Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

Kellye Stelling, Shelby County Location Leader for Isaiah 117 House talks about the unique service they provide during a traumatic time in a child's life. When a child is removed from home, one of the most traumatic moments isn't just the removal itself—it's the hours that follow as caseworkers search for an appropriate placement. That's where Isaiah 117 House comes in. Their mission is simple but powerful: to reduce trauma for children awaiting foster placement, support foster families, and assist child welfare workers during one of the most difficult days in a child's life.

We continue our series from the West Tennessee and Mississippi Conference for the Global Methodist Church recently held at Christ Church Memphis. On this episode we welcome Paul Lawler the Senior Pastor at Christ Church Memphis. A recognized voice in the Methodist movement, Paul has been instrumental in guiding Christ Methodist Church through its transition to the Global Methodist Church. His vision includes reigniting a passion for evangelism and revitalizing the church's role in reaching the lost. Prior to coming to Memphis, Paul served for fifteen years as the Senior Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham.

Pastor Matt Shackelford, Lead Pastor of Central Church, talks about the defining "moment of truth" that set him on a lifelong journey with Jesus. Matt shares his personal testimony, the lessons that have shaped his ministry, and the importance of keeping faith at the center of both his personal and professional life. The conversation also explores the role his wife Ashley and their children's tribal citizenship play in their family's story, how he navigates the demands of ministry while prioritizing family, and his approach to addressing difficult and sometimes controversial topics from the pulpit. Matt also discusses the vision and mission behind his radio program, Moment of Truth, offering insight into why clear biblical teaching and meaningful conversations are so important today.

Highlights from the West TN and Mississippi Conference for the Global Methodist Church recently held at Christ Church Memphis where Paul Lawler is the Senior Pastor. We conducted several interviews for a series of radio shows for you to discover more about this historical movement. Our guests include Lay Leaders Linda Ishee, Don Bourlin, Dave Burton, and David Newton, Presiding Elder for the MS Gulf Coast.

On this episode of Sponsor Spotlight, we feature Mike and Grant Volner of Volner Financial Group, discussing the importance of financial planning and helping individuals and businesses prepare for the future. We also welcomed Carey Moore and Cheryl Henderson for My Cup of Tea, where they shared conversation centered around community, connection, and encouragement. Plus, Luke Brimhall joined us from Brim's Snack Foods to talk about the family-owned snack company and its long-standing tradition of producing favorite snacks enjoyed across the country.

William Carey sparked the modern missionary movement when he set sail for the shores of India in 1793. Today's India is very different from Carey's time. India's diverse cultures, languages, and people groups (122 major languages and 1,599 functional languages!). With a population of 1.2 billion, India is the world's largest democracy. Ed Raju from Serve India Ministries describes his life growing up in India and the challenges he faces today serving and supporting local pastors and presenting Christ in such diverse and resistant cultures.

What does it look like to bring hope, healing, and the Gospel to Indigenous communities across America? On today's Mid-South View Point #radioshow we sit down with Clint Greene, founder of Native American Indigenousness Ministry, for a powerful conversation about faith, identity, and answering God's call. As a Native American believer, Clint shares the deeply personal journey that led him to launch this ministry and his passion for encouraging pastors and reaching Indigenous peoples with the love of Christ. From overcoming obstacles to building trust within communities, Clint opens up about the unique challenges and victories he's experienced along the way. Clint discusses: • The mission and vision behind Native American Indigenousness Ministry • The life experiences that prepared him for this calling • The spiritual and cultural challenges of reaching Indigenous communities • Why encouragement and discipleship among Indigenous pastors matters now more than ever

One of the leading voices in the pro-life movement, Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America discusses the latest on the abortion pill showdown. We'll discuss the growing legal battle over the abortion pill mifepristone, the Supreme Court's latest actions involving the Fifth Circuit ruling and Louisiana case, and why pro-life advocates are fighting against telehealth prescriptions and mail-order abortion drugs. Students for Life of America is the largest pro-life youth organization in the world with more than 1,600 campus groups nationwide. Kristan has spent nearly two decades training the next generation of pro-life leaders and was on the steps of the Supreme Court when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.

