In this special bonus episode of the WordSmith Podcast, Pastor Clay welcomes Adrian and Jennifer Coetzer for a rich and practical conversation all about Advent. Whether you’ve celebrated Advent for decades or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode will help you understand its history, meaning, and importance as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Clay, Adrian, and Jennifer unpack what Advent truly is, why it matters, and how this ancient practice can anchor us in a busy season. The Kutzers also share how their family has woven Advent into their rhythms with Scripture, meaningful traditions, and intentional moments that point to Jesus. If you're looking for a way to slow down, refocus, and infuse your December with purpose and joy, this episode is a great place to start.

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 welcomes first-time guest and Johnson Ferry elder, Bryan Tyson, as they wrap up a year-long journey through the Book of Romans with a final look at Romans 16. Clay and Bryan explore Paul’s deeply personal closing—his long list of greetings, faithful friends, and ministry partners—and what it reveals about the relational heart behind rich theology.

Together they discuss the prominent role of women like Phoebe and Priscilla, how Scripture shapes our understanding of roles and service in the local church, and why “ordinary” believers whose names few remember still have an eternal impact. They also unpack Paul’s strong warning against false teaching and division, the difference between gospel freedom and rule-keeping religion, and how spiritual disciplines function as responses to grace rather than ways to earn God’s favor.

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 week’s episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith sits down with Meredith Stuart to explore Romans 15 and the heart of Paul’s mission. They dive into Paul’s personal reflections, his passion for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, and the profound connection between our identity in Christ and living out God’s calling. Meredith shares her own journey as a missionary in China, the joys and challenges of cross-cultural ministry, and how God’s plans often redirect our ambitions for His greater purposes.

Together, Clay and Meredith discuss practical ways to live faithfully in the workplace, navigate life’s unexpected twists, and grow in a Christ-centered identity that fuels meaningful mission. Whether you’re exploring your calling or seeking encouragement in your daily walk, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and biblical wisdom for living fully in 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

Welcome to The Wordsmith Podcast with Clay Smith! In this episode, Pastor Clay is joined by Student Pastor Logan Grantham for an honest and heartfelt conversation about revival, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

Together they dive into 2 Kings 22–23 and the story of King Josiah—an 18-year-old whose encounter with God’s Word sparked repentance and change across a nation. Clay and Logan talk about what true revival looks like, how repentance leads to renewal, and whether the growing spiritual hunger among today’s students might be the beginning of something bigger.

They also share stories from ONE WKND, Johnson Ferry’s annual student retreat, where nearly a thousand students gathered to worship, hear God’s Word, and respond to the gospel. It’s a conversation about conviction, obedience, and the hope of seeing God move in our generation.

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 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