Join Pastor Clay Smith and Elder Mitchell Taylor as they dive into Genesis 12:1-3 and see God's heart for the nations. This pivotal passage details God's call to Abraham, which is explored here as a foundation for global missions and God's pursuit of His people. Mitchell shares his compelling personal journey from a "transactional faith" to full surrender to Christ, setting the stage for a deep dive into the themes of decree, disruption, and discovery. Clay and Mitchell discuss why God often works through disruption—challenging us to move beyond the "shallow end of the pool" by sacrificing our time and comfort to join His greater work. The conversation draws on the incredible, youth-led legacy of missions at Johnson Ferry, highlighting that the hardest part is simply choosing to "get on the bus," knowing that God's disruptions are always for our ultimate good and His glory. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Welcome to the WordSmith podcast! Join Pastor Clay Smith and a returning special guest, Bryan Hanson, as they dive deep into the Bible, focusing on John chapter 4, to explore Jesus' powerful and intentional encounter with the Samaritan woman. Clay and Bryan discuss how this biblical account reveals the incredible nature of God's love and why Jesus declared that His "food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work." They then break down one of the most challenging calls Jesus gives to His followers: "Lift up your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest." This insightful conversation will encourage you to stop walking around with your "head down," prioritize the mission God has given us, and be prepared in your daily life to recognize and respond to divine interruptions. Tune in to learn how you can cultivate "seeing eyes" and actively participate in the harvest all around you! Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by special guest George Etheridge, a longtime Johnson Ferry member and elder, to explore the powerful and deeply personal prayer of Jesus in John 17:20–26. Together, they reflect on what it means that Jesus prayed for us, the significance of supernatural unity in the church, and how our oneness as believers points the world to Christ. George also shares wisdom from his journey as a father, grandfather, and church leader, offering practical insight into living intentionally on mission with your family. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this conversation is an encouraging reminder that God's Word is alive, relational, and always pointing us toward Him. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of the Wordsmith podcast, Pastor Clay Smith sits down with church elder and returning guest Tom Goodwin for an insightful discussion centered on Matthew 14:22–33, the powerful story of Jesus walking on water and Peter's dramatic step of faith. Clay and Tom explore what this miracle reveals about Jesus's divinity and sovereignty, and they offer practical wisdom for applying its lessons to your daily life. They distinguish between salvific faith and the ongoing sanctifying faith required to keep moving forward, even when the storms of life—or fear—threaten to pull you under. You'll hear them discuss how believers should process fear and what it means to truly "get out of the boat" and step into an active, faith-filled life. Additionally, Clay and Tom touch on the church's new "Going Forward" vision campaign and the role of spiritual leadership in discerning God's will. Join them as they seek to know the God of the Word through a deeper exploration of Scripture. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

This episode of the Wordsmith Podcast with host Clay Smith features guest Pastor Adrian Coetzer discussing Romans 15:1-13, focusing on the theme of commitment and discipleship within the church. Adrian draws on a personal story about his grandfather sharpening knives to illustrate how the "strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength," emphasizing that spiritual growth requires a relational, hands-on commitment—not just attendance. They explore the theological concepts of Ecclesiology (commitment to one another), Christology(Christ's self-sacrificing example), and Doxology (unifying for God's glory), challenging listeners to consider, "Who is sharpening you, and who are you sharpening?" Ultimately, the discussion stresses that our collective unity and dedication to one another is how we glorify God. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay welcomes back David Anderson to dive into the second half of Romans 14. They explore the difficult but crucial questions Paul poses: Are you a stumbling block? Or even worse, a spiritual wrecking ball?  Listen in as they unpack what it means to be a "stumbling block" and why some of us act like bulldozers when we face conflict. Discover how to pursue peace, encourage one another, and remember that we are all on the same team. You'll learn the importance of walking alongside fellow believers, respecting their consciences, and seeing what God is already doing in their lives. