Lead Defend

Ryan Scantling and Brock Caldwell are back for more episodes of Lead Defend. In this brief episode, they discuss the upcoming season and their anticipation for Lead Defend 2023. Learn more at https://leaddefend.org/.

In the last episode of season 3, the guys sit down with J. Warner Wallace from the Lead Defend 2022 Conference. You might recognize Wallace as this isn’t the first time he’s been at Lead Defend! Wallace is a cold-case detective, and you might’ve seen him on Dateline. He’s a national speaker and best-selling author. The guys chat with him about finding the truth, marriage, and life in the Christian faith v. non-Christian faith. Check out J. Warner Wallace's sites below: Cold-Case Christianity The Thin Blue Life To watch the video, click here.

In this episode, Ryan and Brock talk with Brett and Erin Kunkle of MAVEN. They were speakers at this year’s Lead Defend Foundations Conference MAVEN was created by Brett and Erin to help equip and mobilize youth and beyond to share the Gospel in a broken world. The guys talk to them about their mission, what they’ve seen through it and how it came to be. You can check out and connect with MAVEN here. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode, Brock sits down with one of Lead Defend Foundation speakers, Kolby King. Along with his wife, Mary Beth, the King’s created ThreeThirty Ministries. They travel to churches, camps, youth groups, etc. sharing the Gospel in fun and unique ways like ventriloquism, fire-eating, balloon animals, drama, humor, stunts and more. Brock and King talk about rooting yourself in the truth, how to accomplish that and what the world might be telling you otherwise – and Kolby might perform an allusion so be sure to watch this episode on Youtube!

As we continue our series of hearing from Lead Defend 2022 Conference speakers, Ryan sat down with Jamar Andrews, pastor at Word Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Andrews led a session on how to defend your faith with scripture and led students through an exercise where he pretended to be an atheist or non-believer and challenged students on how to answer his questions and defend their faith. He walked Ryan through this session with examples of texts and illustrations he used as well. To connect with Jamar, email him at jandrews@wordbaptist.com To watch the video, click here.

In our first episode live from the Lead Defend 2022 Conference, Ryan sat down with Rhyne Putman to talk about this new “fade” of Deconstructing Christianity. He led a session at Lead Defend this year on this very topic, and the dynamics behind the reason people are going towards this new trend - and how we can deflect from it. Putman is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Worldview Formation & a Professor of Christian Ministries at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. To get in touch with Rhyne, email him at: rputman@williamsbu.edu To watch the video, click here.

In another live episode from the Evangelism conference in January, Brock and Ryan sat down with National NextGen Director at the North American Mission Board, Shane Pruitt. Shane loves Gen Z and shares his heart for how God will use them. They also talk about his time touring with Winter Jam, how we're called to ministry/missions right now, not just the future, how to share the Gospel better and be a little less scared and more! To watch this video, click here.

In this episode of Lead > Defend, we recorded a couple of live shows at this year's ECON (Evangelism Conference) held in Little Rock with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Ryan and Brock sat down with Dithson Noel, who works with the International Mission Board (IMB) and the Go2 Initiative. They talk about that work, plus dive into why it's important for college students to consider doing missions work after college. To get connected with Go2, click here. To watch the video, click here.

In the last live recorded show from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in October, Ryan and Brock sit down with Warren Gasaway, Student Ministry Specialist on the Church Health team at the ABSC. They start chatting about Warren's time at the 1994 Razorback Championship game, something most of us have only heard about, and then wander into how parent/child relationships change over time as they grow from high school to college and beyond. Gasaway, as a father himself, talks about his own parenting style and talks about how parents, and students, can learn to relate and communicate effectively with each other to maintain, or mend, their relationship with one another as time goes on. To watch the show, click here.

As we continue with our live recorded shows from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in October, the guys sat down with University of Arkansas student, Matt Sparks. Sparks didn't take the traditional route of going from high school to a big, 4-year university. Instead, he took a detour and did a few years at the community college before transitioning to a bigger school. It's a non-traditional route that's not talked about a lot. In this episode, they talk about his journey to faith in high school, the transition that took place when he did finally leave home and head off to a bigger school, and how you should approach being in a new town with new places and new challenges. To watch the show, click here.

