Join Pastor Clay Smith for a special bonus episode of Wordsmith as he delves into Johnson Ferry's upcoming 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting initiative. Whether you're a member of the Johnson Ferry family or simply curious about the practice of fasting, this episode offers valuable insights.

Pastor Clay addresses the church's current season of growth and the need for divine guidance as they explore ways to better serve their mission of helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. He unpacks the details of the 40-day prayer guide, the planned prayer events, and the call to fasting, including a partial fast in the second week and a full food fast during Holy Week.

Pastor Clay emphasizes the importance of open hands, clarity, and undeniable moves of God during this season. He encourages listeners to join in this journey of seeking God's will together.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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.

Pastor Clay welcomes Logan Grantham, the student pastor at Johnson Ferry, for an insightful conversation regarding the beginning of Romans 4. Get to know Logan and his family and hear about his upcoming arrival! Then, stay tuned as they tackle the powerful message of Romans 4:1-17, exploring the core concept of righteousness through faith, not works.

Logan and Pastor Clay unpack key themes like "credited as righteousness," the significance of Abraham's example, and the relevance of this ancient text to our modern lives. Discover how Paul's emphasis on faith over works challenges our performance-driven culture and how it applies to our roles as parents, grandparents, and church members.

Whether you're a seasoned Bible scholar or just beginning your faith journey, this episode offers valuable insights and practical applications for living a life centered on Christ. Tune in to understand how faith, not performance, is the cornerstone of our relationship with 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.

This week, Pastor Clay has a conversation with Christi Hodges, the children's minister at Johnson Ferry. Christi shares her background, including her Kentucky roots and her role as a wife and mother.

The core of the discussion revolves around Romans 3:21-31, a pivotal passage in the Bible that delves into the concepts of righteousness, justification, redemption, and propitiation. Pastor Clay and Christi unpack these complex theological terms, aiming to make them accessible to listeners, especially parents and grandparents who want to teach these truths to their children.

Christi also shares a personal anecdote from her childhood to illustrate the concept of sin and redemption, making the discussion relatable and engaging. The episode aims to equip listeners with practical tools and encouragement to engage with scripture and disciple the next 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.

What does it truly mean to participate in God's mission? In this episode of Wordsmith, we delve deeper than practical strategies and logistical planning to explore the rich theological foundation of missions. Host Clay Smith welcomes Nathan Sloan, Executive Director of Upstream Sending, to unpack the "Missio Dei" and our role within it.

Nathan shares his personal journey from an unchurched background to leading an organization that equips and sends churches to the nations. We discuss how his experiences have shaped his understanding of missions and the vital role of the local church.

Nathan and Clay explore common misconceptions about missions, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both proclamation and demonstration of the gospel. They highlight the importance of the local church in sending and supporting missionaries, emphasizing the interdependent relationship between churches and mission agencies.

Whether you're a church leader seeking to enhance your mission strategy or an individual wrestling with a call to serve, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Join us as we explore the deeper meaning of God's mission and how we can all play a part in it.

Connect with Upstream: theupstreamcollective.org

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.

In this episode of Word Smith, Pastor Clay is joined by David Anderson, the Pastor of Adult Disciple-Making at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Together, they explore Romans 3:1-20, discussing Paul’s message about sin, righteousness, and the faithfulness of God.

The conversation highlights the rhetorical questions Paul uses to emphasize humanity’s sinfulness and the necessity of God's grace. They discuss how both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of salvation and reflect on how modern Christians can sometimes take grace for granted. The discussion also touches on the dangers of legalism versus antinomianism. Clay and David encourage us to engage deeply in scripture, be authentic in our faith, and surround ourselves with a trusted Christian community.

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.

This week, Pastor Clay welcomes Sarah Blackstone, a minister on the worship staff at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. She has a unique perspective as a lifelong church kid. They dive into Romans chapter 2, verses 17-29, a passage that really hits home the message of inward transformation over outward appearances.

They discuss hypocrisy, what it means to truly follow God, and how this ancient text applies to us today. Sarah shares some powerful insights, especially about the challenges of living in an affluent area and the importance of transparency and accountability within the church. We even touch on how worship music can play a role in challenging us to examine our hearts.

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.

In this episode of "Wordsmith," Pastor Clay Smith sits down with Pamela Vanderwalker, who is part of the Worship and Arts ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. They discuss Romans 2, focusing on Paul's message about judgment and the importance of genuine repentance. The conversation highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while engaging in the same sins. They also talk about the need for a life marked by seeking God's glory, not just outward religious activities. Pamela shares how this passage challenges her to be a more intentional and authentic worshipper, seeking to glorify God in every aspect of her 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.

On this week’s episode, Pastor Clay sits down with Adrian Coetzer, executive pastor of disciple-making at Johnson Ferry. They have an honest conversation about a passage in Romans that can be a tough pill to swallow because it clashes with our modern-day culture. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. As they continue this discussion, they help us realize how God's grace is sufficient for all sin.

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.

In this bonus episode of the Wordsmith Podcast, Pastor Clay Smith explores five key challenges that can hinder our understanding of the Bible. Pastor Clay also provides three valuable tools to help you overcome these challenges! Whether you're a seasoned Bible student or just beginning your journey, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the complexities of Scripture and deepening your relationship with God. Listen now and discover how to "mind the gaps" and unlock a richer understanding of God's Word.

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.

In this week's episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith sits down with Dr. Steven Wade, pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville, NC, and professor at Southeastern Seminary, to delve into the profound truths of Romans 1. They explore the concept of God's wrath, examining how it's revealed in the world around us and how it impacts our own lives.

Pastor Clay and Dr. Wade also discuss the human tendency to suppress the truth and the consequences of this rebellion against God. They also explore the implications of this passage for believers, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God, giving thanks, and living in a way that honors 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.