward Sr. Every week, I host a live broadcast, “The Holy Ghost Radio Show,” on Step 98.1 FM Radio. I also travel to minister through music and have made numerous television and radio appearances across the nation. I’m proud to share that I am a 2023 Stellar Award Nominee; my debut album, “It’s My Time,” was nominated for New Gospel Artist of the Year and reached the top spot at #1 on Fred Mills 11 @11 on Sirius XM Kirk Franklin Praise! It has truly been an honor to share the stage with incredible Gospel artists and trailblazers like Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, Beverly Crawford, and the late Dr. Maya Angelou, among countless others.
I’m particularly excited about the upcoming 2024 Vessels of Honor / Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards on Saturday, October 5th at 5 PM. Years ago, God gave me a mission to recognize Vessels of Honor which are men and women in ministry, leadership, and the community. In memory of my mother, who passed away from cancer, I also honor cancer survivors. This year, we’ll be adding a special component to honor individuals who have served on a national level with Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I hope it encourages someone on their journey. I also want to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to fellowship with us at Living Waters Christian Church, located at 2413 Rosinburg Rd., Zebulon, NC 27597. We hold service every Sunday morning at 10 AM, and we look forward to worshiping with you.
Additionally, if you’re interested in attending the 2024 Vessels of Honor / Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, please reach out. We would be delighted to have you join us.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised in North Carolina. I love our state and the greatness that it has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pastornellministries.com/#:~:text=Pastor%20Nell%20has%20made%20a%20life-time
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastornellsmithward/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleNellSmith
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrcKctMMbSBQ27beK30UGTg
