Dr. Benjamin L. Smith is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, born June 26, 1953. Dr. Smith is husband to Kelley Muller-Smith and father to four children, Aaron, Andre, Damon, and Mauria. He is grandfather to one granddaughter, Leah Nikole.

After completing his formal education in the Jefferson County Public Schools in 1971, he entered Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976. After graduation he taught in the public school system in Gary, Indiana from 1976-1977.

He accepted God's call on his life into ministry in April of 1978. With a desire to enter the ministry in a full-time capacity, he entered the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA, where he received the Master of Divinity Degree in 1981. The Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Bible College and Seminary (Independence, Missouri) was conferred in 2008.

In August of 1986, Pastor Smith and his family, his wife, Kelley Muller-Smith and daughter, Mauria Elizabeth arrived in Memphis. He was assigned to be the minister of one of the churches in the city.

In March of 1989, after the leading of the Lord, he founded the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ. Under his leadership, Miracle Temple has become one of the fastest growing ministries in the city of Memphis.

After accepting the office of an Apostle, Pastor Smith was publicly authenticated in the Service of Apostolic consecration on Thursday, March 2, 2000.

Apostle Smith renamed the church to Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc., as it now operates as an independent ministry.

Apostle Smith also founded two other ministries in West Memphis, Arkansas and Louisville, Kentucky. Upon opening the Ministry in West Memphis, Apostle Smith was awarded the key to the City of West Memphis by Mayor William Johnson.

On May 5, 2002, Apostle Smith’s vision of constructing a Family Worship & Activity Center in the Whitehaven community was realized during the grand opening and dedicatory service of the new facility at 3750 Millbranch Road.

Dr. Smith and Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc.have always strived to be a beacon of light in the Whitehaven community. Miracle Temple has adopted three city schools, Graceland Elementary, A. Maceo Walker Middle School, and Caldwell Elementary. Many certificates, plaques, and civic awards have been bestowed upon Apostle Smith by agencies and businesses throughout the city of Memphis. The Memphis City Council recognized him also by naming a portion of Millbranch Road in his honor.