Al Nucciarone is the senior pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Israel. He is also the Middle East representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Pastor Al, reflects on his first visit to Israel in 1978, how he's seen, Romans 8:28, God working all things for good in his life, leading a church where believers come from many nations and cultures, after tragic events like the murderous bus attacks in Ramot how he shepherds people through grief, as well as his call to preach Christ to both Jews and Arabs. This show originally aired on September 11, 2025.

We're wrapping up our 4th in the series from The Woman's Exchange of Memphis with the Executive Director, Dena Nance. Since 1885, The Woman's Exchange of Memphis has been creating opportunities—helping artisans, makers, and women in the community earn income, develop skills, and build independence through their work. It's also the best kept secret in town for some real southern cooking! The Master Cook's from the kitchen open our show with a gospel tune, don't miss it!

Brian McLaughlin CEO of YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South explains the crucial need they are meeting with their summer meal program for kids. Did you know that 1 in 5 Tennessee children (19.8%) are food insecure, 62% of families struggle to provide enough nutritious food in summer when school meals stop, and summer is the hungriest time of year for many kids. Addressing child hunger in West Tennessee is one of YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South top priorities.

On this episode of Mid-South View Point features highlights from the National Day of Prayer gathering in Lakeland, TN. Local leaders, pastors, and residents gathered at the International Harvester Clubhouse for a powerful time of prayer for our city, state, and nation. Today's show offers select moments from this meaningful community gathering. Due to time constraints, we're unable to air the full event coverage.

We're back at the Woman's Exchange of Memphis, where women and artisans have been building independence since 1885. Loraine Tomeh with the Career Support Network at Christ Church Memphis joins us to talk about their support for job seekers. In today's fast-changing job market, finding the right opportunity can feel overwhelming—whether you're starting over, stepping into something new, or trying to rediscover your professional direction. The Career Support Network's experienced professionals come alongside job seekers to offer something many people don't realize they need—guidance, mentorship, and real-world insight.

Discover how Memphis nonprofits are creating real change in local communities. This episode of Mid-South View Point takes you inside The Woman's Exchange of Memphis, where women and artisans have been building independence since 1885. We're joined by Soup Campbell and Willie Baldwin of Eikon Ministries, an organization that has spent nearly 30 years investing in people and developing leaders from within neighborhoods like Binghampton. Learn how grassroots leadership, economic opportunity, and community-driven solutions are transforming Memphis from the inside out. Whether you're interested in nonprofit work, community leadership, or inspiring local stories, this episode highlights what sustainable impact really looks like.

What is life really like traveling full-time for the Gospel? On today's Mid-South View Point, we sit down with Dwight Smith of Victory Gospel Crusade to talk about revival, evangelism, and living on the road in a 5th wheel. Dwight and his family travel across the United States and internationally, preaching in churches, youth camps, and powerful tent crusades. Their mission is simple: spread the Gospel and spark revival wherever God leads. In this episode, we discuss: • What it's like to live and travel in a 5th wheel for ministry • The heart behind revival and evangelism today • Stories from the road and recent tent crusades • Their visit to East Side Baptist Church with Pastor Finley Cutshaw • How families can answer the call to ministry together If you're interested in revival, Christian ministry, evangelism, or faith on the move, this episode is for you.

This is the first of a series of Mid-South View Point shows from The Woman's Exchange of Memphis, creating opportunities since 1885—helping artisans, makers, and women in the community earn income, develop skills, and build independence through their work. The first in our series welcomes Mia Pete from Douglass Cornerstone is our guest. Mia is a Douglass resident having fond memories growing up. As an adult she felt burdened how things had changed due to crime and gang activity. After a discipleship course through Downline, Mia prayed and sensed the Lord leading her to be a difference maker for Douglass residents. Today, Douglass Cornerstone foster's stability and hope through education, wellness, and gospel-centered outreach.

