Leo Clifford Smith III was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He was educated in the East Orange, New Jersey school system and graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Accounting. He has worked in the financial industry as an accountant and auditor.

Pastor Clifford was baptized at the age of nine and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at age eleven.  As a member of the Bethlehem Community Church, he has served in the following capacities: Trustee, Christian Men’s Department President, Sunday School Teacher, and Assistant Pastor.

Within the New Jersey District Council (NJDC) of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Pastor Clifford has served as an Usher, Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer of the NJDC, Young Peoples Union President, and Assistant Treasurer of the NJDC Brotherhood Department. On a national level within the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, he had the privilege to serve on the Treasury staff of the International Pentecostal Young Peoples Union.

On June 9, 2006, Pastor Clifford received his Ministerial License and on April 20, 2012, he was ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ Worldwide by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Understanding the weight of the call and the need to personally prepare, Pastor Clifford successfully participated in the NJDC Ministerial Orientation and Pastoral Training Courses for which he holds certificates of completion. He has also taken other ministry courses at Aenon Bible College through the Bethlehem Theological Institute.

A man of great faith, Pastor Clifford believes the Word, according to Joel 2:32 “whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered…” To that end, his focus is to preach the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ to those that are lost, sick, and in captivity, so that they may be saved, healed, delivered, and set free.