NEW YORK
CHURCH OF GOD EXECUTIVE STATE OFFICES
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
Administrative Bishop
BISHOP DR. A. STEVE P. SMITH
Bishop Dr. A. Steve P. Smith is a second-generation minister in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) whose life and ministry have been marked by a passion for God's presence, biblical leadership, evangelism, and spiritual formation. Since 2016, he has served as Administrative Bishop of the New York Church of God, providing visionary leadership and pastoral oversight to one of the denomination's most influential ministry regions.
​
Called by God from an early age, Bishop Smith led his first person to Christ at age 12 while growing up in Jamaica. That experience ignited a lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel, developing leaders, and advancing the Kingdom of God.
​
Throughout more than three decades of ministry, Bishop Smith has served in numerous leadership roles, including four years as Administrative Bishop of the New Jersey Church of God, where he led the state from mission status to AA status, and eight years as New York State Youth and Discipleship Director. He also served for six years as Chairman of the Northeast Winterfest Committee and has contributed to the denomination through service on the International Youth & Christian Education Board, the International Discipleship Board, the Men and Women of Action Board, and, currently, the Board of Directors for Lee University.
​
A passionate developer of leaders, Bishop Smith founded YouthLeadersTrain, an online certification and leadership development program that equips youth pastors and ministry leaders for biblically grounded, Spirit-empowered ministry. He is also the visionary founder of the Times Square Revival and the New York City Five Boroughs Revival and Awakening, citywide movements uniting churches in prayer, evangelism, worship, and spiritual renewal.
​
Bishop Smith earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Roberts Wesleyan University/Northeastern Seminary and holds a Master of Arts in Church Ministries from the Church of God Theological Seminary. He is the author of Outer Court Wandering or Holy Place Dwelling and The Six Streams of Spiritual Leadership, encouraging believers and leaders toward deeper spiritual formation and Christ-centered leadership.
​
Beyond the Church, Bishop Smith serves as a Human Rights Commissioner for Nassau County, New York, advocating for justice, dignity, and reconciliation. He also honorably served in the United States Armed Forces, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and multiple achievement awards.
​
A committed endurance runner, Bishop Smith completed the New York City Marathon in 2011 as an evangelistic outreach and again in 2016 to launch his FINISH COMMITMENT church-planting initiative, "26 Miles, 26 Church Plants."
​
Above all, Bishop Smith is a servant leader who is passionate about seeing lives transformed by the Gospel, leaders spiritually formed, churches strengthened, and communities impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is married to Karen Smith, his partner in life and ministry, and together they are blessed with two children, Sarah and Johnathan.
Women's Ministries Director
LADY KAREN SMITH
First Lady Karen Smith presently serves as the New York Women’s Ministries Director. She is the devoted wife of Bishop Dr. A. Steve P. Smith for 35 years and the mother of two, Sarah and Johnathan. She previously served as the Girls Ministries Coordinator for New York for 8 years as well as the New Jersey Women’s Ministries Director for 4 years.
She is very passionate about serving the women of the state and her vision is to bridge the gap among the generations, uniting young adult and older women. Her mission is to lead women of all ages to become their best selves- spiritually, physically and emotionally. Karen has a sincere love for people and a desire to see them grow in their relationship with God.
Youth & Discipleship Director
BISHOP PETERSON DENIS
Bishop Peterson Denis brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and servant leadership to his role as the New York State Youth and Discipleship Director. His ministry and professional journey reflect a profound commitment to empowering and advocating for youth, families, and communities, particularly those facing significant challenges. A native of New York City, Bishop Denis accepted Christ at the age of eleven, setting him on a lifelong path of humility, gifted service, and a steadfast desire to fulfill the will of God. Over the years, he has woven together military service, higher education, social advocacy, and ministry into a powerful testimony of servant leadership and spiritual vision.
Professionally, he has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), giving a voice to children facing neglect, abuse, and trauma in the court system. He also worked as a Social Worker supporting displaced youth and families in need. These roles reflect his compassion and commitment to standing in the gap for the most vulnerable.
Within the church, Bishop Denis has served faithfully in many capacities. His passion for music led him to become the New York State Music Coordinator where he dedicated 12 years to mentoring aspiring musicians and developing worship ministries. Beyond the pulpit, he has championed community outreach and feeding initiatives, reflecting his conviction that true ministry must extend into the heart of the community.
​​
Girls Ministries Coordinator
REVEREND ROMAINE DENIS
Rev. Romaine Denis serves as the Girls Ministries Coordinator. She is joyfully married to Bishop Peterson Denis, and together they are blessed with one son, Seth Denis.
​
Both Rev. Romaine and Bishop Peterson have served as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), giving a voice to children facing neglect, abuse, and trauma within the court system.
​
Rev. Romaine has a deep passion for young people and volunteers her time to assist at-risk youth who have aged out of the system and are seeking guidance, support, and encouragement as they transition into adulthood.
