The Pillar Network

In this special episode of the Pillar Women Podcast, Betsy Gómez brings us a collection of gospel-centered encouragements recorded at the SBC Annual Meeting. One of the sweetest gifts of gathering with faithful brothers and sisters in Christ is the reminder that we are not alone in the work God has given us to do. Whether we are serving in our homes, local churches, or communities, we all need fresh encouragement to persevere with our eyes fixed on Christ. As Betsy walked through the convention, she stopped several friends and asked them one simple question: What word of encouragement would you give to a Pillar woman who is serving faithfully in her home and local church? So, whether you're a pastor's wife, a ministry wife, or a faithful church member, whether you're loving your family, discipling others, or going through a tough season in ministry or life, this episode is for you, wherever you are today. This episode is a collection of short words of encouragement for the woman who needs to be reminded of God's faithfulness, Christ's sufficiency, and the joy of persevering in the work He has placed before her.   Wisdom Nuggets from the Episode: “God has called you to be a faithful church member–no more and no less. Remember your role, and rely on the Lord.” –Jeanine Sanchez “Don't look at your circumstances, because that can easily steal your joy. Keep your heart and mind set on Jesus.” –Kay Millioni “It is in those hard times that the Lord often uses us the most. It is when we are weak that He is strong.” –Karla Simpson “We have a loving Father who welcomes us. He is not ashamed of us; He remembers that we are dust.” –Nira Abella “You may not be known far and wide, but you are known by the Lord. He sees you, loves you, and cares for you.” –Nate Akin “Peace is not dependent on the circumstances around us, but on the God who is in control over them.” –Eunice Comesañas “Find other pastors' wives who are theologically sound, who can walk hand in hand with you, pray for you, and help you when times are tough.” –Melissa Small “Don't waste the early moments of your day scrolling. Dig into God. Seek Him. Pray to Him. Lament. He hears you, knows you, and sees you.” –Emily Whitfield “Do not fix your eyes on yourself, on another person, or on your circumstances. Fix your eyes on Jesus. He will not fail.” –Moisés Gómez “When I could not find joy, the women in my church helped me see so much glory in what I was experiencing.” –Stephanie Kerns “We need to remember that we are first daughters of God. It is okay to rest. It is okay to ask for help.” –Xenia Rodriguez “You have redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. You are forgiven. Rest in the riches of His grace.” –Dave Kiehn “There may be some burdens you have been carrying that you do not need to carry. Maybe there are some things the Holy Spirit should bear.” –Dwayne Millioni “Don't let the busyness of life or the heaviness of life keep you from spending time alone with the Lord.” –Lina Granados “He does not shame us for bringing that heavy load to Him. He is gentle and lowly, and in Him we find rest for our souls.” –Sarah Rogers “Don't let your soul become an inbox of unopened worry. Tell Him what you are facing, what you need, what you know, and how you feel.” –Liam Garvie   Dig Deeper Am I serving from the rest of knowing that Christ sustains His church, or from the pressure of feeling that everything depends on me? What does my discouragement reveal about where I am seeking identity, rest, or approval? Am I bringing my emotions, worries, and burdens to the Lord with honesty, or am I keeping them hidden in silence? How is God using His Word and His people to help me persevere in the faith?

Brandon Langley interviews Will about his work as a missionary in Colombia. They discuss his path to becoming a missionary, some of the challenges for ministry in Colombia, planting and revitalization efforts there, how churches can partner, and more. 

Liam Garvie talks with Brian Parks and Josh Manley about the upcoming Great Commission Congress in Bangkok. They discuss the importance of biblical missions, the role of local churches, and the vision for a renewed, gospel-centered approach to global missions.

Dave Kiehn talks with John Whiteaker about youth ministry in the local church, including some of the challenges for youth ministry, integrating youth into the life of the church, teaching the Bible to youth, and more.

Ed Moore preaches on enduring suffering from 1 Timothy 4:5 at the 2026 NYC Pillar Pastors Conference.

Brandon Langley talks with two missionaries with the IMB in Central Asia. They discuss current gospel work and regional needs in Central Asia, missiological principles guiding the work, how churches can partner in global missions, and more. 

Erik Raymond preaches on being sober minded from 1 Timothy 4:5 at the 2026 NYC Pillar Pastors Conference.

