The FAITH FIRST PROJECT® is the vision and creation of Rev. Damon O. Smith. It serves as my digital home for two primary areas of work: Church Ministry and Policy & Leadership Consultancy. All of my work is grounded in a single theological lens—the liberation of all bodies as intentionally created by God, loved by Jesus Christ, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
I currently serve at Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago under the leadership of Rev. Andrew D. Hunt, Jr., CPA, M.Div. As a member of the ministerial staff, I hold dual roles as Youth Pastor and Social Justice Pastor. In my work with youth, I teach children and young adults about Jesus Christ, the principles of Christian faith, and foundational Biblical lessons, introducing them to ways their faith can be lived out meaningfully from the earliest stages of life.
The Social Justice ministry of Liberty Baptist Church stands in continuity with our historic role as the home church of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his time in Chicago, where he organized the Chicago Movement for fair and equitable housing. Following the model of Jesus Christ—who responded to the needs of individuals oppressed by unjust systems—The FAITH FIRST PROJECT® seeks to meet the needs of communities by providing leadership development, policy consultation, and personalized training that not only inspires transformation but actively cultivates it, producing both change and change agents.
The FAITH FIRST PROJECT® acknowledges that life is often marked by chaos and pain. Yet, through Jesus Christ, we encounter an abundance of joy, excitement, grace, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and above all, love extended to all people.
This project represents an evolution from Liberation Theology to a broader framework of Social Justice Theology. It embodies a radical paradigm shift in faith-based leadership practices, navigated through preaching, coaching, consulting, and mentoring.
Welcome to The FAITH FIRST PROJECT®.
