Wordsmith with Clay Smith

This week, Pastor Clay welcomes Bryan Hanson, a key leader on the Johnson Ferry team overseeing global missions and a familiar voice to many. Bryan shares insightful perspectives on the Holy Spirit's role in our weaknesses and interceding for us with prayers beyond our own understanding. We explore the immense comfort and sometimes misapplication of Romans 8:28, emphasizing that while God works al...

This week, Pastor Clay welcomes back a familiar voice, David Anderson, for a deep dive into a powerful section of scripture: Romans 8. Often called the "Mount Everest of the Bible," this passage explores the incredible transformation believers experience through the Holy Spirit. David and Pastor Clay unpack the profound shift in identity we receive as adopted children of God, granting us an intima...

Episode 21 features a conversation between Pastor Clay and Johnson Ferry Member Susan Goodwin about the foundational importance of studying the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) for understanding the entire Bible and Jesus. They then discuss Romans 8:1-11, focusing on the freedom from condemnation believers have through the Holy Spirit. Susan highlights the contrast between the life-giving...

This episode features a conversation between host Pastor Clay and guest TJ Hyer about the challenging passage of Romans 7:14-25. TJ, who is relatively new to Johnson Ferry and involved in their residency program focusing on disciple-making and worship arts. The discussion delves into the complexities of Paul's internal struggle described in the passage – the desire to do good versus the reality of...

Dive deep into the complex and often debated territory of Romans 7:1-13 with Pastor Clay and guest host Matthew Beaver. Join us as we unpack Paul's challenging words about the law, sin, and our relationship with Christ. We'll explore the controversial marriage metaphor, the nature of coveting, and the enduring relevance of the law in a grace-filled world. Discover how Paul's message of being "put...

This podcast episode features a conversation between Pastor Clay and Meredith Beatty, a Bible teacher at Johnston Ferry. Meredith shares her personal journey, including her 29 years at the church, her family life, and her transition from music ministry to Bible teaching. She discusses her passion for studying and teaching the Bible, which was influenced by her experiences with Simeon Trust and her...

This episode of Word Smith features a conversation with Dr. Ron Hughes, a pastoral care leader at Johnson Ferry. They discuss his 20 years of service, his family, and the realities of pastoral care, including counseling, support groups, and financial assistance. The main focus then shifts to a deep dive into Romans 6:1-14. Dr. Hughes and the host analyze Paul's argument against using grace as an e...

Ever wrestled with 'What's God's will for my life?' In this bonus episode, Pastor Clay tackles the age-old question of discerning God's direction. Drawing from his own experiences and scripture, Clay offers five practical questions to help you navigate life's big decisions, from career choices to church planning. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's Word, exalting Christ, and seekin...

He's back! Bobby Smith, executive pastor of worship, rejoins the Wordsmith podcast. He and Clay dive into the dense and powerful text of Romans 5:12-21, exploring the contrast between Adam's sin and Christ's grace. Bobby also shares insights into his songwriting, including the new podcast intro, and his work with the Johnson Ferry worship team. Join us for a deep dive into scripture, the gift of g...

Join Pastor Clay for a powerful and insightful conversation with Tom Goodwin, a seasoned ministry leader, businessman, and devoted family man, to explore the depths of Romans 5:1-11. Tom shares his incredible journey from over 30 years with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) to running a business, all while maintaining a heart for ministry in every aspect of life. In this episode, we delve i...

Join Pastor Clay for a deep dive into Romans 4:18-25 as he explores the incredible faith of Abraham with special guest John Farish. John, a long-time elder at Johnson Ferry and seasoned Bible teacher, brings his wisdom and experience to the table. In this episode, we unpack Paul's powerful message about justification by faith, examining how Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises serves as a...

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 wa...

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 "c...

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 C...

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 backgro...

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 dis...

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 app...

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...

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....

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 Scriptu...

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 t...

In Episode 2 of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay Smith sits down with Kristen Carr, Women’s Minister at Johnson Ferry, to explore Romans 1:8-17. They discuss the importance of understanding the original intent of the author when interpreting scripture. Clay breaks down the passage verse by verse, highlighting key themes such as Paul's affection for God, his desire to visit the church in Rome, and the import...

In the first episode of season one, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by Bobby Smith, the worship pastor at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. They dive into the first seven verses of chapter one and examine the call God has placed on our lives and what that means for our daily interactions. Join us as we go to the Word of God so that we can know the God of the Word.   Learn more about Dr. Clay Smith and Joh...

Season 1 of the brand new podcast Wordsmith with Clay Smith launches Thursday, January 9. Download and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.