Through Scripture and honest conversation, this episode highlights both the familiarity and the depth of the Easter story, encouraging listeners not to lose sight of its wonder. Pastor Clay and Pastor Mitch also share practical ways to set this week apart—through prayer, reflection, and intentional time in God’s Word—so that the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection doesn’t become routine, but remains deeply personal and transformative.

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 sits down with Student Pastor Logan Grantham to unpack a challenging passage from Ecclesiastes and explore what it really means to approach God. Together, they dive into how our view of God shapes the way we worship, the weight of our words in prayer, and the importance of living with reverence in everyday life. They also pull back the curtain on sermon preparation, offering insight into how Scripture moves from text to teaching. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this conversation will challenge you to listen more closely, speak more thoughtfully, and draw near to God with awe.

Along the way, they reflect on the role of silence, the danger of empty words, and how a right understanding of God transforms our daily lives—not just our Sundays. This episode invites you to slow down, examine your heart, and consider how you’re truly engaging with the Lord.

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

On this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by Connection Minister Christina Wekall to unpack the meaning and importance of baptism. Looking at Acts 2, they explore what Scripture teaches, why baptism follows salvation, and how it serves as a public declaration of faith.

Together, they address common questions and misconceptions, from salvation and obedience to different church backgrounds and infant baptism. With practical insight and real-life experience, this conversation is both clarifying and encouraging.

Whether you’re considering baptism or helping someone else take that step, this episode will equip you to understand, and confidently live out, this important next step of faith.

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 with Clay Smith, Clay Smith welcomes longtime church member Jim LeClair for a thoughtful conversation about legacy, purpose, and the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 4. Reflecting on Solomon’s words about a foolish king, they discuss how success and influence can easily lead to pride, isolation, and eventually being forgotten.

Together they explore the difference between chasing recognition and living a life of lasting impact, the danger of drifting spiritually over time, and why humility, teachability, and community are essential for finishing life well.

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 is joined by the “two Bryans” — Bryan Hanson and Brian Fox — for a conversation about one of the most meaningful weeks in the life of Johnson Ferry: MOVE Week. Together, they reflect on how MOVE has evolved from a missions conference for leaders into a call for the whole church to live on mission.

Rooted in John 4 and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, the conversation explores what it means to “lift up your eyes” and recognize that the fields are ripe for harvest. They talk about sowing and reaping, the joy of entering into work God has already begun, and the challenge of seeing people the way Jesus does — even the ones we might overlook.

Whether you’ve been part of MOVE for years or are just beginning to consider what it means to live sent, this episode will challenge you to raise your eyes and join in what God is already doing.

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 Lee Taylor back to the podcast to dive into Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 and God’s design for community. Together they explore what it really means that “two are better than one” and why a threefold cord is not quickly broken. In a world that is more digitally connected than ever—yet increasingly lonely—they discuss the growing epidemic of isolation, the challenges of building meaningful relationships, and the spiritual cost of trying to do life alone.

This episode reminds us that we were created for more than independence—we were created for community. Whether you’re feeling deeply connected or quietly isolated, this conversation will encourage you to take a step toward biblical friendship and life-giving relationships.

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 sits down with attorney and longtime friend David Yonker to talk through Ecclesiastes 4 and the hard realities it brings up—oppression, injustice, and the human longing for things to be made right. Drawing from his experience as a former prosecutor, David shares real-life perspective on the brokenness he’s seen and the limits of human systems to fix it.

As they walk through the passage, Clay and David discuss how Christians can respond when they encounter injustice: by lamenting what’s broken, caring for those who suffer, and remembering that our ultimate hope isn’t in earthly solutions, but in a just and faithful God. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about a difficult topic—and a reminder that God sees every wrong and will one day make all things right.

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

What does it really mean that there’s “a time for everything”? Pastor Clay is joined by returning guest Bobby Smith to explore Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 and the rhythms of life it describes. From joy and grief to silence and celebration, they talk about why the Bible speaks honestly about every season and how these words resonate with real life.

Together, they reflect on God’s sovereignty in both the highs and the lows, what it means that He makes everything fitting in its time, and why every person carries a longing for eternity in their heart. This episode offers a thoughtful and encouraging look at trusting God through every season of 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 of WordSmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by Meredith Stuart to explore what Scripture says about work, purpose, and meaning. Walking through Ecclesiastes 2:18–26, they unpack Solomon’s honest struggle with toil and the tension we all feel between frustration and fulfillment in our work.

Together, they discuss why work was God’s idea from the beginning, how our heart posture shapes our experience, and what it looks like to connect faith on Sunday with life and work on Monday. Meredith shares a powerful personal story, and Clay offers biblical insight to encourage listeners to see their everyday work—paid or unpaid—as an opportunity to serve God with purpose and perspective.

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

On this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by longtime friend Tom Goodwin as they open Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 and wrestle with a question we all feel: Can pleasure really satisfy? Together they explore Solomon’s “test” of the good life—wine, work, wealth, entertainment, and relationships—and why it ultimately leaves him empty.

Tom shares how Ecclesiastes shaped his faith as a college senior, and the conversation turns practical as they talk about ambition, comparison, generosity, and our culture’s constant demand for “wow.” The takeaway is clear: created pleasures aren’t the enemy—but they make terrible saviors. Real meaning is found when we invest in what’s eternal: God, God’s Word, and the souls of people.

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