Bishop Alphonso Smith is the senior pastor of Elim Restoration Church of God. Before migrating to the USA ten years ago he served the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica for over forty years in various capacities, ranging from youth leader to senior pastor. He received his biblical and theological training at Bethel Bible College, Kingston Extension, Jamaica West Indies and Trinity Theological Seminary Inc. Brooklyn New York. He holds a Diploma in Christian Doctrine and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology.

In addition, he has a passion for evangelism, and this has taken him across the length and breadth of Jamaica, New York City, Georgia, Canada and London, England preaching the gospel. Also, with his evangelistic experience he has served as a pastor of different congregations in Jamaica and the United States. After migrating to the United States in October 2010 and by unction of the Holy Spirit, he started Hope and Restoration Church of God which merged with Brownsville Church of God in June 2011 to form Brownsville Restoration Church of God. He also served as pastor of Shekinah House of Deliverance for a short while before it was merged with Brownsville Restoration Church of God. This congregation is now Elim Restoration Church of God. Since 2017 he has also been an international chaplain. Reverend Smith is known for his shepherd’s heart and his superb interpersonal skills. His wife Morlean, son Dane and family support him tremendously in ministry.”