Experiences in Serving African American Churches in Context

Rev. George F. DeFord is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended public schools. He is a graduate of Morgan and Coppin State Universities, earning Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education (Correctional Counseling) degrees respectively. After answering the call to Christian ministry, he matriculated at Howard University School of Divinity and earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Rev. DeFord organized Lenten Services for the Route 210 Corridor of Churches, southern Prince Georges and western Charles Counties, Maryland. He was the founding president of the Morgan State University, Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter that has awarded, since chartering in 2005, $41,000 to first time scholars from Southern Maryland matriculating at Morgan State.In terms of ministry to the least of these, Rev. DeFord has made his church available to the Safe Nights program wherein Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc., during the winter months seeks shelter for homeless adults and children. He encourages members of Smith Chapel's outreach team to provide meals to residents of the Robert Fuller Transition House, Waldorf, Maryland. Moreover, he is a strong supporter of prison ministries; several members are trained in Kairos prison ministry to minister to incarcerated women.Rev. DeFord and his wife Lila, affectionately called, "his girlfriend and wife who is one and the same" make their retirement home in Pomfret, Maryland. Together they have three adult sons and two grandsons.He continues to thank and praise God for the opportunity to serve in the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ.