Last Updated January 19, 2002
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Rev. Phyllis Helena Brown Smotherson is the founding pastor of Refuge Church Ministries. She is an annointed, spirit-led shepherd who unashamedly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Smotherson has helped to bring many souls to Christ through her ministry. She was ordained in May 1997 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and by the Baptist Church in March 2000. She was formally installed as Pastor, Refuge Church Ministries, in May 2000.      Rev. Smotherson is the youngest of four children born to Mrs. Wardell Brown and the Late Reverend Luther Brown, Sr. in Williamston, North Carolina. She is also the mother of one son, J. Tyler Smotherson. Phyllis Smotherson is a loving daugther and devoted mother.      Rev. Smotherson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Biology. She also attended Fayetteville Technical Institute and received a certificate in Electronics and TV Repair.      The U.S. Department of Justice presently employs Rev. Smotherson as a supervisor and she has received many outstanding commendations for outstanding job performance. She has also worked in other fields. She was an Analytical Chemist for the Monsanto Corporation; and Assistant Administrator for the Fort Bragg, N.C. Adult High School Diploma Program; teacher in math,		Rev. Phyllis B. Smotherson, Pastor Refuge Church Ministries   science, English and biology, and was voted "Best Teach" by her superiors in the community college system in 1979.      Rev. Smotherson has a servant's heart. In addition to being the Pastor of Refuge Church Ministries, Largo, Maryland, she is also a peer support counselor and grief specialist, and cultural diversity instructor on her job. She assists many nationally as a member of a critical incidents/stress crisis intervention response team. She has worked to help prevent many from committing suicide, gain independence from drugs and alcohol and divorce crisis.		In the past, she has served as Minister to Women, the Healing Ministry, Bible Study Teacher, and member of the Inspirational Choir and the Voices of Mount Nebo in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has also served as church organist for the Gospel Choir and church assistant for John Wesley United Methodist Church, Glen Burnie, Maryland. Rev. Smotherson has served in African Methodist Episcopal churches all over the country in such capacities as church organist; choir director; steward; mission leader; conference worker; prayer band leader; prayer and praise team leader; church secretary; chaplain; ministerial counselor and class leader.      Phyllis B. Smotherson is also multi-talented. She has a well developed sense of humor and comedic timing that she freely uses in her Bible study minstry. She is an accomplished writer, play producer and actress. Rev. Smotherson has been been the subject of many newspapers articles. She was cited in "Who's Who in the Ministry" and in a periodical discussing inventive new programs that she has inititated such as "The Twelve Gates to the City."      Rev. Smotherson is hardworking, conscientious, kind-hearted, and has a great sense of humor. Although she has had many traumatic experiences in her life, her motto has always been, "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."