Dave Kiehn leads a panel discussion on the upcoming SBC in Orlando, FL. Panelists Nate Akin, Dave Russell, and Ben Lacey discuss important issues heading up to the SBC, including the presidential election, Al Mohler's proposed Truth and Unity Amendment, and more. This audio is from a network-wide Zoom call from May 28, 2026.

Nate Akin gives a talk on Multiplying Men, Marriages, and Ministry at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

In this episode of the Pillar Women Podcast, Betsy Gómez and Sarah Rogers sit down for a warm and honest conversation about the lessons they wish they had learned earlier as ministry wives. With a lighthearted backstory and plenty of laughter, Betsy and Sarah reflect on the joys, tensions, limitations, and hidden graces of serving alongside their husbands in ministry. Together, they share twelve lessons shaped by years of church life, motherhood, repentance, and dependence on Christ.    Highlights “You will never meet people's standards.” (Gal. 1:10; Prov. 29:25) “Instead of doing more, you need to dwell more in Christ.” (Jn. 15:4-5; Matt. 11:28-30) “The work in the home is also ministry.” (Titus 2:3-5; Deut. 6:6-7) “You are more influential than you think.” (Titus 2:7-8; Matt. 5:14-16) “Embrace the seasonality of life.” (Eccl. 3:1; Jn. 17:4) “Root your identity in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3-14; Col. 3:1-4) “Sinful comparison kills.” (2 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 12:1-2) “You are a church member.” (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Heb. 10:24-25) “Giftedness doesn't override God's order for the church.” (1 Tim. 2:12-15; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 2:3-5) “Embrace who God made you to be.” (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Pet. 4:10-11) “You don't need to have a degree to start discipling women in your local church.” (Titus 2:3-5) “You are not alone.” (Gal. 6:2; Heb. 3:13)   Dig Deeper Where are you most tempted to live for people's expectations rather than resting in Christ's approval? Are you trying to do more for Christ while neglecting to dwell with Christ? How is God using hidden faithfulness in your home, family, or ordinary responsibilities as a ministry? In this season of life, what work has God placed before you? Are you relating to your church primarily through usefulness or through belonging to Christ's body? What other lessons have you learned as a ministry wife?

Eric Bancroft gives a talk on Pastoral Leadership at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Nate Akin, Dave Kiehn, Brandon Langley, and Ben Wright discuss affinity groups within the Southern Baptist Convention. In this episode, they explore the benefits and concerns surrounding affinity groups, their role in fostering cooperation for missions and church planting, and how these networks can help churches engage more meaningfully in SBC life.

Nate Akin hosts a panel discussion on Ministry and Missions in the 21st Century with Greg Gilbert, Ryan Fullerton, Andrew Walker, and Tom Schreiner at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Liam Garvie gives a talk on Holiness of the Shepherd at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Ed Moore shares 12 Lessons on Preaching Application at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

In this episode of the Pillar Network Podcast, Sarah Rogers and Betsy Gómez sit down with Hunter Beless to talk about discipleship, women's ministry, and the irreplaceable role of the local church. Hunter shares how her understanding of the church deepened through years of ministry, especially as she saw the limitations of online influence and the necessity of embodied, relational discipleship. Together, they reflect on the beauty and challenges of church planting, the formative role of motherhood, and how God uses ordinary, unseen faithfulness to shape His people. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that true discipleship happens in the context of real relationships, rooted in God's Word, and lived out both in the home and the local church. They call women to reject a consumeristic mindset and instead embrace a life of humble, Word-centered service for the building up of the body of Christ.    Highlights from the episode: “In a generation of curated platforms, we cannot disciple people at a distance.” “I have become less consumeristic… and more willing to bend low and serve.” “Everything is curated to the algorithm… we end up surrounding ourselves with people who are just like us.”  “The Lord uses this space within the four walls of my home as the training ground for what it looks like to apply the gospel.”  “I have become less consumeristic and more willing to bend low and serve.” “We are embodied souls… we need embodied discipleship.” “The gospel is on display when we have unity across our differences.” “The home is the training ground for applying the gospel.” “If we open God's Word together, we are doing real spiritual good.” “No woman is exempt from teaching what is good.” “Discipleship is teaching and training in godliness in the context of a relationship.”    Dig deeper: How has the “algorithm” or online influence shaped your expectations of church and discipleship? Are you trying to grow spiritually apart from the context of real, embodied relationships in the local church? In what ways might you be approaching church with a consumer mindset instead of a servant's posture? How is God using your home (your current season, responsibilities, and relationships) as a training ground for the gospel? If discipleship is “teaching and training in godliness in the context of relationship,” how does that challenge the way you currently think about spiritual growth?

