Ecclesiastical Leadership
Julia A. Smith BA, M.Ed.
First-Lady
Julia, the First Lady of Gateway Church, hails from Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she was born and raised. As a devoted mother of three and a wife of 35 years, she demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the advancement of children. Lady Julia is passionate about empowering women and families fulfill their God-ordained destinies in Christ, while also assisting them in developing sustainable life goals that are uniquely aligned with their divine purpose.
First Lady Julia is a New Jersey Certified kindergarten teacher within the Atlantic City NJ urban school district. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from Stockton University and her certification in Early Childhood Education from Montclair State University. Lady Smith has also completed her Master of Arts in Early Education from Grand Canyon University (GCU). She is committed to inspiring and educating children.
Lady Julia's vision for GATEWAY CHURCH is to use her experience in the educational arena to build a hi-scope preschool academy that will educate students spiritually as well as naturally. She also endeavors to continue her work with young women in "Daughters of Zion Mentor-ship Program".
First Lady Julia is truly a woman of God that aspires to reflect the qualities and characteristics of the virtuous woman found in Proverbs 31. She is called blessed by her husband, children, and friends.
Lance T. Smith Sr. MA, MSL, MPA, CPM, DD
Senior Pastor
Dr. Lance T. Smith Sr. is a distinguished faith and community leader based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, formerly known as Zion Life Church Inc. His journey in ministry spans over 34 years, during which he has held various ecclesiastical roles, including Sunday School Director, Deacon, Minister, Elder, and Associate Pastor. In 2013, he founded Zion Life Church Inc., which has since evolved into Gateway Church, with campuses in Galloway Township NJ and Atlantic City NJ.
Dr. Smith's academic achievements are extensive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Political Science and Government from the University of Arizona. He has earned both a Master of Science in Leadership and a Master's in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Theology from Jameson Christian College and is a Certified Public Manager (CPM), through the New Jersey State Civil Service Commission. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to ministry and community service, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from International Christian University.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Dr. Smith is deeply involved in mental health and housing advocacy. He is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner and serves as the former Deputy Director of the largest not-for-profit supportive housing agency in New Jersey, operating under the New Jersey Department of Mental Health and Addictions. He is currently the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Atlantic City government. His commitment to community development is further evidenced by his roles on various boards and committees, including the Camden County Continuum of Care, the Homeless Network Planning Committee, a former Atlantic County Mental Health Board member and an Executive Board member of the Faith Based Alliance of New Jersey.
Dr. Smith resides in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, with his wife of 35 years, Lady Julia. They have three children—Lance Jr., Joshua, and Jessica—and a grandson, Lance T. Smith III. Together, they are dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and community well-being through their ministry and outreach efforts.
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