The Place Where Everybody Matters To God!
Senior Pastor Kevin Thompson-Smith
Dr. Kevin Thompson-Smith is saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit. He has dedicated nine years of Pastoral Ministry and 21 years of preaching ministry to guiding a congregation with compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to faith. Holding degrees in Business Administration and a Doctoral Degree in Theology/urban ministries, he combines scholarly insight with practical experience to enrich spiritual growth and community outreach.
​
Passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, Pastor Thompson-Smith emphasizes the importance of service, mentorship, and building meaningful relationships within the church and beyond. His sermons and effective biblical teachings are known for their depth, relevance, and life-changing abilities, addressing both the spiritual and everyday challenges faced by congregants.
​
In addition to pastoral duties, he actively engages in community initiatives and works to promote social justice, believing that faith should inspire action. When not in the pulpit, Pastor Thompson-Smith enjoys traveling, reading a good book, and spending time with his family, often finding spiritual inspiration in these activities.
​
With a vision for a vibrant, engaged church community, Dr. Thompson-Smith looks forward to continuing the journey of faith alongside his spouse and congregation at The Life Church.
Elder Jessica L.Newsome
Elder Newsome has been a member of The Life since 2015. As a native of Denver, she graduated from Denver School of the Arts in 2006 as a vocal music major before heading to Langston University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development in 2010. After entering the education field for many years in Oklahoma, she returned to Denver and began teaching in the public school system. In February 2014, she decided to continue her education by attending Grand Canyon University, where she received her Master's degree in Special Education-Cross Categorical in December 2015. Subsequent years found her attending the University of Denver's Leadership and Policy Studies program and the Early Childhood Special Education program before rounding out her academic matriculation back at Grand Canyon University, where she is completing the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)-Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry program.
​
On April 18, 2017, she preached her first sermon at The Life; on June 25, 2017, God saw fit to bless her with being both licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel by her father in the ministry, Rev. Dr. Kevin Thompson-Smith; and on July 23, 2023, she was elevated to the office of Elder.
Elder Tremayne L. Hazard
Elder Tremayne L. Hazard has been a member of The Life since January 2017. In 1999, Rev. Hazard accepted his calling to the ministry and was licensed as a minister of the Gospel on March 19, 2000, and ordained in 2008. Under the leadership of Pastor Richard A. Hazard of By Faith Christian Fellowship in Aurora, CO, Elder Hazard served as a minister, praise and worship leader, and choir director. He is the eldest of six children and a father of three: one daughter and two sons.
Elder Hazard joined the ministerial staff of The Life in September 2017 under Pastor Kevin Thompson-Smith. He loves God with his whole heart and desires to fulfill the calling of the Lord upon his life.
Elder Nathaniel Byrams
Elder Nate Byrams, a native New Yorker, had a love for the things of God at a young age. At the age of 16, Nate was filled with the Holy Ghost and chased fervently after God through prayer and fasting. His grandmother, who was an evangelist and prophetess, was his inspiration and mentor.
After graduation from Patchogue Medford High School in Medford, NY. He attended Long Island University, where he served as president of Campus Crusade Christian Club. He surrendered to the call to ministry at the age of 19 and joined Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY, under the leadership of Bishop Hezekiah Walker. He began his journey in ministry serving in various capacities such as The Tabernacle and Rhema Choirs, Alter Workers, Crusaders for Christ Street Team, Young Adults Sunday School Teacher, Bible Institute Professor, provided leadership and training of the Men’s Junior Minister’s Auxiliary, and was ordained an Associate Pastor until 2008 when he moved to North Carolina. He joined, and he served on the Minister’s Board at Emmanuel Tabernacle in Rock Hill, SC, under Pastor Van Dyke Freeman and was the radio announcer. He continued to be in God’s service, preaching and teaching as opportunities allowed. In January 2019, he made Colorado his home and joined The Life, where he was ordained and licensed in May.
Nate received his Cosmetology Diploma from Empire Beauty School in Pineville, NC, and was licensed by the state of North Carolina in 2010. Nate is the father of 2 children: one biological daughter and one adopted son.
In a world where many seek fame and fortune, Nate seeks to reach his fullest potential in God. It is his personal belief that God has appointed him to be a conduit of His love and grace. He feels this calling is an important one since he has a great love for people and continues to help, guide, and support all those who desire to seek a personal relationship with the Lord our God.
Elder Walter Thompson-Smith, Jr.
Elder Walter L. Thompson-Smith, Jr. is a dynamic servant of God with a fervent passion for ministry in church administration, music, youth, and men's outreach. He began his journey at age nine when he accepted Christ and started leading music at just four, becoming a choir director by 13. With over 22 years as Minister of Music for Community AME Zion Church and over 10 years for the Oregon/Washington AME Zion Conference Minister of Music, he has profoundly impacted worship in his community.
​
Additionally, he served as Youth/Young Adult Minister of Music at Antioch Baptist Church for over seven years. His biblical studies began under Elder Robert F. Kemp, where he was licensed as an Exhorter and Local Preacher. Joining the Church of God in Christ in 2001, he was ordained as an Elder in 2007 under Bishop A.R. Hopkins Sr.
​
Elder Thompson-Smith has ministered across the U.S. for over 16 years with HeavenBound Ministries and Deliverance Center, sharing healing and hope through music and preaching. In 2005, he founded the Unity in Praise Choir, creating a vibrant community through worship. Currently, he serves as an Elder at The Life Church, assisting the Senior Pastor in various capacities. Committed to prayer and personal worship, Elder Thompson-Smith empowers others to experience God's transformative power, making him a vital leader in the Christian community.
Elder Andrae Hazard
Coming Soon...