Dr. Albert Mohler gives a talk on Conviction and Baptist Doctrine at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Alexis Pérez and Victor Rodriguez about the state of preaching in Latin America and the work of Prédica Fiel to train pastors. They discuss how biblical training is transforming churches, challenges in Latin American ministry, and more. Learn more about Prédica Fiel at predicafiel.org. 

In this episode of the Pillar Network Podcast, Sarah Rogers sits down with Betsy Gómez, who recently joined her in serving as a Pillar Women's Ministry Coordinator, to share the story behind her life, ministry, and love for the local church. Betsy shares how the Lord saved her as a teenager but later confronted her with a deeper understanding of the gospel that reshaped her view of womanhood, ministry, and faithfulness in the home. Sarah and Betsy talk about church planting, motherhood across different seasons, the role of women in strengthening the church, and the importance of rooting our lives in Christ rather than in our accomplishments. Throughout the conversation, Betsy reflects on how the gospel reorders our loves, reshapes our priorities, and teaches us to flourish within the good limitations God gives us. View the full show notes here.

Dave Kiehn talks with Drew Taylor about anxiety and pastoral ministry, including Drew's personal experience with anxiety, shepherding those struggling with anxiety, the role of physical health, and more.

Nate Akin, Liam Garvie, and Ryan Robertson talk about missions strategies and Global Cities. In addition, they discuss the Global Cities Project, partnership among like-minded organizations, gospel infrastructure, specific major cities, and how Pillar churches/members can get involved. Learn more at globalcitiesproject.com. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Brian Walker and Stephen Watson from Anchored Virtual about the issue of pornography within the church and how pastors can counsel those struggling with it. They discuss creating a culture of transparency and accountability, understanding the deeper heart issues behind pornography struggles, the need for biblical accountability, and more. Learn more at anchoredvirtual.com. 

Brandon Langley talks with two worship leaders, Drew O'Neal and Ronnie Morris. They discuss theological foundations in leading musical worship, intentionality, the role of pastoral leadership, liturgy, and more. 

Phil Newton leads a panel discussion on raising up elders in local churches. Panelists Rich Shadden, Tom Mercer, and Alex Daher talk through how to recognize, develop, and affirm elders. This audio is from a network-wide Zoom call from February 25, 2026. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Aaron Swain, Andy Winn, and Adam Darnell about leading from the second chair in pastoral ministry. They discuss the functions and responsibilities of associate and executive pastors, supporting the lead pastor, healthy team dynamics, and more.

Dave Kiehn interviews Brandon Freeman about the process of planting Heritage Baptist Church. They discuss co-vocational ministry, the role of Pillar in helping plant, the church's growth and impact so far, and more. 

Eric Bancroft talks with Brandon Langley and Bryan Sloan about church membership, including the biblical basis for membership in a local church, membership classes, requirements for new members, and more. Bryan is a member of our network and the Preaching Pastor of The Fields Church in Mansfield, Texas.

Brandon Langley talks with Phil Newton about his recent book, “Unburdening the Soul,” on personal and corporate confession of sin. They discuss how confession aids our understanding of sin and holiness, how to integrate confession into worship, personal confession of sin, and more. Get Phil's new book here - https://a.co/d/0hsmQ3Cy.

Brandon Langley talks with Dave Kiehn about his new book, “Pulling the Thread." They discuss the process of uncovering deeper issues in a revitalization context by ‘pulling the thread,' patience in leadership, cultivating a healthy church culture, and more. Get Dave's new book here: https://a.co/d/bMgq75I.

Liam Garvie talks with Tiago Oliveira, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lisbon and the President of Martin Bucer Seminary Portugal. Tiago shares the church's history, their current growth, the challenges of ministry in a post-Christian context, current needs for ministry in Lisbon, and more.

Dave Kiehn and Brandon Langley talk about chapter four of Churches Planting Churches, on “When is a Church Ready to Plant a New Church?” They discuss the importance of congregational buy-in, church health, financial readiness, having a qualified pastor, and more.

Brandon Langley talks with Bobby Jamieson about the significance of baptism and the Lord's Supper, specifically in church planting. They discuss the relationship between baptism and church membership, the Lord's Supper as a communal act, how to integrate the ordinances into church life, and more.

