It's A Family Matter

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring Dr. Gary Chapman—author of The 5 Love Languages. In this episode, Dr. Chapman discusses how gifts are a universal expression of love. Whatever form the gift takes, the receiver understands the giver thought of him/her affectionately. Listen as Dr. Blackwell examines the dynamics and implications of gift-giving in his exclusive interview with Dr. Chapman.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring Dr. Lowell K. Davis who was instrumental in the creation of BCH's HOMEBASE ministry for students at Western Carolina University. Join Dr. Blackwell as he and Dr. Davis discuss the family, scholastic, and social factors that influenced Davis's path and his dedication to helping students thrive. The podcast and this episode were award winners at the 2023 Baptist Communicators Associations annual meeting.

To commemorate her 50th anniversary, Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of the second interview with BCH's Linda Morgan. Join Dr. Blackwell and Linda as they continue to reflect on God's purpose and His calling on their lives. This podcast originally aired on Linda's 48th anniversary. On her 50th—and beyond—she still says, “I know I'm where I need to be; God's not finished with me yet.”

To commemorate her 50th anniversary, Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of his interview with BCH's Linda Morgan. Linda began serving at Broyhill Home in 1973. Today, she is the ministry's longest tenured employee. Listen as Linda and Dr. Blackwell reflect on her journey from secretary to a senior leader and how her time with BCH has strengthened her relationship with God and others.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring Dr. Gary Chapman. Throughout his life on earth, Jesus demonstrated love through service to God and to the people He encountered. Listen as Dr. Blackwell explores acts of service and the importance of approaching life with a servant's heart.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring Dr. Gary Chapman, highlighting his seminal book, The 5 Love Languages. Listen as he and Dr. Blackwell discuss how God connects with people through their love languages, especially quality time.

Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews longtime Baptist Children's Homes staff member Sara Becker regarding the impactful work of the Bob and Carolyn Tucker Greater Vision Outreach team. Listen to their discussion of how this ministry helps provide self-sufficiency to financially at-risk families throughout central and eastern NC, shares the hope of Christ to those experiencing crisis, and facilitates healing for thousands each year through intentional, compassionate support.

Artist, writer, and longtime BCH friend Starr Ayers joins host Dr. Michael Blackwell to discuss her newest book, "Room At The Table: Encouraging Stories From Special Needs Parents," which she co-authored with Stephanie Pavlantos. Listen as Dr. Blackwell and Ayers discuss her journey as a parent of a special needs child, and the way BCH's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ministry helps Ayers' daughter and other adults at BCH's nine group homes to be their best version of themselves.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring a message he delivered encouraging adults of all ages to strive for happiness. Praying, thinking, and serving helps us nurture happiness essentials such as close relationships, respect, trust, and having fun. Join Dr. Blackwell for this positive word.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring Bishop Dr. George B. Jackson, pastor of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship in Thomasville, NC and founder of the community's Martin Luther King Social Action Committee. In this third in a series of three episodes, Dr. Jackson and Dr. Michael Blackwell discuss the history, characteristics, and significance of the Black Church in America.

BCH President Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews fellow childcare professionals, Jay Boyd, Senior VP of Strategy & Engagement for Connie Maxwell Children's Homes of SC, which is led by President Danny Nicholson, and Chrystelle Thames, Director of Communications for The Baptist Children's Village of MS, which is led by Executive Director Sean Milner. Listen as Jay and Chrystelle  discuss the circles of godly influence which have informed their call to serve children and families.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring marriage and family therapist Dr. Emma Wallace. The duo discuss the scope and lasting negative effects of childhood trauma. Learn how these traumatic experiences are stored in a person's body and psyche, reaching into adulthood.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring family therapists Drs. Mac and Emma Wallace, Join Dr. Blackwell as the trio discuss how to identify relational challenges in marriage, and share healthy methods to break patterns of complaints and criticisms.

Join Dr. Michael Blackwell as he interviews Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor of Mercy Hill Church. Originally a church plant, and now planting churches, Mercy Hill's congregations in Greensboro and High Point, NC, are dynamic partners with BCH's foster and adoption ministries. Listen and learn how the congregations have moved from the sidelines to the front lines to help provide "Every Child" a safe and loving home.

Dr. Blackwell recently spoke to a large group of Baptist communicators, development officers, and marketing experts from across the country. In this episode, listen to his insights for building a culture of holy connections by pouring love, appreciation, and value into others, resulting in extraordinary outcomes.

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring inspirational Christian speaker Betsy Bolick. Enduring numerous physical difficulties, surgeries, and hospitalizations throughout her life, four foot, eight inch tall Betsy heard God's call to share her faith. In this first of the original two episodes, listen as she and Dr. Blackwell discuss "Small Enough Ministries.”

Dr. Blackwell brings listeners an encore of one of the most popular “It's a family matter” episodes featuring internationally-known author and relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman. The duo discuss the origins of Dr. Chapman's influential book and the nature of the five love languages.