Welcome back to the Lead Defend Podcast! We hope you had a great Christmas/New Year's break, but we're hitting the ground running with new episodes here in 2022. Back in 2021, Ryan and Brock recorded a couple of Live Shows at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention on October 25-26. In this very first one, they sat down with Chris Roller, Student Pastor at First Baptist Church, Rogers, and Brock's boss. They discuss how important it is to learn apologetics young, as students in Jr. High/High school, and how apologetics and discipleship really do go hand in hand. They also talk about how to effectively put those two to work in your lives as well as many other things! To watch the show, click here.

In this week’s episode of Lead Defend, we talk to Nick Hobbs. Nick is the Chief Operating Officer at JB Hunt and has worked for the company for a total of 37 years! Nick discusses his personal story on how he got to where he is now and his leadership experience. He gives advice on leadership and how we can grow as leaders, wherever we are and whatever position we find ourselves in. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode of Season 3, Ryan and Brock sit down with Sam Bierig at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sam serves as serves as the Vice President of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Spurgeon College, and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Spurgeon College. They chat about leadership and Sam’s journey to becoming an important leader at Midwestern. Discussing ways he has been called to lead in the past, Sam speaks on the responsibility of leadership and taking advantage of the opportunity to lead. To hear more on Sam’s personal road to leadership, listen here! You can learn more about Spurgeon College by going to spurgeoncollege.com or going to Ready Conference in January 2022!

In this week’s episode, Ryan and Brock sit down with Dr. Matz at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Matz is the Director of Online Student Success, as well as the Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. Here, they discuss Dr. Matz’s experience at Midwestern, as well as evidential apologetics: the idea of good evidence for the Christian faith. They talk of several different categories of evidence pertaining to one’s faith, including topics such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode, Ryan and Brock sit down with Buck Ortega, an entrepreneur and a former college and professional football player. They discuss Buck’s walk in his faith and leadership, as well as how he learned how to become a leader. Buck’s journey in leadership started when he began to play football and other sports, and he has translated that into other areas of his adult life. To watch the video, click here.

In today’s episode of Lead Defend, Adam Venters joins Ryan and Brock in the studio! Adam is the BCM minister for the Metro Little Rock area. He connects with students from across the state and world, pushing them closer to a strong and steady relationship with the Lord. In this episode, Adam talks about Proverbs 10 and what that means to the believer. He breaks down the components to give listeners a better understanding of our call as Christians and as leaders. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode of season 3, Ryan and Brock sit down with Tyler Sykora, a former quarterback for Southern Arkansas University and an NFL prospect for the Seattle Seahawks, called to ministry during his career after some setbacks. He serves as the Chief of Staff at Midwestern in the President’s office and is a student as well. Here, they discuss his experience with leadership and how he gained confidence in his voice by playing football. They chat about overcoming the opinions of others and how to channel that into being a good leader. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode, Brock and Ryan kick it off with Chris Sultemeier, a former U.S. Army soldier, and leader in the Walmart Corporation. Chris discusses where his leadership started and how he got to where he is today. Beginning in the military, he was able to lead soldiers into different experiences, which translated to his career after retirement, which includes several positions at the Walmart Corporation and seats on boards of public trading companies. To watch the video, click here.

In this episode, Ryan and Brock sit down with Bill Newton, Generations Pastor at FBC Hot Springs. Bill oversees ministry and events for all age groups at his church. He is a lover of movies, Star Wars, and Batman! In this episode, they discuss evolution and why it is important to us as Christians. They layout 3 reasons why Christians should care about evolution, as well as making a case for intelligent design. Contact information: bill@fbchotsprings.com To watch the video, click here. To hear more on evolution and to join in the conversation yourself, listen here, as well as subscribe to Lead Defend on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

WELCOME TO SEASON 3!! In this first episode, Ryan sits down with the new season 3 host, Brock Caldwell. They discuss his testimony, his family, and his current ministry. Brock is a student pastor at FBC Rogers. Welcome him to the party! To learn more about Brock, his story, and the plan for season 3, listen here! To watch the video version, click here.

