Getting to Know James Bryan Smith

“Jim Smith is the most articulate, accurate and helpful writer of spiritual formation of my generation”.
– Bishop Todd Hunter

Rest. Renewal. Revitalization. At this year’s Clergy Retreat, we have the privilege of soaking in the perspective and insight of Bishop Todd’s good friend, James Bryan Smith, who is passionate about pouring into those who desire to live their lives in conformity to the teachings of Jesus. Dr. Smith is a gifted leader and speaker who offers spiritual nourishment to the weary among us.

He leads the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, created to promote deep conversation and a provide a creative track to grow closer to God. He curates spirit-lifting conversations as the host of a popular weekly podcast, Things Above, with a focus on “mind discipleship” for those who want to set their minds on “things above” (Col. 3:2). Recent podcast topics have been Epiphanies from a Guitar, Seeing Beauty, The Gift of Pain, and Practicing Patience. Every episode offers “a glorious thought — something good and beautiful and true, something excellent and praiseworthy—to fill your mind with heavenly truths.” As if that were not enough, Smith is a sought-after speaker and author of several best-selling books.

Hear James Bryan Smith share a bit of his story in the video below.

At this year’s Provincial Assembly, Dr. Smith addressed the plenary session with encouragement for us to:
– Adopt the narratives of Jesus and live from a position of safety and security
– Create space for God through the soul training exercises of solitude and silence
– Practice getting good sleep
– Count our blessings

You may have encountered Smith’s writings in The Good and Beautiful series – designed for individual or group study and written to help Christians better understand who God is, what it means to be a Christian, and what it means to live in community. He is also the author of Devotional Classics (with Richard J. Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Room of Marvels, and Hidden in Christ.

Smith’s latest series – also for study by individuals and groups – is a spiritual formation resource that aims to illustrate the glorious story of Christ in our lives. The Magnificent Story speaks of beauty, goodness, and truth that will satisfy the ultimate longings of your heart. In the trilogy’s second volume, The Magnificent Journey, Smith shows us the road less travelled, but full of riches. Along the way, he introduces new spiritual practices that provide sustenance for our journey into the heart of God.

Dr. Smith (M.Div., Yale University Divinity School; DMin Fuller Seminary) has been a theology professor at Friends University for 20 years, where he was recently named the inaugural Dallas Willard Chair in Christian Spiritual Foundation and he is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. He strives to create transformational educational experiences and life-giving resources to individuals and churches, whether in secular or ministry roles.