On May 18, 2013, Elder Dr. Shelia Y. Smalley was installed as Senior Pastor of Macedonia Church of the Living God (CLG) renamed to New Macedonia Worship Center (NMWC) in 2024. Elder Dr. Smalley was a third generation Senior Pastor of Macedonia CLG. Her mother, the late Pastor Emeritus Juanita M. Smalley and her great-aunt, the late Reverend Dr. Lula P. Richardson preceded her in this office. Elder Dr. Smalley accepted her call to the ministry in July 1978 and was ordained in the Church of the Living God Florida State Assembly, April 1982. Sharing her various talents and skills, Elder Dr. Smalley served her local, state, and national churches in various capacities. From 1996-2008, she served as the CLG National Director of Christian Education. From 2022-24 she served as the CLG Florida Atlantic Diocese Liaison Elder of the State Youth and Music Conference.
In October 2024, after much prayer and fasting and with the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Macedonia CLG leadership decided to withdraw from the ecclesiastical body of the Churches of the Living God. Elder Dr. Smalley continues to serve as the senior pastor. The church name was changed to New Macedonia Worship Center, which is an independent, non-denominational church, and it is a member of the Eagle’s Rock Communion of Christian Leaders.
The educational background of Dr. Shelia Y. Smalley includes: a Bachelor of Science degree in
Psychology from Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL; a Master of Education
degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Special
Education (emphasis in Learning Disabilities, minor in Educational Leadership) from the
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dr. Smalley served in various educational positions for
30 years, which included preschool teacher and director, elementary school teacher and principal, instructor for the General Education Degree program, assistant professor of Education at Bethune-Cookman University, television anchor and instructional teacher, program specialist for training and development (Orlando Public School System district level), and director of School Improvement (University of Central Florida). In August 2002, Dr. Smalley retired as a tenured and promoted Associate Professor of Exceptional Education at the University of Central Florida, Orlando. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Dr. Smalley is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Nu Zeta Chapter and serves as the Chaplain.
Presently, Elder Dr. Smalley is an International Ministry and Leadership Training Consultant.
She serves as a consultant to schools, as well as professional and community organizations. Dr. Smalley serves as the President/CEO of Juanita M. Smalley Center for Wholeness and Wellness, Inc.; Founder and President/CEO of Multimedia Publications, LLC; President/CEO of the L.P. Richardson Family Literacy Center, Inc., Leesburg, FL. In 2015, she became a “#1 Amazon Best Selling Author” of Giving It All Up: Walk Away and Embrace Your Passion Today! From 2010-2015, she served as Founder and Educational Leader of the Humanities and Fine Art Charter School, Leesburg, FL. From 1995-2013, she served as a member of the Board of Trustees and Committee on Governance and Translation Subcommittee at the American Bible Society in New York, NY. From April 2006-April 2008, she served as the first female chairperson of the Associate Trustee Board at Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL.
During her 47 years of ministry, Dr. Smalley’s ministerial gifts have drawn many people to
witness the anointing of a woman who gave up all to follow her passion for the call of God upon her life. Dr. Smalley is a highly sought after conference motivational speaker, preacher, teacher, evangelist, with a healing and prophetic ministry, leadership training consultant (spiritual and secular), and a passion strategist.