Carl Carmody CEO of Challenge Good News Paper based in Perth, Western Australia is our guest. The vision of Challenge is to clearly communicate Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation for mankind to all people. The paper is impacting people around the world Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South African Military, Africa Prison, Afrikaans, Australia, Africa, USA Main, USA Prisons, Philippines, Portuguese Military, French, and Spanish.

Beth Turner and Greg Chapman provide details about the 200th Emmaus Walk in Memphis celebration and worship service April 25th. You may have heard people talk about the Emmaus Walk but what is it, really? Beth and Greg share the history of the Memphis chapter, one of the oldest, and how the Emmaus Walk has been the turning point for many in their journey of faith through Jesus Christ.

Dr. Calvin Beisner, Ph.D., President Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation provides details on their Spring Conference, entitled, “Heaven & Earth, The Struggle for Faith & Science in the Public Square”, May 1-2, featuring Megan Basham. We'll discuss the idea of “creation stewardship” and what is the responsibility for Christians, ways scientific findings can be misinterpreted or misused in public policy debates, how to better engage modern cultural and scientific debates, and what role pastors' and church leaders play in helping their congregations think critically about the ideas shaping today's cultural conversations.

Dr. Dan Henley, Executive Director of Church Developers Network and Paul Berkes, Executive Director of A Hope and a Future Ministry explain details on Faith Family Reunion, April 24–26. This special weekend is designed exclusively for families with an old fashion fish fry and fellowship, a major picnic highlight at the Agri-Center, the first Rickey D. Floyd Memorial Golf Tournament, and a closing worship service together. The Church Developers Network exist to connect churches to resources and connect resources to people. Since 2012, A Hope and A Future, Inc., a team of 8 dedicated professionals, has been the beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling to fit into their community. They specialize in providing emotional healing and life skills training in a supportive environment. Founder, Paul Berkes is a seasoned trauma therapist that saw a gap in services for the neurodivergent dealing with complex trauma and filled it with compassion and expertise.

Pastor Nick Brown of Collierville Bible Church joins Byron Tyler for a Easter Special, HE IS RISEN! How does Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfill Old Testament prophecy? What is the theological importance of the Last Supper in establishing the New Covenant? What can we learn from Judas Iscariot's betrayal about proximity to truth without transformation? What does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane reveal about His humanity and submission to the Father's will? Why is the phrase “It is finished” central to the doctrine of salvation? We'll discuss these questions and others surrounding the week starting with Palm Sunday to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Shun Abram of Binghampton Community Church and Director of The Memphis Ministry Center tells how the ministry center team focuses their efforts on being a refuge for hurting hearts. The center is committed to developing local partnerships, hosting after-school programs for vulnerable children and supporting immigrants entering the workforce. As an outreach of Send Relief, they partner with churches like yours and believers like you to respond to find long-term solutions that reflect Christ's love and advance the gospel.

Pastor Danny Ford, his wife Kori, along with their three kids, made the move from Delaware to plant a brand-new church right in the heart of one of the most unique communities in the country, Destime Florida. Roughly 65–75% of people in the Destin area are unchurched or not actively attending church. Pastor Danny talks about the uniqueness of ministering in a transient tourist-heavy area beach town and moments where clearly “Only God could have done that”.

We're bringing you an interview that originally aired in September of 2008. On March 20th 2026, Pastor Steve Gaines transitioned from this life into the eternal presence of Jesus Christ in Heaven. Pastor Steve and Donna Gaines joined me in the studio on that September date, after their first 2.5 years of serving at Bellevue Baptist Church. Brother Steve, as he liked to be called, had been presented to the Bellevue Church family as the next Senior Pastor, succeeding Dr. Adrian Rogers, on July 10, 2005, having served as pastor for nineteen years. Steve & Donna share the story of coming to Bellevue, Steve's original call into the ministry, how Donna & Steve's relationship started in college, rich history of Bellevue's ministry and previous pastors, Steve's auto-immune disease, trusting God through the hardships that we all face, and how Steve and Donna liked to spend personal time together. Let's continue to pray for Donna and the Gaines family, for Christ comfort and peace, as we listen to today's show and as the week's follow.