Dr. Michael Blackwell welcomes back BCH Council of Advisors member and noted public servant Phil Kirk for a rich discussion on the traits of a true leader. Listen and discover unique insights that apply to people and organizations who are pursuing worthy goals.

In addition to being an active member of Dr. Michael Blackwell's Presidential Council of Advisors, Phil Kirk has been a tireless advocate for education, business, and common-sense government throughout North Carolina. Kirk's experience in public service includes serving as chief of staff for three NC Governors. Join Dr. Blackwell and Kirk as they discuss Kirk's humble beginnings and his unique perspectives from “inside the inside.”

Dr. Michael Blackwell is joined in the podcast studio by a very special guest: America's Santa! Listen to Dr. Blackwell's conversation with Santa for a mid-year reminder about why Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Since his arrival at Kennedy Home as a child in the 1950's, Jim Dyer has had a heart for Baptist Children's Homes of NC. Listen as Dr. Michael Blackwell and one of BCH's favorite ambassadors discuss Dyer's journey from a broken home to successes in a variety of roles, including Vietnam military helicopter pilot, corporate chaplain, and Mayor Pro Tem of the Town of Wake Forest. 

While serving as Western Carolina University's associate vice chancellor for student success, Dr. Lowell K. Davis was instrumental in the creation of BCH's HOMEBASE ministry for independent students. Now serving as vice chancellor for student affairs at UNC Wilmington, Dr. Davis continues to innovate services that help young adults succeed. Join Dr. Michael Blackwell as he and Dr. Davis discuss the family, scholastic, and social factors that influenced Davis's path and dedication to helping others thrive. 

Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews Rev. Dr. Jim Dean, director of HOMEBASE, which last year served more than 14,000 independent students at WCU by providing spiritual guidance, resources such as food and clothing, and a place to call "home." Listen as Dr. Blackwell and Dr. Dean discuss the challenges faced by young adults who are trying to build a path in life without familial support, and how BCH's exemplary HOMEBASE ministry helps these college students to not only succeed but to thrive.

Teammates, friends, and brothers in Christ, Rob and Alex talk with Dr. Michael Blackwell shortly before their appearance in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando as members of the SONC Soccer Team. Listen as they share what life is like for them and the other residents at Alverta Bolick Home in Asheville, and how they are living life to their fullest potential.

Physician, author, wise counselor, and dear friend of many, at 94 years of age, BCH alumnus Dr. Ted Chandler is still making five-year plans. Listen as Dr. Michael Blackwell continues his interview with Dr. Chandler, discussing the powerful dynamic of healthy living that leads to positive, transformative lives and family abundance.

Before it was Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, it was the “Baptist Orphanage” or the “Thomasville Orphanage.” Listen as Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews 94-year-old Dr. Ted Chandler as he recounts details about life as a child for him and his two brothers growing up at the “Orphanage” in the 1930s and 40s. Learn how Dr. Chandler's experiences and gained values were transformative, helping him reach his childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor. 

Dr. Michael Blackwell and guest Dr. Mark Smith, BCH's Foster & Adoption Church Liaison, discuss the Every Child Initiative.  Listen as they explain how BCH and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina partner with churches to reach, train, and support Christian married couples so they can provide safe and loving homes for children in need.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Blackwell shares another encouraging message delivered to Baptist Children's Homes of NC staff members during a recent event. Listen as he relates important biblical lessons from Isaiah 61:1-3, lessons of hope, love, and forgiveness.

Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews Todd Unzicker, executive director/treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and Baptist Children's Homes' chief operating officer Keith Henry. The three discuss how a "shared vision" is yielding positive results through the “Every Child” partnership, where BCH works with the BSCNC and NC Baptist churches to provide love and support to the 16,000 children in need of a home throughout NC. Listen to how this rapidly-growing initiative is bringing the blessings of foster and adoption ministries to children and families around the state.

Dr. Michael Blackwell spends time with Todd Unzicker as he reflects back on his first year as executive director of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The two discuss how local churches are partnering with the Convention and Baptist Children's Homes through the new Every Child Foster & Adoption Ministry. Blackwell and Unzicker affirm their partnership and Baptists' spirit of oneness to realize God's vision of helping provide every child in need a safe, loving home where they can hear and experience the Gospel.

In his second interview with Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina Trustee Jay Westmoreland and COO Keith Henry, Dr. Blackwell discusses the amazing ways God brings people and ministries together to grow the Good Shepherd Children's Homes in Guatemala while realizing other BCH opportunities to serve children.

With the construction of three new homes, Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina and the Westmoreland family are realizing a dream to serve children at River Hill Refuge in Cleveland County. Join Dr. Michael Blackwell, BCH COO Keith Henry, and BCH Trustee Jay Westmoreland as they discuss this new, innovative ministry that opens the door to foster families who want to foster multiple children.

In Dr. Blackwell's second interview with Cyndie Truax, they discuss how God brought meaningful relationships to bear fruit through Christian Adoption Services' ongoing support of birth mothers. With this newest ministry, Emmanuel Home, CAS staff members will better provide much-needed love and care for brave, strong women who place their children for adoption.

