Meet Our Team

Paul and Lauren Smith serve as founders of The 501 Exchange. They have been married for 10 years and have 3 precious children — Gracelynn, Roman, and Canyon. Before beginning The 501 Exchange, Galatians 5 was burned into their souls as an anthem of freedom in Christ-- this birthed a longing in them for others to experience what they were getting a taste of. In 2019, they moved to Athens, GA, and since then, the roots of the ministry have grown deep. They enjoy farm life and eating at all the wonderful restaurants in Athens — currently their favorite is Cali-n-Tito’s, but you could ask Paul tomorrow and he is sure to have a new one for you!

“The freedom of Jesus is the most compelling thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. We bring our bondage, and in exchange He gives us His freedom. It’s a trade that makes no sense, and quite honestly has the tendency to be offensive and confusing… But that’s the nature of the gospel of Jesus: our brokenness for His beauty. Forever.”

Adam and Hannah Kersh serve as co-founders of The 501 Exchange. They are passionate about Biblical discipleship and seeing others encounter transformation and freedom through daily life with God. They have been married for 9 years and have two children, Gabriel and Remi Grace. As lifelong Dawgs fans, Adam and Hannah are so happy to be raising their family and serving Jesus alongside their best friends in Athens. Adam and Hannah are full of so much grace, freedom, and Truth. They are constantly pointing everyone they meet into a fully surrendered life with Jesus.

"We long to see the Kingdom of Heaven revealed through the Body of Christ here in Athens and throughout the earth. We are so grateful for what God is doing!"

The Stewarts have been married for a little over a year and half. The two of them serve on leadership of the musical expression of our ministry, FRVR FREE, with Josh as the Production Director and Janie as the Worship Director. To know these two is to experience the joy they hold when they walk into a room, and if you ever stop by their house they will surely invite you in with open arms and a cup of tea! This family is better because of the way the Stewarts exemplify what it means to receive freedom and give it away.

“We both want to live in a way that invites the Spirit of God to be our Guide. We want Him as the center of the target in all things, co-missioning with Him to bring Heaven to Earth in our life, marriage and community, and inviting others along with us on the trail to enjoy the journey.”

The Taylors have been an integral part of the musical expression of our ministry, FRVR FREE, since 2016. Ian currently serves as the Music and Creative Director and Madi as the Program Director / Logistics Coordinator. They were highschool sweethearts, have been married for 3 years and will be celebrating their 4th in November. We are so thankful for them and the way they pursue Jesus and this community. They are passionate about stewarding music and worship to create space for the Spirit of God to set people free. If you have ever experienced worship with FRVR FREE, then you have seen their gifts in action.