Steve Coplon recently returned from Chicago with a group of men for a Gospel excursion doing street evangelism during St. Patrick's Day activities. We talk about that outreach along with a similar focus in Memphis, the need for corporate prayer, and share the results from a recent survey about Evangelicals support for Israel.

Steve Wiggins founder of Groundworks Ministries shares a new initiative that's helping people start Bible study communities across the country. Groundworks is a ministry devoted to helping people read and understand the Bible through daily, chapter-by-chapter devotionals. Steve is passionate about addressing biblical illiteracy and encouraging believers to grow in God's Word.

Broken or absent father-daughter relationships can shape a woman's identity for years. Award-winning filmmaker Rick Altizer shares the heart behind his new documentary, He Calls Me Daughter—a powerful story of healing, restoration, and discovering the love of a faithful Heavenly Father. Many experts say fatherlessness is one of the most significant social challenges in America today. Rick share's common themes among the women he interviewed and how a strained father-daughter relationship influence a woman's self-worth. Rick Altizer is known for creating uplifting, faith-centered media shares his latest project is no exception.

Pastor Larry Turner with Standing Stone Ministries shares their work to pastors and ministry leaders to provide encouragement, mentoring, and confidential care. He discusses common struggles you're seeing among ministry leaders, warning signs that a pastor may be running on empty, a healthier pastor impact the overall health of a church and advise for a pastor that's feeling weary. Pastor Larry draws from nearly three decades of pastoral experience and is passionate about strengthening those in ministry—helping them navigate challenges, stay spiritually healthy, and remain faithful to their calling.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries which utilizes Satellite TV to reach the millions of lost and broken people of Iran and the rest of the Middle East. Raised in a devout Muslim family in Iran, Dr. Shariat's life changed dramatically in 1980 after a profound study of the Bible and the Quran led him to become a follower of Jesus. Dr. Shariat brings a unique and powerful perspective on faith, freedom, and events unfolding in Iran today.

Steve Hyde founder of Words of Life Ministries in Cambodia together with his wife Noit have developed training materials for church leaders in Cambodia. Under the arm of this ministry, they've started the Imparting Smiles Association which has two children's centers, a university dormitory and a woman's center in different provinces of Cambodia. Steve also discusses the current refugee camp crisis due to border clashes with Thailand, his father's tragic death by Muslim terrorists in a bomb attack while serving as a missionary in the Philippines, and what it's like to see the Gospel reach “least reached” people who've never heard Christ's name.

Ephie Johnson, Linda Walker, and Pastor Mike Jones provide details about the upcoming Marriage Unmasked: Beyond the Vows, a masquerade ball for couples March 7th 7:00 pm at Avon Acres. This event is a product of Neighborhood Christian Centers, LoveBuilders Couples Ministry. a community of couples dedicated to building strong, Christ-centered marriages. Whether guiding first-generation newlyweds, supporting those entering a new season of marriage, or walking alongside couples seeking to grow deeper in faith and love. Neighborhood Christian Centers was formally established in 1978, but the ministry began in 1968 on a grassroots level by JoeAnn Ballard, NCC's founder. Reacting to a need within her community, JoeAnn and her husband Monroe offered a full-time ministry providing housing and care to their community and a foster home to 75 children. The Ballards' vision was to help families to achieve upward mobility by creating pathways to higher education and to begin to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Josh Enck, President and Chief Creative Officer of Sight & Sound Theatres join us at the 2026 NRB Convention in Nashville, TN to share details about their newest film project, “A Great Awakening.” Discover about the friendship between George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, misconceptions about Whitefield or Franklin corrected through this film, building the sets to authentically recreate 18th-century America, and why now is the right time to tell a story about the Great Awakening. For fifty years, Sight & Sound Theatres is one of the nation's premier faith-based entertainment organizations. Known for its epic Biblical stage productions performed in 2,000-seat theaters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Branson, Missouri, inspiring millions through immersive storytelling.

