Pastor Colin Smith is a familiar voice to Premier Christian Radio listeners as he presents Open the Bible which can be heard every weekday evening at 7.30pm.

As listeners will know from his accent he's originally from Scotland but for the last two decades has been the senior pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Illinois.

He grew up in a Christian home and came to faith independently quite early in life announcing that at aged 12 he was going to be a pastor. Aged just 22 he did just that at church in Enfield where he presided for 16 years.

The move to American happened after a holiday where he had been given a guest spot to preach and had thought he was just passing through. But the church was undergoing a transition and, impressed with his style, asked him to come over as the permanent pastor.

Smith has a deep love for Scripture believing it to be not just the word of God but the very work of God likening it to a living seed which can renew our spirits.

He has recently announced he'll be stepping down from Orchard to focus on his work with Open the Bible which in addition to Premier is broadcast on over 650 radio stations and reaches millions of listeners worldwide.

On this episode of The Profile he speaks to Premier Christianity Magazine Editor Sam Hailes about his upbringing, how he prepares to deliver a sermon and why Scripture should speak for itself.

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Released on 1 May 2025