About Us
Our ministries bring together a diverse fellowship
OUR CHURCH HISTORY
The spiritual breath, that gave life to the regenerated baptized body of believer's over 100 years ago, is alive and victorious.
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The founder of Bethlehem Baptist Church was the late Rev. Monroe Lewis Fifer. He and his wife Daisey were workers in God's vineyard from 1920-1965. After Pastor Fifer's death, Rev. H.L. Goode led God's flock for two years. During Rev. Goode's leadership the church family split. The late Rev. Raphael Spiller pastored from 1967 to 1985. Rev. Spiller was a man of great wisdom and strong spiritual conviction. He had a warm and loving spirit. He and his lovely wife Ruby, who survive him in death and his five children, was a great inspiration to the Bethlehem family. He taught the church to trust in the Lord and not lean to their own understanding. He went home to be with the Lord in 1985. He pastored 18 years.

Rev. L.D. Spiller became the fourth pastor to lead God's people in 1986. This pastor was gentle and had a calm loving spirit. Pastor Spiller and his lovely wife Carol and their four children worked diligently for the Lord. During the leadership of Pastor L. D. Spiller the building was lost in a fire then located in the West End at 1601 Bonner at Spencer Street. In September of 1987, through great faith in the Lord, the Pastor and the members relocated to the sanctuary site we are now worshipping in. The church name also changed at that time to New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Spiller resigned in January of 1992.

On April 26, 1992 our current and beloved Pastor David L. Smith preached his very first sermon as Pastor at New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
Our greatest purpose as a living body of people is to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 Because of this vision the membership has grown. The years that Pastor Smith and his family have been with us, we have “Walked by Faith and not by Sight”, according to II Corinthians 5:7. The New Bethlehem family has unity because of the love Christ has given for the pastor, his family and for each other.

We rejoice to say that the church family had the great privilege of worshiping with one of its oldest members from the Pastor Fifer era, Sis. Elenora Peavy. She went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2008 at the age of 96 years old. The church continues to remember this pillar of great faith. The New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church is continuing to move forward in developing and preparing the people of God until the coming of Christ.
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THE CHURCH LEADERSHIP
David L. Smith
Lead Pastor
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Lady Linda Smith
First Lady
On April 26, 1992 a humble, young and spirit filled David L. Smith preached his very first sermon as pastor of New Bethlehem Baptist Church. The Lord sent Pastor Smith, his wife Linda and their three daughters to the New Bethlehem family with a “Kingdom Building” vision.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”, (Proverbs 29:18)

Pastor David L. Smith has been a faithful preacher of the gospel for more than 30 years. He is a true Houstonian and loves his community. He attended the College of Biblical Studies and has been awarded much recognition for his faithfulness such as “Gospel Monthly – 40 under 40 of Houston”, Honorary Sheriff from former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia & City of Houston Resolutions from current Mayor Sylvester Turner and former Mayor Annise D. Parker, Congressman Gene Green, Former Senator Sylvia Garcia, State Representative Armando Walle along with other city councilman, state representatives and congressman.
He believes that there is only one God, one faith and one baptism. Through teaching the doctrine he allows every believer the opportunity to share an abundance of life; which includes unconditional love, immense wisdom and profound understanding.
Pastor Smith’s passion is to use his extraordinary gift of serving by assessing the immediate needs of his community. He then teaches the doctrine in a way that it is practical and applicable so that believers may become socially, economically and spiritually, independent. He’s a real motivator who encourages others to go above and beyond.

The New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Smith welcome new members to become part of a forever growing church so that they too can use their gifts and talents in a helping manner in order to develop themselves and others as it relates to the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
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“God is doing two things in the world; He is saving souls and maturing saints. Through discipleship development you are able to become faithful, available and teachable in all areas of your life.”
~Pastor David L. Smith
Lady Linda Smith is a native of Smithfield, VA who surrendered her life to Christ and humbly serves his kingdom. She has been married to Pastor David L. Smith for 36+ years and is the proud mother to three lovely daughters Tamara, Crystal & Jessica. She adores her four beautiful grandchildren Jayla, Tamia, Chandler and King.

Mrs. Smith has communicated her passion for helping individuals who seek more of God. She utilizes her gifts and talents to its fullest in all areas needed. More specifically, she has taught and counseled women in many areas of praying, confessing and repenting worldly sin while renewing the mind, and applying the Bible to their personal lives. Mrs. Smith offers assistance in managing time and finances by relating these subjects to and honoring the word of God.

“I believe that scriptures are without error and are the supreme standard by which all mankind should conduct their walk of life. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are identical in nature and are equal in power and glory. They have the same attributes and perfection.”
~Lady Linda Smith
