DBC Students

In this message, Pastor Brian Smith addresses middle school students about the innate human tendency to hide our struggles, sins, and shame from those who love us. Drawing from the story of his daughter playing hide-and-seek and the biblical account of Adam and Eve in Genesis, he explains that while sin and shame naturally drive us into isolation and "church masks," this darkness only allows our pain to grow. He emphasizes that just as God sought out Adam and Eve in the garden despite their disobedience, He continues to actively pursue every individual today, regardless of their mistakes. Ultimately, Pastor Smith challenges the students to reject a life of hiding and instead choose "life over death" by being honest with their families, leaders, and a God who desires to replace their shame with the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus.

In this first episode of Wordsmith with Brian Smith, I sit down with Allen Jackson, a longtime pastor, professor, friend and someone who has shaped countless preachers over the years. We talk about how he studies Scripture, how he approaches sermon preparation week in and week out, and what he’s learned about preaching through decades of ministry.

In the Wednesday Night Worship with the Students, Brian begins drawing from the wisdom of Solomon in Ecclesiastes and the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, Brian explains that constantly measuring ourselves against others is as futile as "chasing the wind" and serves only to fuel anxiety and fear. He argues that comparison robs us of joy and prevents us from becoming who God created us to be, emphasizing that our value is already secure because we matter to God regardless of how we "stack up" to our peers. To break free from this cycle, Brian provides a three-step practical application: call out the comparison when it rises, cut it out to avoid the path of anxiety, and change your focus toward God’s love and the abundant life Jesus promises.

In a heartfelt message to her middle school students, Annoura shares her personal journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking by drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Esther. Initially ecstatic about the opportunity to help her peers, Annoura admits she nearly quit due to intense anxiety and the pressure to say something meaningful as the deadline approached. She explains how she found courage in Esther, who risked her life to save her people, specifically reflecting on the message that she may have been placed in her current position "for such a time as this." Ultimately, She encourages everyone to embrace their own "big scary things," trusting that God will use their bravery and obedience to impact others even when they feel unqualified or afraid.

For The Collective Night, Jimmy shares his personal journey of faith, reflecting on his struggle with living a "double life" between his church community and his social circles during high school. He highlights his greatest regret: lying to a younger student of a different ethnicity who asked him to a dance because he was more concerned with his reputation among his peers than with being a "light" as a brother in Christ. Using his "life verse," Ephesians 2:10, Jimmy emphasizes that every person is God’s masterpiece and challenges the students to consider whether they are living to please themselves, others, or Jesus. He concludes by urging the group to go "all in" with their faith and to use their influence to value and treasure those around them rather than succumbing to the pressure of social approval.

In week 4 of the "Radical Life" series, Derrick shares a teaching from the book of Mark, focusing on the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 to illustrate the difference between a "faith of convenience" and a "faith of necessity." He describes how Jesus and his disciples were exhausted and seeking rest, yet when faced with a large, hungry crowd, Jesus chose compassion over comfort. Derrick challenges the middle schoolers to stop taking the easy way out or waiting for "convenient" moments to share their faith, noting that miracles happen when we move beyond minimal effort to do what is necessary for others. By highlighting that Jesus gave His entire life rather than the bare minimum, Derrick encourages the students to live a life defined by spiritual necessity, even when it is uncomfortable or exhausting.

Derrick reflects on a powerful weekend, celebrating the spiritual breakthroughs and life-changing moments experienced by the students. He highlights testimonies from individuals like William, who committed his life to Christ, and others who found peace, surrender, and the importance of community at the altar. Derrick passionately challenges the group to maintain their "fire" and passion for God rather than letting the weekend's momentum fade, urging them to continue their culture of inviting others and building a lasting legacy of faith. The session concludes with a call to lead the wider church in worship and a prayer of gratitude for the work God has done in their lives.

In Session 4 of The WKND, Brian bridges the conclusion of The WKND with the ongoing "Life of Peter" sermon series to explore how to build a lasting spiritual legacy. Reflecting on Peter’s journey from a common fisherman to a bold apostle, Brian highlights that while faith often includes moments of failure and denial—much like Peter’s heartbreaking experience in the high priest's courtyard—failure does not disqualify someone from following Jesus. Drawing from Psalm 1, he argues that a legacy isn't built on isolated emotional moments but on the daily "proximity" of surrounding oneself with the right influences and the "practice" of consistent spiritual habits. Brian illustrates this transformation by showing how a once-fearful Peter, after being filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 4, stood fearlessly before the same authorities he once fled, proving that a life rooted in Christ can move beyond temporary experiences into a transformative, lifelong mission.

In Session 3 of The WKND 2026, Derrick challenges students to consider the lasting impact of their lives as they conclude The WKND focused on the theme of "Legacy." He emphasizes that a true legacy is not defined by mere church attendance, but by a life built on the "rock" of Jesus and an active relationship with the Holy Spirit. Using a visual metaphor of milk and chocolate syrup, Derrick illustrates that the Holy Spirit should not just reside beside a believer but must be "activated" within them to transform their character and actions. He invites the students to move beyond temporary emotional highs and embrace their roles as "ambassadors for Christ," calling them to make bold decisions regarding salvation, baptism, or even future ministry. Ultimately, Derrick urges his audience to choose a path of obedience and faith, ensuring that their legacy is one of honoring God and inclusively loving others.

In Session Two of The WKND, Derrick challenges his audience to move beyond a superficial faith and honestly evaluate the foundation of their lives. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus in Luke 6, he contrasts the person who builds their life on the solid rock of obedience and true transformation with the person who builds on sand, seeking only temporary emotional highs or "feel-good moments." Derrick shares a personal story of ignoring his grandfather’s rules and the subsequent "crash" to illustrate that simply hearing God’s word without acting on it leads to spiritual collapse. He emphasizes that a legacy of faith requires the hard work of "digging deep"—sacrificing time, effort, and pride—to ensure one's hope is rooted in the blood of Jesus rather than in human comparison or past mistakes. By inviting the audience to reflect on whether their lives show actual change, Derrick concludes with a call to commitment, urging them to decide if they are standing on a firm foundation or a crumbling one.