Pastor Travis Johnson is the Lead Pastor of Pathway Church in Mobile, AL — a growing, Gospel-centered community impacting lives across the Gulf Coast. He's also the Executive Director of People for Care & Learning and founder of BUY A TREE. CHANGE A LIFE., nonprofit ministries focused on inspiring hope and empowering potential both locally and globally. Travis is the author of Un]Embarrassed of Jesus, a bold call to embrace and share faith with courage and authenticity. He is known for his outspoken faith, community engagement, and growing presence in national conversations around religion, culture, and public life.

Joshua Rushing, Family Pastor at Edgefield First Baptist Church, Edgefield SC, discusses discipleship based on the passage Deuteronomy 6: 4–9 that emphasizes teaching God's commands diligently to children. Pastor Josh believes this instruction is still foundational for Christian families today making discipleship a matter of the home. He and his wife Bethany have three children, so they take the responsibility of teaching God's commands to their children a top priority woven into everyday life. He shares some common misconceptions families have about discipling their children spiritually, cultural challenges that make living out Deuteronomy 6 more difficult, and how competing priorities affect a family's ability to intentionally pass on their faith.

Randy Hutchinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South walk us through recent scam alerts, common warning signs, how are local scammers using new technologies, scammers pretending to be government agencies, and the role BBB plays in reporting and stopping scams in our community. The BBB serves consumers and businesses across West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas by promoting marketplace trust and educating the public about scams and fraud.

Why does Valentine's Day stress so many people out? It should be more than another “Hallmark holiday” with your spouse. Gary Schneeberger, Assistant to the President for Media Relations at Focus on the Family, explains ways to do just that. Gary says, “expectations are often the real culprit” and shares ways to mix it up by creating memories that are simple, unexpected; Valentine's ideas that really resonate with your spouse.

Pastor Sam Greer of Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN is our guest. We caught up with Pastor Sam at the 2025 Tennessee Baptist Convention Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Pastors and ministries from across the state gather each year focusing on unity, collaboration, and worship to advance shared ministry goals. In addition to pastoring Red Bank Baptist, Pastor Sam created a ministry called, Gospel Conversations with Sam Greer. As a professional minister Sam felt convicted that he wasn't engaging people more about Jesus in everyday life. This came into focus after a usual encounter while jogging down a Mississippi highway on a hot summer day. He has served as senior pastor since 2012 at Red Bank Baptist and has authored of "The Gospel Conversation,” "The Gospel Conversationalist," “The Gospel Conversational Church,” and “Gospel Conversational Marriage.”

Bishop Chester Evans President/Bishop and founder of Ambassadors for Christ Ministries International is our guest. Bishop Evans shares his journey from growing up in Memphis, Dr. King's Marches for racial equality, joining the army, working at a Buffalo, NY Steel Mill, breaking his back, prescription drug addiction, to finding deliverance through Jesus Christ. This new life in Christ has projected Bishop Evans into a ministry of reconciliation not only in Memphis but starting churched in Brazil as well.

Tom Boehne is a Transitional Interim Pastor at Grassland Heights Baptist Church in Franklin, TN through the TN Baptist Mission Board. As a TIP pastor, Tom helps prepare a congregation for a healthy, positive call for the next settled pastor, ensuring stability and focused ministry rather than stagnation. He also shares the challenges connected to the health of his wife, Eileen.

Dr. Mitchel Godat provides details on this year's 10th Annual Mid-South Mission of Mercy, Friday and Saturday, February 20th – 21st at Bellevue Baptist Church for a free dental clinic to a free, two-day dental clinic for under-served and under-insured people living in Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South area. This event was originally scheduled for this weekend (JAN 23-24), but due to the threat of a Winter Storm the decision was made to postpone until next month. Dr. Godat also answers questions about oral health including gum disease, implants, toothbrush varieties, and other oral health related topics.

Brian Carmichael is the Senior Pastor at Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Black Church Specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Pastor Brian and I ran met up at the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) Summit 2025 held November 9-11, 2025 at West Jackson Baptist Church. Pastor Brian's role includes helping strengthen pastors across the state, multiplying gospel leaders, mental health counseling, and support for compassion ministry start-ups.