In the last episode of season 2, the guys talk about graceful ways to exit old jobs and enter into new ones. It's a stage of life that we all go through at some point - and while you may leave one thing behind. There are things to learn and take from it as you step into a new role somewhere else. This is also Seth's last episode with the Lead Defend Podcast family, as he himself steps into a new role as Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Arkansas. We're sad to see him go but know God will use him for big things and we can't wait to see him flourish in this role. LINKS: Lead Defend Podcast Video https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

Last, but certainly not least, we have our interview with Alycia Wood! The guys sit down with Wood and talk about her first experience with apologetics and how she got involved with it, as well as how we can find evidence for ourselves and truly believe what we believe. It's all here so don't miss it! Our speaker videos from the conference are now live! Click here to view and listen to them. LINKS: Lead Defend Podcast Video One Minute Apologist Reasonable Faith https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/ Alycia Wood Twitter & Facebook

In this episode, the guys sit down with Mary Jo Sharp before the 2021 Lead Defend Conference. Sharp joined us last year and we were excited to have her back again at this year's conference! They chat about questioning the logic in arguments from atheists, but also how we should question ourselves in our own logic with Christianity. To be what God intended us to be, we need to really know our God. How can we do that if we don't do the work that it takes? Learn this and more in this week's episode! LINKS: Lead Defend Podcast Video Mary Jo Sharp Website Why I Still Believe Book https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/ Mary Jo Sharp Instagram

In this episode, the guys sit down with Dr. Frank Turek before the 2021 Lead Defend Conference. Turek was one of three apologists who spoke at this year's conference! They chat about his journey into apologetics, how his show CrossExamined came about and what it's all about, his most asked questions at college campuses and more about apologetics you don't want to miss. LINKS: Lead Defend Podcast Video CrossExamined Frank's Lead Defend Message https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/ Frank Turek Instagram

In this episode, Seth and Ryan discuss the most commonly asked question: Why does God allow pain and suffering? A complex question with some simple answers.

In the very first video episode of the Lead Defend Podcast, Ryan and Seth are talking about everything you need to know for the upcoming Lead Defend Conference! Be sure to tune in for all the details! To register, click here.

In this episode, Seth dives into a recent sermon he listened to about how our lives affect how we present the Gospel. He references Titus 2 and the guys talk about how as Christians, we're always being evaluated by others around us - so let's make sure our lives represent what we believe and preach. LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this first episode of the new year, Ryan and Seth tackle the big question that most of us think about at least once, if not more, in our lives: What is my purpose? Sometimes we forget that our purpose is bigger than ourselves. The guys walk through some scripture and talk about how our purpose needs to be in-line with God's purpose for our lives.

The guys continue to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented In this episode, Ryan and Seth look at the statement: “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.” If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

In the next few episodes, the guys are going to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented In this episode, Ryan and Seth look at the statement: “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” The guys dive into this statement on who Jesus really was: Teacher and God. If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

In the next few episodes, the guys are going to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented In this episode, Andrea Lennon joins the guys again to discuss one of the statements made by the study and its results: "God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam." If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here. To connect with Andrea's Podcast, click here.

