About
Dan Smith
Introducing Dan Smith, aka “The Replacement Beastie,” a dynamic artist blending rap, storytelling, and comedy. Raised in Ohio sans religious upbringing, Dan's unique perspective on faith shines through his work.
In 2005, Dan co-founded Momentum Christian Church, a groundbreaking community in Cleveland, OH, catering to non-traditional churchgoers. Nationally recognized for his engaging talks, Dan captivates audiences with vivid parables, music, and humor, imparting wisdom on character, leadership, and Jesus.
Dan and his amazing wifey, Shannon, have 3 mini-me’s: Zion (son), Azlan (daughter), & Journey (son). They all find him mildly funny. Dan is an avid NFL, Cavs, and Buckeyes fan. He loves studying the Bible, working out, reading nerd books, photobombing, watching movies (mostly for the theater popcorn with fake butter), and eating all foods that are Mexican, Amish, or Asian.
Creative communicator
Dan’s sweet spot is being a “creative communicator” of the Good News (Gospel) message of Jesus. Through preaching, teaching, comedy, storytelling, rapping, & spoken word, he's a wordsmith with a passion to move people forward spiritually.
lost count
times CS Lewis has been mentioned in his sermon
1000's
Starbucks Drank
2006
Momentum Launched
Random Facts
17% of Ohioans are regularly involved in a church – Catholic, Protestant, or nondenominational. BUT here’s the kicker: Most of the other 83% are deeply interested in a relationship with God. They just don’t expect to find help from a church. They see church as boring, irrelevant, judgmental, hypocritical, and often led by creepers or pickpockets. They expect church to be – ironically – unspiritual.
That’s heartbreaking – but we totally get it. We’ve all had some of those experiences too, but we have also seen God’s Church at its best on many occasions. That’s why we started a church for the other 83%. People who want to learn about Jesus, but never thought they’d fit in a traditional church.
Jesus taught that life is about relationships – loving God and loving people. So we try hard to make those the main objectives at Momentum.
We also believe that church should rock. And if God is the source of joy – which He claims to be – church should be kinda fun! We take God very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves very seriously at all. Momentum is a church of great live music, laughter, and a bunch of “Dang-I-think-God-really-wanted-me-to-be-here-today” kind of moments. We want kids who have experienced our MoKids ministry to wake up every morning asking, “Hey, is it Sunday yet?!” We also think a church should be the “hands and feet of God” in the community – meeting needs in our schools, sports leagues, nonprofits…
We’re not a perfect church. Everyone at Momentum is a work-in-progress, and we all know it. Momentum is a diverse mix that includes followers of Jesus (or, Christians) who are striving to grow in their faith, some Christians who feel stuck or stagnant, and spiritual-seekers who are investigating Jesus as they work through their doubts, questions, and curiosity.
We’d love for you to check out our Sunday services and/or a Mo Group this week, so we can meet you in person!
Momentum Christian Church