Ariyana Rimson shares her new book, “Be Anchored: An 11-Week Journey to an Anchored Mindset”. Ariyana has served in a variety of ministry settings—from discipleship and Bible teaching and currently serves on staff at Fellowship Memphis, where she helps lead care ministry. Previously Ariyana was director of the Moriah House and served with both Downline Ministries and Kids Across America. Her heart is to point people back to Christ as the true Anchor for the soul.

Rob Millman discusses his book, Follow the Call: For Those Aspiring to Christian Ministry and Pastors Mentoring Emerging Leaders. In Follow the Call, Rob Millman and Tim LaFleur offer a valuable guide for individuals aspiring to serve God in ministry and for pastors supporting those exploring their call. The authors emphasize the significance of discernment rooted in a biblical framework, presenting practical steps to help bring clarity to those grappling with the call to ministry. Their mission is to equip pastors to mentor, disciple, and journey alongside individuals of all ages, fostering a new generation of disciple-makers committed to expanding the kingdom of God.

IMB Missionary to West Africa, Hal Falls is our guest. Originally, Hal was reluctant to follow his wife's interest in missions to West Africa. As a bi-vocational pastor in Tennessee, Hal had no desire to go but soon realized in the sermons he preached telling his congregation to go where God calls and share the gospel he was being hypocritical. At 55 years of age, he said yes to going and for the past 13 years has discovered new and exciting ways God can use he and his wife among a people and culture needing Jesus.

A conversation about our true identity as believers in Christ and how to walk and abide in that identity in the New Year to come. Joining us is Chris Hodges from Abiding Above Ministries and Dr. Ashley Ray, senior pastor of Old Friendship Baptist Church, Finger, TN.

John 1:5 says, "the light shines in the darkness”. As a former addict and inmate, Danny discovered a fountain of forgiveness and grace in Jesus Christ. In a dark time in Johanna's life, she too discovered the light of Jesus in the sudden death of her child. Together, the Cosby's share the power of the Gospel working through Danny's music ministry, ministry inside prisons, and transforming lives in Uganda where they've recently returned.

We visit with members of the cast and crew of “Computer Christmas”, a youth musical drama at Fullview Missionary Baptist Church. This original stage drama and songs were written by a dear friend, Oretha Arnold, and is set for this Sunday December 21st at 1:00 pm. Join us with Sonia Watson, Arts & Drama Director, Mandrill Mc Laughlin, Media and Technical Director, and youth cast member, Gabrielle Lewis and hear their intention to celebrate Christ with you this Christmas!

Meet Dr. Dustin and Amy Sims with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville Kentucky. Both, Dustin and Amy met at Clear Creek, graduated, and got married in the campus gazebo by one of their professors. They learned a lot about ministry and preparing for ministry while attending Clear Creek, but nothing could have prepared them for one particular encounter at a church they served. Hear that story and how this college has provided educational preparation for people called of God into Christian service, since 1926.

Dr. Beth Madison a Bonafide Soil Specialist and Professor at Union University. Dr. Madison is an engaging teacher, speaker, and writer. She offers a practical approach to connection with our Lord through the scientific discipline of studying soil. Dr. Madison dives deep into the Christian faith while giving us a new perspective on the majesty of God's creation.

Greg McCoy the President/Treasurer of Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is one of the interviews we did while attending the TN Baptist Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Greg will discuss the incredible history of the children's homes, vital role of Christian foster parents, and houseparents' serving children in family-style homes across the state on three campuses.

It's our final stop in Branson for the Ozark Mountain Christmas Series with Show #5. Make plans to join us and guests, Michele Delcoure with details about the Christmas celebration at both Dolly Parton's Stampede and Titanic Museum Attraction. Also, Clay and Tina Cooper stop by from Clay Cooper's Country Express with their Christmas show line-up. They'll also share what the busy holidays are like being a family of entertainers while remembering the real reason we celebrate. This is the fifth and final show in this year's Ozark Mountain Christmas series.