In her unique role as Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina's Director of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects, Cyndie Truax's experiences with adoption have informed her perspective on God's amazing love and providence. In this interview with Dr. Michael Blackwell, Cyndie shares powerful personal stories of God at work in the lives of the most vulnerable, children in need of a family.

When she joined North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM), Angie Gregg brought extensive fire prevention and education experience to her role as a regional director. Listen as Dr. Blackwell talks with Gregg about her background in firefighting and her heart for keeping aging adults safe in their homes.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Blackwell shares from a message he delivered during a recent NCBAM team staff meeting. NCBAM is a ministry that focuses in part on helping aging adults 65+ thrive at home. Listen as Dr. Blackwell encourages us all to remember to Hope, embrace Opportunity, practice Ministry, and Encourage others.

Having shared the Gospel with an estimated 2.5 billion people, the Reverend Doctor Billy Graham is considered by many to be the foremost preacher of the 20th century. In this episode of It's a Family Matter, listen as Dr. Michael Blackwell shares memories of unique interactions he had with Rev. Dr. Graham and the Graham family—encounters that would impact Blackwell's life and ministry in profound ways.

"A river of peace. A hill of hope. A refuge of healing." During his presentation at the recent groundbreaking for River Hill Refuge, Dr. Michael Blackwell vividly describes God's amazing work and purpose in preparation for this newest ministry—three homes for foster families near Shelby, North Carolina. Listen as Dr. Blackwell shares the vision of love and care which will surround these children and families.

For decades, friends Dr. Blackwell, David Smith, and Ed Beddingfield have each reached countless people with their messages of encouragement. For David and Ed, grieving the loss of their wives in recent years has given them a perspective that uniquely informs their writing and preaching ministries. Listen as they discuss their faith journeys and share important life lessons. 

David Smith and Ed Beddingfield have been profoundly affected by their wives' deaths. In this episode they continue their discussion with host Dr. Blackwell, reflecting on heartfelt moments of mutual encouragement and shared expressions of grief that have since touched their lives. Listen as Ed shares a powerful musical rendition of "God Leads Us Along." 

In recent years, Dr. Blackwell's longtime friends and fellow pastors David Smith and Ed Beddingfield lost their wives; one from cancer, and one in a house fire. Listen as they discuss how such deep loss has impacted their approach to life and relationships.

Dr. Michael C. Blackwell recently spoke to a group of Baptist Children Homes of North Carolina trainers, sharing his definition of the acronym, CARE. Listen as he encourages and challenges us to be Courageous, "Awesomazing," Resilient, and Empathic. The benefits of these attributes will bless you and those in your life.

Moving hymns of Christian faith have often emerged from tremendous personal trials and tribulations. In part two of Dr. Michael C. Blackwell's interview with Dana Dixon, listen as the duo share messages of inspiration and encouragement while reflecting on the origins of hymns. Also, be treated to special vocal performances by Dixon.

Dana Dixon began singing in church at age two, then toured with her church's musical drama group as a young adult. Joining Dr. Michael C. Blackwell, Dixon describes her journey to Miss North Carolina and beyond, sharing her unique experiences developing, and using God's gifts to bless others through song and service.

This special episode of "It's a family matter" features unique reflections by host Dr. Michael C. Blackwell, the longest serving president and CEO of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. As Blackwell turns the interview microphones over to BCH's Jim Edminson and John Adamcik, listen as they celebrate Blackwell's ministerial calling, leadership milestones, and tremendous tenure.

Dr. Michael Blackwell and members of the North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) team, Carol Layton, Director of Communications & Administration, and Samantha "Sam" Allred, North Central Regional Director, share a candid and personal conversation highlighting the stigma, impact, and support resources related to mental health. If you or someone you love are facing mental health challenges, this special episode will speak to you. Listen, and reach out to get the support you and your dear ones need. Remember, you are not alone.

Samantha "Sam" Allred, regional director for North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry, discusses with Dr. Michael C. Blackwell how she discovered God's purpose for her life. Listen as she describes how the call to ministry-driven work brought her to join the NCBAM team in connecting lonely, isolated aging adults with volunteers and churches.

Join Dr. Michael C. Blackwell as he welcomes Todd Unzicker, new Executive Director & Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Listen as EDT Unzicker shares his heart, passion, and enthusiasm for NC Baptists. Blackwell and Unzicker discuss the ongoing partnership between NC Baptists and BCH in reaching hurting children and families for Christ.

In this third in a series of three episodes featuring Bishop Dr. Jackson, he and Dr. Michael Blackwell discuss the history, characteristics, and significance of the Black Church in America.

In this second of three interviews, Dr. Michael Blackwell and Bishop Dr. Jackson discuss what it means to build and embody the "Beloved, Cherished Community," a place of "unity and understanding."

Dr. Michael Blackwell interviews Bishop Dr. Jackson, pastor of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship in Thomasville, NC and founder of the community’s Martin Luther King Social Action Committee. Listen as they discuss serving God's kingdom in challenging times.