In the next few episodes, the guys are going to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented In this episode, Andrea Lennon, from Andrea Lennon Ministries and host of Inspire On The Go Podcast, join the guys to discuss one of the statements made by the study and its results: "God is a perfect being and cannot make mistakes." If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here. To connect with Andrea's Podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth asks Ryan the question, 'What has God been teaching you in the last 6-9 months since this pandemic began?' Seth talked a few weeks ago about what God has been teaching him during this time. Now we talk to Ryan about what he's been learning. We dive into Mark 4 with Jesus calming the storm, and how this time could really be used to help strengthen your relationship with Christ and further His Kingdom. With normal out the door, how can we do to use this time to our advantage? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth is joined with guest co-host Adam Venters of the Metro BCM in Little Rock. Together, these two guys sit down with Todd von Helms to talk about his most recent book, Before You Leave: For College, Career, and Eternity. In part two, the last part in this conversation, they finish diving into the main topics addressed in Todd's book like 'does God really send people to hell' and 'does prayer actually work.' Todd, and the guys, bring knowledge and wisdom brought from life experiences and the Bible to explain how Christians and young adults can handle these questions and adequately address them in their life and with their peers. LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Before You Leave book Todd's Website SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth is joined with guest co-host Adam Venters of the Metro BCM in Little Rock. Together, these two guys sit down with Todd von Helms to talk about his most recent book, Before You Leave: For College, Career, and Eternity. In part one, of this two-part conversation, they begin to dive into the main topics addressed in Todd's book like 'can we really trust the Bible' and 'how should we really think about atheism.' Todd, and the guys, bring knowledge and wisdom brought from life experiences and the Bible to explain how Christians and young adults can handle these questions and adequately address them in their life and with their peers. LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Before You Leave book Todd's Website SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode of the Lead > Defendo Podcast, Ryan talks to Brian Hughes, Associate College Pastor at First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas about all things leadership. Brian talks about leaders that have helped shape his skills and life, as well as discuss practical ways you can start sharpening and growing in your leadership skills. Questions They Discuss: When you think of the word 'leader' what do you think of? How would you say people develop in their leadership abilities? When we think of leadership, biblically, who sticks out to you? Who have been some people who have shaped you in your leadership? As a leader, how do you have hard conversations with people? How did you set up to become a leader? What were some defining moments in your development? How can someone grow in their leadership? What are some resources to use to grow in leadership? (links below) LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Spiritual Leadership - J. Oswald Sanders Leadershift - John Maxwell Manhood Restored - Eric Mason Making Disciples Podcast RFTH Leadership Podcast SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode, Ryan and Seth talk about all the things they’ve accomplished (or haven’t accomplished) during this COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine periods. The normal we knew is gone, and this new sense of normalcy is setting in, but maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe the normal we knew wasn’t so good after all. The guys take a look at Exodus 33 and talk about what God has been teaching them, or showing them, and how we can use this period of time to advance the Gospel better than we were before. Questions They Discuss: What were your COVID projects? What is something God has taught you through COVID? Do you want God? Do I want to get back to normal or do I want to see God do something? Do we meet with God? Do we need God? How do we keep that sense of ‘I have to be desperate for God’s presence’ even when things are starting to go back to a sense of normalcy? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode, Miriam Ramirez comes back to chat with Ryan and Seth about immigration. We learned a little bit about Miriam and her law firm in the first episode of season 2, but the guys talk with her more in-depth about what she does and how she does it. Sometimes we can hear the word ‘immigration’ and immediately get intimidated. However, Miriam talks about the process of immigration and shows that it’s not all that scary. They’re people just looking for a better opportunity through a system that’s a little complicated. Ryan and Seth answer a few of the questions on the citizenship test to see if they would even be able to pass it themselves. You’ll have to listen to the end to find out though if they pass or not. Questions They Discuss: What comes to mind when you hear the word immigration? Why is immigration an issue to some on different levels? What are some of the things that are difficult in your job that people just don’t understand? How are people, who immigrate here, misconstrued? What trip in college help shaped your perspective on immigration? What kind of opportunities have you’ve had since you are a citizen, compared to those in your family that are not citizens here? How could someone jump in on this and get those perspectives? Why is someone getting their citizenship so exciting? What does a citizenship test look like and what is the process like? How many questions are there and how many do you have to get correct? What are some ways that we can pray for you as you go about your job? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth and Ryan talk to Mitchell Emrich! Mitchell graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2020 and is currently an intern doing student ministry. The guys talk about Emrich’s journey to being called into ministry, and how that’s shaped his life. God speaks to everyone differently so the calling on your life will be different compared to someone else’s. The guys try to help you discern his voice, and how you can faithfully obey His calling for you. Questions They Discuss: When did you start sensing that God was calling you into ministry? How do you feel a call to ministry? What are some of those events/people/things that helped shaped you into who you are? Who are those wise individuals that you called and talked to? What are some ways to explore your calling? What are some pitfalls in ministry that you’ve encountered? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

