Disciple Dojo – JMSmith.org

• You are here: Home » About

Hi, I’m James-Michael Smith

Teacher / Speaker / All around Bible Geek

My Training and History

 

Being a PK (Preacher’s Kid), I was raised with a familiarity and general understanding of the Bible. During my high school years I determined to read the Bible all the way through and study it in-depth in order to be able to know what it is I truly claimed to believe and whether or not I actually believed it all for myself. It was also during this time that I began regularly pillaging my Dad’s library for books on everything from the Historical Jesus, to Christian Ethics, World Religions, Theology and Apologetics.

By the time I got to college, I had a hunger for Biblical and Theological studies as well as Apologetics-based Evangelism. As an art major (AFA. – Reinhardt College, BFA-Painting/Drawing – University of Georgia) I had very little book study requirements…so I used those years to study on my own. By the time I graduated, I had decided that I would probably go into the ministry of some sort, but I wasn’t sure exactly where God was leading me. I spent a year working as the Campus Outreach Intern at the UGA Wesley Foundation (www.ugawesley.org) where I did small group Bible studies, Apologetics training, and open-air preaching on campus (something I think every preacher and teacher should be required to do at least once!).

After my year on staff at Wesley, I headed north and began my M.Div studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. It was during my first year at GCTS that I fell in love with the Hebrew Bible (Thank you Gordon Hugenberger, Doug Stuart, Jeff Niehaus, Gary Pratico and Walt Kaiser!). After two fantastic years in Boston, I transferred down to GCTS’ Charlotte campus (Thank you Leighton Ford!) and began attending Good Shepherd UMC. During my time as a member of GS I helped develop Fusion, the young adult ministry that a couple had started just before I arrived (Thank you Don and Cheryl!).

In 2004 a position at GS opened up and I was eventually hired as Pastor of Discipleship where I served until 2009. During my 5 years on staff I oversaw all adult Discipleship, Teaching and Small Group ministries. This was an amazing time that allowed me to continue my Biblical Studies, not in an ivory-tower academic environment, but in the day-to-day life of the local church. The classes and small groups I was blessed to lead at GS were the perfect place to learn, grow and develop my gifts and calling as a teacher (Thank you, Good Shepherd family!!).

I know that God is leading me toward further studies, and I am looking at various options for potential Ph.D study. In the meantime, I want to do everything I can to teach and equip everyone within the Body of Christ to wield the Sword of the Spirit with all their might!

Blessings from the Dojo,

JM

 

Legal stuff…

Disciple Dojo is organized as a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) recognized by the State of North Carolina.  In contrast to a traditional LLC small business, an L3C is a private business set up so that:

1. It significantly furthers the accomplishment of charitable or educational purpose and
would not have been formed except to further these purposes;
2. Income production or property appreciation is not a significant purpose; and
3. It does not seek to accomplish political or legislative purpose.

As a religious and artistic ministry organization, Disciple Dojo fulfills these requirements. However, unlike with a traditional 501(c)3 charity (which we are too small to qualify as or afford), donations to Disciple Dojo are not tax-deductible under current IRS regulations.

Nevertheless, any profits from the sale of resources, artwork and donations go to support JM in his calling to the ministry of Christian Discipleship and are greatly appreciated!

Those interested in supporting Discple Dojo can send donations to:

13623 Christian Tyler Ct.
Charlotte, NC  28278

Checks should be made out to “Disciple Dojo” and include “Ministry Donation” in the subject line.