ABOUT

Gospel Singer and Pastor, Nell Smith-Ward better known as "Little Nell", was born to the proud parents of the late Henry and Overseer Cora Smith. Pastor Nell was born to serve the Lord. 

At the tender young age of 3, Pastor Nell began to preach and at the age of 6, she ran her first revival. She was also the church musician for many years. She continued to serve in increasing capacity under the leadership of her mother, the founder of Miracle Center Holiness Church that began over 50 years ago. 

At the age of 17, Pastor Nell’s life changed drastically when her mother and role model went home to be with the Lord. The words of her dying mother are what took Pastor Nell through. Her words were, “Everything that you will ever face or need is fixed through Jesus.” With this mandate, God birthed a new ministry into her heart and Living Waters Christian Church was established in 2000. Many healings have taken place in this anointed ministry, and she continues to faithfully lead alongside her husband, Bishop Timothy Ward. 

Pastor Nell is also the founder of Nell Smith Ministries and the Living Word Crusades which travels from state to state, spreading the Gospel of Jesus. In addition, she is the founder of the Vessel of Honor Leadership Awards, whereby Pastors, leaders, cancer survivors, youth and elderly are recognized for their outstanding achievements in the church and community. Pastor Nell ministers the word of God on a weekly broadcast, “The Holy Ghost Radio Show”, that airs on Step 98.1 FM Radio. She has also made appearances on Atlanta Live, Shoutfest and countless other television and radio platforms.

Pastor Nell has a dynamic and anointed music ministry as a national recording artist and co-founder of her record label, Righteous Records. Most recently, she became a 2023 Stellar Award nominee for New Gospel Artist of the Year with her freshmen album, It’s My Time. Her album also reached the top spot at #1 on Fred Mills 11 @11 on Sirius XM Kirk Franklin Praise! She has shared the stage with some of today's most anointed and talented Gospel Artists such as Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, Beverly Crawford, the late Dr. Maya Angelou and many others. 

Pastor Nell holds two honorary doctorate degrees from Global Alliance International and Hosanna Bible College. She has authored two anointed books entitled “Breaking Free” and “Healing Belongs to You”. Pastor Nell has also received two President Lifetime Achievement Awards given by the Honorable President Barak Obama and President Joe Biden. 

Pastor Nell has made a life-time commitment to the Lord. Having a direct mandate and vision from God, she continues to declare the Word of the Lord, uplifting and helping those in need; aiding believers to walk and live victoriously by holding fast to the promises of God’s Word.