Bishop Luke A. Smith Re-Elected as AWCF General Chairman

GREENSBORO, NC - May 6, 2025

The Apostolic World Christian Fellowship (AWCF) opened its 2025 World Congress with a momentous and Spirit-led affirmation: the re-election of Bishop Luke A. Smith as General Chairman. The decision, received with resounding agreement and reverence, marks a continued chapter of visionary leadership, apostolic unity, and global expansion.

Bishop Smith was first elected to this sacred office in 2022, following a prayerful and deliberate succession after the tenure of Bishop Samuel L. Smith, who had led the fellowship for three decades. Bishop Luke Smith’s consecration service took place during the 2023 Leadership Summit at Now Faith Apostolic Ministries in Rex, GA. Overseen by Chief Consecrator Bishop Clarence B. Haddon, the service affirmed Bishop Smith’s divine calling and mantle to lead a fellowship that spans more than 181 Oneness Apostolic organizations, 25,000 ministers, and 10 million believers worldwide. 

A Legacy Rooted in Unity

The re-election is not merely a procedural affirmation but a continuation of the AWCF’s founding vision. Established in 1969, the AWCF was born out of a divine burden placed upon Bishop Worthy G. Rowe to unify baptized, Spirit-filled believers from across Oneness Pentecostal organizations. The first World Congress in May 1970, held at Apostolic Temple in South Bend, IN drew over 900 participants, far surpassing the expected 300. That moment became a defining prophetic act of unity, laying the foundation for what is now a global Apostolic fellowship.

Carrying the Mantle Forward

As General Chairman, Bishop Luke Smith has embraced this legacy with fervent humility and Spirit-led vision. Since his initial election, he has emphasized global missions, ministerial development, and intergenerational unity. Under his leadership, AWCF has strengthened initiatives like the 7,000 Club, expanded educational offerings through the Christ Ministries School of Divinity, and empowered regional and international leaders to carry the Apostolic flame.

Bishop Smith’s re-election at the 2025 Congress sends a clear and spiritual message: the people of God recognize the anointing upon his life and trust his guidance for the next season. Echoing the spirit of Ephesians 4:11-13, he continues to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ.

A Global Apostolic Family

The AWCF remains committed to its mission: to unify, edify, and mobilize the Apostolic church around the world. With ministries such as Mujeres de Destino (Women’s Ministry), UYC (United Youth Conference), and powerful international church-planting efforts, Bishop Smith’s leadership is propelling the fellowship forward.

As the saints gathered in worship and thanksgiving on the first day of World Congress 2025, the atmosphere was charged with prophetic affirmation. Bishop Luke A. Smith’s re-election represents not just continuity, but consecrated progress toward that glorious prayer of JESUS in John 17:21: "That they all may be one."

To God be the glory for what He is doing through the AWCF!