From the Heart of a Pastor, J. Alfred Smith Sr.

Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr.’s book is a compilation of prayers, pastor pens and sermons divided into three parts. . It is without question this book stands in monumental stature and will be considered as a classic for years to come. Part I are Prayers from the Heart of Pastor Smith. The prayers are for varying occasions; congregational prayers, public events, church anniversaries baby dedications, bereavements, sickness, intercessory prayers, funerals and a host of others. Dr. Smith uses ordinary words to make his requests known to God. His prayers reflect sincerity, simplicity and selflessness. For persons who may shy away from pubic prayers; you will discover praying is communicating to God in everyday language. I heard a man say that a person told him he did not pray eloquently and compared him to another person: The response was “I am not praying to people, I am praying to God.” Prayers are utterances from the heart and the soul of the person praying. Part II is composed of abbreviated sermon outlines with sub categories of the Old and New Testaments. The readers get a glimpse of Dr. Smith’s style of preaching by the way he introduces the text and contextualizes his sermons that brings the hearers into an experiential encounter with God. “I always prepare a sermon with deep concern for the sermon hearers. Who are these people? Why have they come to hear me preach? Are the listeners diverse academically, culturally, economically, ethically, and theologically? What expectations are they bringing to the sermon event, and how much do they know about the Christian message? What do I need to know in order to communicate effectively to this specific audience? After discovering preparation, the social location of the people to whom I will be preaching, as well as the purpose for the sermonic event, I move from the stage of audience inquiry through the following seven stages: Invocation, selection mediation, separation, organization, internalization and proclamation [Larue: Power in the Pulpit, 2002, p. 133] Part III is composed of Dr. Smith’s Pastor Pens. In the tradition of keeping in touch with the congregation, the Pastor Pen is a weekly writing that appears in the Sunday church bulletin. The subject matter varies from current events, biblical subjects, introducing a speaker, asking for specific prayers, focus on celebrated holidays, Christian and otherwise. Pastor pens may also focus on challenges the church is experiencing including financial appeals and a reminder that giving is a part of worshiping. Dr. Smith Sr’s first Pastor Pen to the Allen Temple congregation was written on the occasion of his installation service as senior pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church, February 21, 1971, 3:00 p.m. “Although I was called as your pastor in 1970, the installation service was not until February 21, 1971. On that day I made a statement of promise called the pastoral response. Please read it again. I have done everything that I promised to do when I made the statement at the installation service: Permit me to thank the overworked members of the installation committee, the noble officers and dedicated members of the Allen Tempe Baptist Church, he provocative speakers, the respected leaders from all walks of life and the large number of friends for their individual roles in this moving and unforgettable service of installation. The poverty of my expression prevents an adequate communication of the intensity of my sincerity and the strong degree of seriousness with which I embark upon this pastoral assignment. In addition to fulfilling the priestly duties of a parish minister, I shall try to bring to East Oakland added Christian presence and participation in the resolution of those community problems which so sorely plague us. More adequate schools, housing and health care, drug prevention economic development, racial and social justice, meaningful activities for youth and senior citizens as well as civic and political responsibility are among the prophetic concerns which I hope to embrace. As opportunities arise, I shall strive to relate our parish to the denominational, ecumenical and international concerns of the time. Enshrined upon my heart and inserted upon the tablets of my mind are the living words of the ancient seer whose timeless purpose speaks to each of us to love mercy, do justly, and walk humbly with God. Lastly, Dr. Smith Sr. nurtured and ordained women in a climate where some men continue to feel that women are not called to preach and pastor. It was Dr. Smith who ordained the late Rev Dr. Ella Mitchell, a renowned preacher, professor and lecturer. Like the prophet Jeremiah, Dr. Smith Sr., is more than tears; he spreads hope in a world of trials, agony and tribulations. Readers will be blessed by this monumental one volume book that comes from the heart of the pastor to the heart of the readers. This book promises to nourish the spirit, encourage the readers during difficult times and is a timeless piece for a timeless world. Thanks be to God for Dr J. Alfred Smith Sr’s gift to generations to come.