WELCOME BACK TO SEASON 2! In the very first episode of season 2, Ryan and Seth talk to one of Ryan’s good friends from college - Miriam Ramirez! In this episode, you’ll hear her heart for the Lord, and also her passion for helping those in difficult situations. Miriam has had her own law firm, Ramirez Law Firm in Hot Springs, for four years now. She has a passion for family and immigration law but a huge heart for Jesus as well. Her goals are always to make sure her clients are taken care of and win their case and to make sure they see the love and grace of Jesus through her. Questions They Discuss: Does it usually take a year to get your license? What was it like growing up as a pastors kid? When did you come to faith yourself? Where did the dream to go to law school come from? What made you passionate about the law? How did you process what people would say about ‘you can’t be a Christian and a lawyer’? How do you live out the Good News of Jesus in your profession day in and day out? How would you view your work as a calling - something the Lord has told you to do? What’s it like finding a community/church in a new town as a young adult? What would be your advice to yourself 10-years ago, or a college student today? What’s your favorite place in Hot Springs? Is there a story, or scripture, that has helped drive you in life? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In the final episode of season one, Ryan and Seth talk to Keith Youngs. A 2019 graduate from the University of Central Arkansas, Keith is a young professional navigating the world of life after college. In the life of a college senior, especially during COVID-19, the future might seem a little unclear. There is hope, even in hard times, as long as we continue to lean on God for guidance and peace. In this episode, you’ll hear the guys talk about Youngs' college experience and his spiritual life. You’ll also learn some practical tips on finding your passion in your career, building your resume, and how to properly use it as well as how to nail that interview. Season one is coming to a close, but be on the lookout for information regarding the release date of Season two! We have a lot of cool shows planned. Be sure to check out any episodes from this season that you missed so you’re all caught up. Stay tuned! Questions They Discuss: How was your college experience? How does one get passionate about supply chain management? How important is passion in pursuing your career? At what point do you start thinking about your resume? How do you build it? How many resumes did you send out? How did it go getting that interview moment? What are some pro-tips in landing a good interview? How should you dress? Why did you accept a job with Hershey? What are some pro-tips for transitioning to a new community in your young adult years? What are some of those opportunities to say ‘yes’ too? How do you live out your faith being the newbie in a company/organization? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In the final episode of season one, Ryan and Seth talk to Keith Youngs. A 2019 graduate from the University of Central Arkansas, Keith is a young professional navigating the world of life after college. In the life of a college senior, especially during COVID-19, the future might seem a little unclear. There is hope, even in hard times, as long as we continue to lean on God for guidance and peace.In this episode, you’ll hear the guys talk about Youngs' college experience and his spiritual life. You’ll also learn some practical tips on finding your passion in your career, building your resume, and how to properly use it as well as how to nail that interview. Season one is coming to a close, but be on the lookout for information regarding the release date of Season two! We have a lot of cool shows planned. Be sure to check out any episodes from this season that you missed so you’re all caught up. Stay tuned!  Questions They Discuss:How was your college experience?How does one get passionate about supply chain management? How important is passion in pursuing your career?At what point do you start thinking about your resume? How do you build it?How many resumes did you send out? How did it go getting that interview moment?What are some pro-tips in landing a good interview? How should you dress?Why did you accept a job with Hershey? What are some pro-tips for transitioning to a new community in your young adult years?What are some of those opportunities to say ‘yes’ too?How do you live out your faith being the newbie in a company/organization?  LINKS:https://www.leaddefend.org/Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a ton of different people in different ways. One of those being seniors across the board, whether it was high school students or college students. Being a senior in 2020 did not play out as you thought it would a year ago. In this episode, Ryan and Seth sat down with a local high school senior to talk about their unusual senior year. James McCormick is from Harmony Grove high school and a fellow senior in the class of 2020. Like many, he’s had a lot of things canceled including his final high school baseball season. However, he talks to the guys about how this pandemic has not only affected him but encouraged him in ways he never thought it would. Questions They Discuss: What are some things you, or your peers, have really missed out on? What’s it like preparing for that next chapter of your life, when you really didn’t get closure on the previous one? What was the day like when you found out school was going to be postponed? Canceled? In this season, what has been the most encouraging thing for you? What does sharing your spiritual life/daily walk look like? What advice would you give other high school seniors who are going through this season too? What are some things you’re looking forward to in the next season of life? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a ton of different people in different ways. One of those being seniors across the board, whether it was high school students or college students. Being a senior in 2020 did not play out as you thought it would a year ago. In this episode, Ryan and Seth sat down with a local high school senior to talk about their unusual senior year.  James McCormick is from Harmony Grove high school and a fellow senior in the class of 2020. Like many, he’s had a lot of things canceled including his final high school baseball season. However, he talks to the guys about how this pandemic has not only affected him but encouraged him in ways he never thought it would.  Questions They Discuss:What are some things you, or your peers, have really missed out on?What’s it like preparing for that next chapter of your life, when you really didn’t get closure on the previous one?What was the day like when you found out school was going to be postponed? Canceled? In this season, what has been the most encouraging thing for you?What does sharing your spiritual life/daily walk look like? What advice would you give other high school seniors who are going through this season too? What are some things you’re looking forward to in the next season of life? LINKS:https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/ 

