Wordsmith with Clay Smith

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 differen...

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 wo...

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 c...

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...

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 hi...

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...

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 s...

In this week’s episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay welcomes David Anderson for a thoughtful conversation through Ecclesiastes and the pursuit of wisdom. Building on Sunday’s message, Clay and David explore what it really means to seek understanding—not just through knowledge, but through a life shaped by God’s Word. Together, they unpack the difference between information and transformation, tracing...

In this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by longtime friend and gifted teacher John Farish as they launch a new series through the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, they wrestle with some of life’s most honest and uncomfortable questions: Why does so much of life feel repetitive? Where do we look for meaning, satisfaction, and purpose? Through thoughtful conversation and careful eng...

Join us for the Season Three premiere of the WordSmith podcast as Pastor Clay is joined by Lee Taylor, Family Disciplemaking Pastor at Johnson Ferry, for a meaningful conversation to kick off the new year. This episode introduces the Five Ways of Jesus: worship, community, service, generosity, and multiplication. Clay and Lee talk about how these practices flow out of intimacy with Christ and why...

In this bonus New Year episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by a very special first-time guest—his wife, Terrica Smith. Together, Clay and Terrica talk honestly about their own health journeys and why physical health matters for followers of Jesus—not as vanity, but as stewardship. Clay connects Scripture to the way we care for our bodies, exploring how our habits impact our ability t...

In this special bonus Christmas episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by Ron Hughes and Barbara Jarrett from Johnson Ferry’s Pastoral Care team to talk about a side of the season many people quietly carry: loneliness, depression, grief, and strained family dynamics. Together, they explore why the holidays can intensify pain and expectations, how to be honest with God in hard emotions,...

In this episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay Smith welcomes Brian Fox from Johnson Ferry’s Global Team—who helps care for and equip those sent to share the gospel around the world.  Together, Clay and Brian turn to Luke 19 and revisit the familiar story of Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree, uncovering fresh insight into the heart of Jesus. They explore Christ’s intentional pursuit of the lost, the cont...

Welcome to the WordSmith Podcast with Clay Smith. In today’s episode, Clay is joined by returning guest Bobby Smith for a conversation that blends theological depth, Christmas warmth, and plenty of laughs. As we continue our Advent journey, Clay and Bobby dive into Isaiah 11, a powerful prophecy written nearly 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Together, they unpack the imagery of the “shoot fro...

In this week’s episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay invites Adrian Coetzer back for a meaningful conversation on Advent and the hope that anchors the season. Building on Sunday’s message, Clay and Adrian take listeners back to the very first pages of Scripture—unpacking the mystery of the tree in the Garden, the reality of humanity’s first act of disobedience, and the remarkable promise God makes in...

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 Jennif...

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. To...

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 ch...

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...

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 di...

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 w...

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. Georg...

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 less...

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...

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...