Biography
Michael M. Smith
Minister | Recording Artist | Studio Engineer | Teacher | Leadership Trainer
Rev. Michael M. Smith is an ordained minister, award-winning Gospel recording artist, worship pastor, music mastering engineer, and certified leadership trainer whose ministry spans more than three decades and three continents.
With a distinctive blend of passion, authenticity, and excellence, he has devoted his life to using every gift God has given him to glorify Christ and build up His Church.
My mission is to usher mankind into a worship experience that influences their way of life — daily demonstrating the truth of Christ through word, song, and service.
Early Life & Calling
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and rooted in the rich Gullah heritage of the Low Country, Michael grew up surrounded by faith, family, and music. The son of Elder James Smith, Jr. and Apostle Helen Smith, he was immersed in church life from birth.
When his family relocated to Huger, South Carolina, his mother founded a small ministry that blossomed into Cainhoy Miracle Revival Center, Inc., which eventually birthed seventeen churches.
As a child, Michael’s musical gifts quickly became evident. He began singing in church with his sister, often standing on a chair so the congregation could see him. By age 14, he had recorded and produced his first music project, and at just 15, he accepted the call to preach the Gospel — beginning a lifelong journey of ministry through both word and song.
Ministry & Worship Leadership
Michael served as Minister of Music for his family’s church for eight years, directing the Path of Life Angelic Choir and developing a love for both worship and leadership.
After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, he studied Electronics Engineering at DeVry Institute and served as Minister of Music and Associate Pastor for 15 years, combining his technical skill and spiritual passion to grow thriving music ministries.
In 1999, Michael and his family moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he continues to serve as Minister of Worship & Arts at Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk.
There, he provides leadership to a wide range of ministries — including music, dance, drama, media, hospitality, and ushers — while training and mentoring worship leaders and ministry coordinators.
Working closely with Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr., Michael also preaches, teaches, and provides pastoral care for a vibrant and growing congregation.
Recording Artist & Worshipper
An award-winning recording artist and songwriter, Michael’s music bridges generations and genres — from traditional Gospel and worship anthems to contemporary Christian and cultural rhythms inspired by his Low Country roots.
His discography includes:
🎵 Worship of A Redeemed Man
🎵 Bigger Than I Imagined
🎵 Worship Unplugged
🎵 A Christmas Note
🎵 7 Years Later
Each project reflects Michael’s mission to lead people into the presence of God through heartfelt lyrics and dynamic worship experiences. His songs have received international radio play, from the U.S. to Europe and beyond.
He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Kurt Carr, Maurette Brown Clark, Todd Dulaney, Kelontae Gavin, DeWayne Woods, and Israel Houghton, and has toured throughout the eastern United States, Italy, Switzerland, and West Africa.
“I want my music to paint a picture people can see — to help them experience the presence of God the way I do when I write.”
Studio Engineer & Creative Mentor
As the founder of Hayah Sounds Mastering Studios, Michael extends his ministry beyond performance to empower other artists.
Through the studio, he offers:
🎚️ Professional mastering and mixing consultation
🎚️ Production mentorship for emerging artists
🎚️ Ministry guidance for Gospel and worship projects
He believes excellence honors God, and his work helps artists present their message with both technical precision and spiritual authenticity.
“I believe in cooking for the whole house — creating music that feeds everyone, from the youngest believer to the most seasoned saint.”
Preacher, Teacher & Leadership Trainer
A passionate communicator of the Word, Michael is known for his engaging preaching style, biblical depth, and ability to connect Scripture to everyday life.
He is a certified trainer with Leadership Training International, Inc. and an instructor at Gethsemane’s Foundations of Faith Leadership Institute, where he teaches leadership development, worship theology, and ministry administration.
Michael is also the author of The Frontline Worshipper, a training course designed to equip worship leaders, musicians, and teams to minister effectively and with integrity.
Global Missions & Ministry Impact
Michael’s ministry extends far beyond local platforms. He has ministered internationally in Europe and West Africa, serving in leadership development, music ministry, and missions work.
He is the Founder and President of Hayah RISSE Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to outreach, education, and empowerment, and he serves on the advisory board for Nyame Bekyere Christian School in Ghana, supporting Christian education and community development initiatives.
Academic & Campus Ministry
For over 15 years, Michael has served as Director of the Ebony Impact Gospel Choir at Old Dominion University, mentoring young musicians and worshippers to use their gifts for the Kingdom.
He has also served as Bible Study Instructor and Christian Advisor for the Christian Student Fellowship at Norfolk State University, influencing hundreds of young adults with biblical teaching, mentorship, and leadership training.
Personal Life
Beyond the stage and pulpit, Michael is a devoted family man. He is the proud husband of Minister Sharon Smith and father of a beautiful daughter. Together, they share a passion for ministry and a commitment to building God’s Kingdom.
“Of all my callings — preacher, teacher, artist, mentor — my greatest joy is being a husband and father.”
Legacy & Mission
Rev. Michael M. Smith continues to inspire and equip believers around the world through music, ministry, and mentorship. His message remains clear and unwavering:
“True worship is more than a song — it’s a lifestyle.”
Through every sermon, every song, and every soul he reaches, Michael’s goal is to draw people closer to God and empower the next generation of worshippers and leaders to do the same.