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of WordSmith, Clay Smith and guest Shane Bruce discuss Christian freedom as they unpack Romans 14. They explore how believers with different convictions can coexist, highlighting the difference between the "strong in faith" and the "weak in faith" within the early church. The conversation emphasizes that Christian unity is about coming together under the lordship of Christ, not about everyone having the same beliefs on non-essential issues like diet or holy days. The episode reminds listeners that all Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, a time of accountability for how they lived. This powerful truth underscores the importance of prioritizing love and mutual respect over personal preferences. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to remember that their primary allegiance is to Christ, which should guide their interactions with fellow believers. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode, Clay welcomes back special guest Meredith Beatty to delve into the practical wisdom found in the second half of Romans 13. They discuss the powerful connection between love and the fulfillment of the law, exploring how a genuine love for our neighbor embodies the heart of God's commands.   Drawing on the metaphor of a doomsday clock, Clay and Meredith examine how being mindful of Jesus's imminent return should awaken us from spiritual slumber and inspire us to shed our old, sinful habits. They discuss the importance of "putting on the Lord Jesus Christ" and living in the light, ready for His coming. This episode offers a timely reminder that while we don't know the day or the hour, we are called to live each day as if Jesus were coming back tomorrow. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this special episode of the Wordsmith Podcast, Pastor Clay Smith dives into the question: What is an Elder? Drawing from his own experience, Clay explains the biblical role of an elder, clarifying the qualities and responsibilities of these leaders. He discusses the difference between elders and deacons, the biblical call for a plurality of elders, and the four key responsibilities of an elder: to feed, lead, connect, and protect the church. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Join Pastor Clay Smith and a special guest, Nels Peterson, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, for a fascinating and timely conversation on the Christian's relationship with governing authority, as they dive deep into Romans 13:1-7. Peterson shares his unique perspective on what it's like to navigate the legal system with a biblical worldview, highlighting the concepts of working hard, telling the truth, and treating everyone with the dignity of being created in God's image. This episode will challenge you to consider your own attitude toward government officials, encouraging a posture of respect and honor even in times of disagreement. Tune in to explore how the principles of Scripture can guide our conduct in a culture that often defaults to anger and division. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Clay and his long-time guest, John Farish, dive into Romans 12:14-21. They discuss how to handle personal conflict with both Christians and non-believers, examining Paul's powerful advice to bless those who persecute you and resist the urge to seek revenge. Clay and John provide practical insights on living out biblical commands in a modern world, from dealing with road rage to understanding that God, not us, is the ultimate source of justice. They break down difficult truths about forgiveness, highlighting the distinction between forgiving someone and the need to trust them again. Join them as they delve into these challenging yet transformative scriptures, helping you live a more Christ-like life. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode, Clay sits down with his long-time friend Mitch Verdell, pastor to Johnson Ferry's 60+ ministry, to delve into Romans 12:9-13. The discussion explores how these verses provide a roadmap for authentic Christian living, emphasizing that true love must be "free of hypocrisy." Clay and Mitch discuss the challenge of consumerism in the church, encouraging listeners to move from a mindset of "what can I get?" to "what can I give?" They highlight the importance of living out the biblical commands for brotherly love, diligence, and service to others. Join the conversation as they explore how the love described by Paul is not just a feeling, but a fervent and practical devotion to others, rooted in our relationship with God and fueled by the Holy Spirit. This episode challenges and equips listeners to build a church community that is truly different from the world. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Following a summary of Paul's call in the first two verses to present ourselves as a "living sacrifice" and be transformed by a renewed mind, they examine how this thinking is to be lived out within the church community. They discuss the importance of moving beyond a consumeristic view of church to one of mutual service and dependency, where each person's unique spiritual gift contributes to the "remarkable we." Clay and Susan explore the seven spiritual gifts listed in this passage—prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy—offering biblical definitions and practical examples for each one. They also address common questions and misconceptions about spiritual gifts, emphasizing that our gifts are not a hierarchy but rather unique tools from God's grace meant to build up the body of Christ. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Join us for the season two premiere of Wordsmith, where Pastor Clay Smith sits down with special guest, Pastor Bobby Smith. After a sabbatical, Clay shares his experiences and the profound themes he uncovered this summer. This discussion leads to a deep dive into Romans 12:1-2, where Paul's words challenge us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. Clay and Bobby explore the interplay between our bodies, minds, and spirits, and what it truly means to offer "rational worship" to God. They tackle the vital call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, contrasting it with the temptation to conform to the world. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this special bonus episode, Pastor Clay examines the vital topic of rest and Sabbath as he prepares for his summer sabbatical. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, Clay asks a poignant question: "Are you running on empty?" He then offers four crucial "gauges" for listeners to assess their own lives. These include examining the people in your life and the authenticity of your community, evaluating the pace at which you live to determine its sustainability, reflecting on your perspective to ensure you're hearing from God, and discerning your purpose to align with God's calling. This episode provides practical insights for seeking renewal and establishing healthy rhythms in daily life, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking to fight against burnout and understand biblical rest. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this season finale of the Wordsmith podcast, Pastor Clay Smith welcomes Bryant Wright, founding pastor of Johnson Ferry, for a deep dive into the often-debated Romans 11. They tackle “replacement theology” and affirm that God has not rejected Israel. Their conversation explores the future salvation of Israel, drawing on Bryant’s books Seeds of Turmoil and The Stage is Set. They discuss the meaning of “all Israel will be saved” and several theological frameworks and encourage listeners to approach these complex topics with humility and grace. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Join Pastor Clay and special guest Adrian Coetzer, the Executive Pastor for Disciple-Making at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. On Episode 27 of the Wordsmith podcast, they dive into Romans 9:30–10:21.  They turn to the deep theological truths in Paul’s letter, focusing on faith as central to righteousness. Adrian shares his foundational Bible study approach of asking, "What does this tell me about God?” This leads to a rich discussion on the danger of taking verses out of context or adopting a “me-centered” view of scripture. They conclude by exploring Paul’s masterful use of Old Testament references in Romans 10 to highlight God’s enduring faithfulness and His call for all to believe in Jesus. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this bonus episode of "Wordsmith," Pastor Clay tackles a frequently asked question: "What is a Baptist?" Moving beyond the trend of de-emphasizing theological specifics, the episode aims to provide clarity for a generation curious about denominational convictions. Clay shares his personal journey from being a "Baptist by convenience" to a "Baptist by conviction," explaining his decision to embrace the denomination after studying its tenets. He then delves into four core theological commitments that define Baptists. Pastor Clay lays out a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a Baptist, while inviting you to consider your theological stances. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode, Pastor Clay welcomes back John Farish, a beloved elder of Johnson Ferry. Their conversation immediately delves into a deep dive into Romans chapter 9, a complex and often debated passage of the Bible. Before tackling this theological heavyweight, John shares his current reading obsession: Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, which he's re-reading for the third time and considers the best novel ever written. The discussion then pivots to Romans 9, with Pastor Clay emphasizing the interconnectedness of chapters 9-11 with the preceding parts of Romans, highlighting that Paul isn't taking a doctrinal detour but rather offering a deeper theological exploration of God's faithfulness to Israel and Gentiles alike. They begin by reading Romans 9:1-5, where Paul expresses profound sorrow for his Jewish countrymen who are largely rejecting Jesus as Messiah, despite their rich heritage and God's blessings. Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

Join Pastor Clay this week on the WordSmith Podcast as he welcomes first-time guest Steven Bonham! Steven, a long-time staff member at Johnson Ferry, shares his journey from children's ministry to adult ministries and his current role in pastoral care. He also opens up about his love for the Atlanta Hawks and what it's like to be a "utility player" on staff. Clay and Steven then dive into one of the most comforting passages in the Bible: Romans 8:31-39. They explore how this powerful text offers assurance to believers in the face of life's challenges, emphasizing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. They discuss the significance of Christ's intercession for us and how to hold onto hope and joy even amidst suffering. Steven also shares insights from his work in pastoral care, including the impactful "Drive Through Prayer" ministry. Don't miss this encouraging conversation about finding peace and unwavering faith in God's unending love! Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org