In the last, but certainly not least, episode of our Lead > Defend LIVE series, the guys sat down with Andy Jennings. Andy is the Young Adult Pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas. Apologetics. Its part of what Lead > Defend is all about, but why is it so important? How can we build it up? Seth, Ryan, and Andy talk about all that and discuss some fundamental truths that are useful in building upon your faith. Questions They Discussed: Are young adults actively involved in the church still? How would you define ‘Apologetics’? Are these questions of apologetics something people are asking? Why do you think it’s possible for someone, who’s grown up in church, etc. to still not know what they really believe? If someone doesn’t have a firm foundation but wants one, where can they start? What are the fundamental elements that we need? If you had one word of encouragement that you could give to young adults, what would it be? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In the last, but certainly not least, episode of our Lead > Defend LIVE series, the guys sat down with Andy Jennings. Andy is the Young Adult Pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas.Apologetics. Its part of what Lead > Defend is all about, but why is it so important? How can we build it up? Seth, Ryan, and Andy talk about all that and discuss some fundamental truths that are useful in building upon your faith.  Questions They Discussed:Are young adults actively involved in the church still?How would you define ‘Apologetics’? Are these questions of apologetics something people are asking? Why do you think it’s possible for someone, who’s grown up in church, etc. to still not know what they really believe?If someone doesn’t have a firm foundation but wants one, where can they start?What are the fundamental elements that we need? If you had one word of encouragement that you could give to young adults, what would it be?  LINKS:https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

Abdu Murray joins the guys this week as our LIVE episodes continue from the Lead > Defend Conference in February. Murray, born in Detroit and raised a devout Muslim, came to know Christ in 2000 after a 9-year search. He is now the Senior Vice President for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and speaks and writes on their behalf. We live in a world of confusion and contradictions. However, the Gospel provides all the answers we truly need. Murray and the guys talk about this confusion, and how young adults can use the Gospel to defend their faith and beat the confusion this world tries to bring into their life. Questions They Discussed: What are your books about? How can confusion be detrimental? How does the Gospel interact with a confused culture? Does it bring clarity, or allow us to sit in our confusion? Is it wise to put boundaries around our confusion? What is the hope we can have in this? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Saving Truth Book Grand Central Question Book https://www.rzim.org/speakers/abdu-murray SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

