Camden’s Shelley Smith Added to Presenter Lineup for Clergy Conference
The Rev. Shelley Smith, Methodist minister in Camden, has been added as our third presenter for this year’s Clergy Conference to be held Nov. 8–10, in-person at the Seaview in Galloway via Zoom.
“We’re thrilled that Shelley is bringing her skills and experience to a clergy conference focused on coaching,” said Rob Droste, diocesan Canon for Congregational Development and Mission. “She’s an engaging speaker and teacher, and brings tremendous experience in the art and practice of coaching in the church environment. I can’t wait to learn more from her about this important ministry tool.”
Rev. Smith joins the Rev. Canon Rob Droste and the Rev. Amy Cornell to focus on coaching, including:
- What is coaching?
- How can coaching help form disciples?
- What ways can you use coaching in your ministry setting?
Reverend Shelley Stanley Smith
Reverend Shelley S. Smith received her Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary, St. David’s PA in 2011. She is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of the historic Ferry Avenue United Methodist Church, Camden, NJ. Ministry growth at Ferry Avenue UMC is founded on the global mission of the United Methodist Church – to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. Her prayer is that the mission is realized as the congregation commits to Love God, Love Our Neighbor and Love Our Neighborhood.
The Pastor and Laity’s collaborative ministry goals of vibrant worship, empowering leadership, contextual studies, welcoming fellowship, and partnering with the community for engaging ministries are being realized. A small group has grown to become The Tuesday Fellowship, an informal, interactive worship service attended primarily by the neighborhood. Through her leadership, summer youth ministries were restored, and Bright Hope Youth Ministry was initiated. Partnerships with community non-profits and city agencies are addressing health, wellness and nutritional needs of the Centerville community. As a board member of Camden Urban Ministry Initiative, she introduced Camden youth to the Greater NJ UMC annual IGNITE Youth Conference in Wildwood and Joshua Generation leadership camp programs and opportunities.
Rev. Smith serves as the conference secretary and clergy member of the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church. She is a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry and as Circuit Leader for the UMC clergy in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester County. In 2018, she was one of six people that accompanied the presiding Bishop Schol to Tanzania, East Africa to initiate a 5-year Pastor’s School. In 2019, she facilitated he Urban Cohort for the GNJUMC Clergy Leadership Development Seminar.
Rev. Smith is an International Coaching Federation associate certified coach (ACC), and is affiliated with Holmes Coaching Group, Crofton, MD. She specializes in clergy and leadership coaching. In addition to individual clients, she has also provided coaching services to United Methodist Global Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodists of Greater New Jersey, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, Princeton University, and Presbyterian Church USA. Additionally, she was an adjunct professor at Eastern’s School of Christian Ministries, Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, St. David, PA, 2011 – 2019.
Rev. Smith’s greatest reward and the heart of her ministry is the sacred joy of encouraging others on their journey of faith. In all aspects of life experience, she reminds others that no matter what – God is faithful – God loves us, and God cares.
Rev. Smith celebrates the joy of family with her husband, Oliver Smith, Jr., sons, Rahim and Lewis and his wife, Angela, grandchildren, Lewis Jr., Alicia, and Sophia and her “Stan Clan” family.
“Be strong and courageous;
do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”—Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)
