Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church and a professor at Virginia Union University, will host a book signing Saturday, April 19, at the church, 1127 N. 28th St., beginning at noon.

The event celebrates the release of Smith’s new book, “Ellison Jones Convocation Lectures,” as well as his 75th birthday.

 Dr. Smith
 

Smith’s latest publication brings together two lectures he delivered at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, where he serves as an assistant professor of ethics and interdisciplinary studies. The book, part of the series “Lectures by Dr. Sylvester T. Smith,” addresses the urgent need for justice, love and liberation in the world through the lens of prophetic preaching.

The first lecture, “Preaching Power: Preaching Love & Justice,” was delivered during the 2016 Ellison Jones Convocation and explores biblical mandates for justice drawn from scriptures such as Micah 6:8, Isaiah 61:1-2 and Amos 5:24. The second lecture, “Preaching & Social Justice: Preaching Liberation in Perilous Times,” was presented at the 2023 convocation and focuses on the moral challenges facing contemporary society and the need for bold, justice-oriented preaching.

In addition to his pastoral and academic roles, Smith is a leader in numerous civic and religious organizations. He serves on the boards of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, the Better Housing Coalition, Richmond Affordable Housing and Armstrong Priorities. 

For more information about the event, contact Good Shepherd Baptist Church at (804) 644-1402.