Abdu Murray joins the guys this week as our LIVE episodes continue from the Lead > Defend Conference in February. Murray, born in Detroit and raised a devout Muslim, came to know Christ in 2000 after a 9-year search. He is now the Senior Vice President for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and speaks and writes on their behalf. We live in a world of confusion and contradictions. However, the Gospel provides all the answers we truly need. Murray and the guys talk about this confusion, and how young adults can use the Gospel to defend their faith and beat the confusion this world tries to bring into their life.  Questions They Discussed: What are your books about? How can confusion be detrimental? How does the Gospel interact with a confused culture? Does it bring clarity, or allow us to sit in our confusion? Is it wise to put boundaries around our confusion? What is the hope we can have in this?  LINKS:https://www.leaddefend.org/Saving Truth BookGrand Central Question Bookhttps://www.rzim.org/speakers/abdu-murray SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In the third episode of our LIVE series that we recorded at the Lead > Defend 2020 Conference in February. Ryan and Seth talk to Mary Jo Sharp, assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University. She’s also the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics. Mary Jo discusses her journey to faith, after growing up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist. She talks about the importance of apologetics and discerning the truth for yourself. A lot of us grow up in church, around important people that share their faith journey with us. It’s important, however, for college students and young adults to grow into their faith as their own so they can effectively discern the truth from the lies that the world tends to throw at them. Questions They Discussed: We’ve heard a lot of deconversion stories lately, tell us why that’s not your story? How did you find a resolution to that tension you had for the church? What do you think inspires certain people to walk away from the faith? What is the danger of having it both ways? What are some resources for young adults and students to find and seek out the truth for themselves? (links below) If you had one word to give, of encouragement, to college students and young adults, what would it be at this phase in their life? Do you have more hope for the generation to come, in light of those things? What is your word to the church today? LINKS: https://www.leaddefend.org/ Why I Still Believe Book https://www.str.org/ https://maryjosharp.com/ https://www.bethinking.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In the third episode of our LIVE series that we recorded at the Lead > Defend 2020 Conference in February. Ryan and Seth talk to Mary Jo Sharp, assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University. She’s also the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics. Mary Jo discusses her journey to faith, after growing up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist. She talks about the importance of apologetics and discerning the truth for yourself. A lot of us grow up in church, around important people that share their faith journey with us. It’s important, however, for college students and young adults to grow into their faith as their own so they can effectively discern the truth from the lies that the world tends to throw at them.  Questions They Discussed: We’ve heard a lot of deconversion stories lately, tell us why that’s not your story? How did you find a resolution to that tension you had for the church? What do you think inspires certain people to walk away from the faith?What is the danger of having it both ways?What are some resources for young adults and students to find and seek out the truth for themselves? (links below) If you had one word to give, of encouragement, to college students and young adults, what would it be at this phase in their life?Do you have more hope for the generation to come, in light of those things?What is your word to the church today? LINKS:https://www.leaddefend.org/Why I Still Believe Bookhttps://www.str.org/https://maryjosharp.com/https://www.bethinking.org/ SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/

In this episode, we continue with live recordings from the Lead > Defend 2020 Conference. The guys talk to Bill Newton, Generations Pastor at First Baptist Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Newton has been with the conference since the very beginning. The abortion debate has been a topic of discussion for many years now. With recent laws being challenged or even changed, it’s more important than ever that we as Christians discern what’s right and wrong about the topic in order to have an informed opinion and be able to point people toward the Gospel. Newton, an apologist, goes into depth with Seth and Ryan about how to properly argue against abortion with grace and biblical facts. Questions They Discussed: Where does the conversation on abortion start? Where does Bill land on this topic? What are some logical thoughts to consider in this argument? How would you speak into a moment of crisis like this, if someone was having to choose between life or abortion? Wahre some other arguments you can use against abortion? How can students be advocates for life? Is there ever a time in which getting an abortion is okay? LINKS: Tactics Book Case for Life Book https://www.leaddefend.org/ SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/ https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/