Reverend Jivaro Smith,
Ordained Minister and Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pickering, Ontario - But most importantly and above all he is a child of God.
American boxer, Joe Louis can be attributed with coining the phrase “You can run, but you can’t hide”and there are countless examples in Biblical times of those who ran from their calling. Rev. Jivaro shared this same walk, until he surrendered fully to the Masters’ Plan for his life in the Ministry.
Born and raised in North Preston Nova Scotia, Rev. Jivaro Smith grew up in the Saint Thomas United Baptist Church and found comfort during services by singing at the early age of 4, and as a teenager became a member of the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). Growing up, those vocal talents were honed and used to minister in The Young Boys Choir, The Hallelujah Praise Choir as well as family bands. A solid faith foundation was being cultivated for Rev. Smith in Canada’s largest Indigenous Black Community.
In 2002 Rev. Smith, stepped out on faith and left Nova Scotia to pursue his passion in the Arts. His professional singing and acting débutwas in the world renowned theatre production of Disney's “The Lion King” in Toronto, Ontario. Singing and acting brought a sense of accomplishment for Rev. Jivaro and God blessed him with many opportunities to draw people in with this gift, but what Rev. Smith realized is that God was calling him to greater things. In 2004 he answered the call of God on his life into the Preaching Ministry; and was ordained a Local Deacon in 2007 and then Local Elder in 2011 in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. Smith has held the position of Associate Pastor of Grant AME Church, Toronto, Ontario (2011-2017) and served as both the Minister of Music and Christian Arts at Grant AME and the Canadian Annual Conference Music Director. In April of 2018, under the direction and leadership of the 4th Episcopal Bishop John F. White, Sr. Presiding Prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. Jivaro Smith with appointed and charged with the establishment and development of a NEW Church in the Canadian Conference - Emmanuel Temple A.M.E Church, Pickering, Ontario.
Rev. Smith’s favourite passage of scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. As a result of this Rev. Smith has boldly stepped into His Ministry, keeping the FAITH and running to the Word of God for His strength and guidance. Rev. Smith has learned to utilize those God given gifts to drawn God’s people back home.
Rev. Jivaro Smith is married to his wife of 18 years, Mary Smith and is the proud father of Alondrea, Cherei, Jaieya, Jaiven and Cheilyn.