In this special Christmas Eve edition of the Pillar Podcast, Phil Newton reads the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 1 and 2.

Sarah Rogers and Jenna DiPrima discuss criticism in ministry, including understanding different types of criticism, responding with grace, practical tips for handling criticism, modeling healthy responses for children, and more. 

Dave Kiehn interviews Phil Newton about chapters 2 and 3 from "Churches Planting Churches” on what the church is and does. They discuss the importance of ecclesiology for church planting, elder-led congregationalism, how narrowing the view of the church helps to clarify its purpose, and more.

Nate Akin, Dave Kiehn, and Liam Garvie discuss how Pillar values closed membership. They address the practice of open membership, the importance of baptism, conscience dilemmas, regenerate church membership, what historic Baptist confessions have to say, teaching patiently on membership, and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Daniel Gillespie, Kurt Gebhards, & Eric Bancroft about the importance of building deep and meaningful Christian friendships among men, including the contrast with modern male friendships that lack depth, friendships that go beyond superficial interests, encouraging spiritual growth, and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Joseph Hussung from Fieldstone Counseling about the importance of counseling in the church, particularly for pastors. They also discuss biblically based counseling, the balance between counseling and discipleship, and more. Learn more at fieldstonecounseling.org.

Brandon Langley talks with Liam Garvie about his chapter of Churches Planting Churches on how associations can foster collaborative church planting, including the biblical precedent and value of associations, formalizing associations, teaching congregations about partnership and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Keith Crosby about his journey to faith and pastoral ministry, the long game of revitalization, and his testimony of God's grace throughout trials and suffering. Keith is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of Hillside Church in San Jose, California.

Dave Kiehn talks with Andy Davis, Andy Winn, & Chase Jenkins about the journey to planting Parkside Baptist Church in Durham, NC. They discuss the reasons for planting, the joys and challenges of the first year, raising up a team to plant, challenges for the sending church, and more. 

Brandon Langley, Phil Newton, and Nathan Baumgartner talk about how to fund a church plant from chapters 11 and 12 of "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss budgeting, vision casting, dedicated funds for planting, church documents and policies, and more. 

Sarah Rogers gives a talk on discipling women in the local church, including the importance of sound doctrine, older believers teaching younger believers, teaching a distinctly Christian home life and character, and more. This talk was originally given at the 2025 Thrive Women's Conference. 

Brandon Langley and Matt Rogers talk about developing a healthy leadership team for a plant from chapters 7 and 8 of "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss why to send a team rather than an individual planter, recruiting from sending churches and partner churches, clear communication and expectations, and more. 

Clint Darst gives a talk on walking in Christ from Ephesians 4:1-5:21. This talk was originally given at the 2025 Pillar International Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Brandon Langley, Dave Kiehn, and Matt Rogers talk about two of the chapters in Pillar's upcoming book, "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss how to find planters, where to plant a church, trusting God's providence in the church planting process, and more.

Vic Carpenter interviews Nigussie Yadete about his journey to faith in Christ, good ecclesiology, the path to planting a church in Ethiopia, and more. Nigussie is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of Christ Community Baptist Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Vic is also a member of our network and the Teaching Pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in Spotsylvania, VA. 

Brandon Langley, Nate Akin, and Matt Rogers talk about Pillar's upcoming book 'Churches Planting Churches.' They discuss the purpose and goal of the book, building churches that multiply, biblical foundations for church planting, and more. 

Jenna DiPrima and Sarah Rogers talk about friendship in ministry, particularly for pastors' wives. They discuss the unique challenges in forming and maintaining friendships within the church, discernment in what to share, taking initiative in friendship, and more.

Nate Akin interviews Pastor Alistair Begg. They talk about the development of his theological convictions, his time at Charlotte Chapel in Scotland, longevity in ministry and marriage, personal evangelism, and more. They also discuss the viral moment of Begg's sermon about "The Man on the Middle Cross" and the upcoming book inspired by that message. Alistair began in pastoral ministry in 1975 and served as senior pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio from 1983 until 2025. He is also the Bible teacher at Truth for Life. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Josh Wredberg and Matt Capps about their new book, 'Every Member Matters.' They discuss the importance, meaning, and expectations of church membership, the collaborative writing process, and more. Matt is the Lead Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, NC. Josh is the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC.