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.

A native of Texas, Andrew became a part of the 501 Exchange after connecting with Paul and Adam in 2020. He quickly caught the vision of what God was doing in, and through, the 501 and began to feel God inviting him into something new. On 5/01/21, he officially accepted the position to become our Director of Operations and a mere month later, he was an Athens resident!

We love Andrew for many reasons, and honor the intentionality and joy he brings to this family! (Not to mention his crazy dance moves)

"I want to see sons and daughters alive in the love of the Father, inspired by the joy of the Holy Spirit, and living in revival that only comes in the mighty name of Jesus. I believe His freedom is the catalyst for all of these things, and I believe He wants to do it right here in the city of Athens."

Mason is passionate about the practicing the way of Jesus, and living a life as a disciple under Him. Mason is wrapping up his final semester at UGA with a degree in Religion #PraiseJesus #GoDawgs. Mason was first introduced to The 501 by his girlfriend, Josephine Winborne, and began working with us part-time in January of 2023. With Mason's help, The 501 Exchange will continue to dream up new content, rhythms, and plans for this ministry to make disciples in the city of Athens and beyond. If you see him, please give him a warm welcome... Or ask him to play golf!!