The Pillar Network

Dave Kiehn talks with Sam Masters about church planting and ministry in Argentina, the importance of church partnerships, infrastructure development, and the vision to make Cordoba a gospel hub. Learn more about the Cordoba Gospel Hub here - https://thecrecerfoundation.org/cgh/.

Nate Akin, Dave Kiehn, Phil Newton, Brandon Langley, & Matt Rogers discuss pastoral residencies, mentoring, training shepherds for the local church, the current pastor shortage, plus Pillar's new book, "Churches Multiplying Pastors." You can get the new book here - https://a.co/d/08rJ3AsW

Nate Akin and Dave Kiehn talk with Dwayne Milioni about the new Pillar of Truth book series, the importance of doctrinal clarity, the relationship between doctrine and mission, and more. Check out the first two books in the series here - Gospel Proclaiming Churches  |  Biblical Authority  

We live in a culture that tells us that freedom means independence and deciding for ourselves who we are and what is good. Sadly, if we are honest, it is not only culture that shouts those lies; we can also hear our hearts whispering, “I belong to myself. I can decide what is best for me.” But the Word of God tells us a different story. From the beginning, we were created to live under God's good authority, depend on Him, and live in relationship with one another. The lie of autonomy distorted that good design. Instead of trusting the Creator to define what is true and good, we want to decide what is “right” for ourselves. In this episode, Betsy talks with Nate Akin about the lie of autonomy and the freedom of belonging to Christ. So, jump into the conversation, put on your earbuds, and trace this struggle from Genesis to the gospel, into the life of the local church, and into how women think about calling, leadership, influence, and ministry. This episode is preparing the way for Unite 2026 and the women's breakout, Thriving In and Under Authority. We hope to see you there!   HIGHLIGHTS “The lie is that we are our own and that we get to determine for ourselves what is good and what is best and what is true.” “We were created to worship Him. This lie of self-autonomy is a sense of us trying to worship ourselves.” “My problem is not that my kids are interrupting me. My problem is that I want to be autonomous.” “We've been bought at a price. We are not our own. Our real freedom comes from submitting to the authority of God.” “I belong to God. I live for His glory, and His Word is my ultimate authority.” “We were not created for isolation.” “We need one another for our own maturity and for our own well-being.” “God has an order to the family. God has an order to the church.” “Women's ministry cannot function as a separate church inside the church.” “If it's doing what Titus 2 is telling us to do, it's working.” “The answer is not just to try harder to be dependent and to be submissive. I think the answer would be: look to Christ.” “We have in Christ what we need both as an example for how we do this, but also we have atonement when we fail.”   DIG DEEPER In what area of your life are you most tempted to believe the lie, “I belong to myself”? In motherhood, marriage, singleness, your free time, or your life in the local church? How does remembering that you belong to Christ change the way you live there? Think about a recent moment when your plans were interrupted, or you did not get what you wanted. What did your response reveal about your sinful desire for autonomy? Where might you be resisting correction, accountability, service, or dependence on other believers? How does the gospel free us from the lie that belonging to ourselves is freedom, and teach us to see belonging to Christ as our true freedom and joy? What changes when you remember, “I belong to God. I live for His glory, and His Word is my ultimate authority”? What are practical ways you can grow in embracing the church body as a family, both by serving others and by allowing others to serve you? What means of grace has God given you to help you look to Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross to free you from the slavery of living for yourself?

Nate gets to know Chopo Mwanza, one of the plenary speakers at the upcoming Unite Conference in October, including becoming a pastor and seminary president, ministry in Zambia, and more. Chopo is the Lead Elder of Faith Baptist Church Riverside in Kitwe, Zambia. Find out more about Unite at pillarunite.org.

Nate gets to know Matt Smethurst, one of the plenary speakers at the upcoming Unite Conference in October, including his background, theological convictions, his books including the one on Tim Keller, and more. Matt is the planter and Lead Pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Find out more about Unite at pillarunite.org.

Nate gets to know Steven Carne, one of the plenary speakers at the upcoming Unite Conference in October, including if he might be a Secret Agent. Steven is the Senior Pastor of Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, Virginia and a board member at Pillar. Find out more about Unite at pillarunite.org.

OVERVIEW Most of us know the big story of the Bible: creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. The harder part is remembering that story when we are tired, anxious, sitting in a waiting room, cleaning the kitchen, or wondering whether the work in front of us matters at all. Because whether we realize it or not, we are always interpreting our lives. A hard season can start to feel like the whole story. A disappointment can begin to shape what we believe about God. Even our exhaustion can expose the stories we are telling ourselves about who we are and what depends on us. So put your earbuds on and come back to what is true. In this episode, Betsy takes the great story of redemption and brings it into the ordinary places where we live, asking how creation, fall, redemption, and consummation help us understand what is right in front of us. Be encouraged to lift your eyes, remember where your life fits within God's greater story, and see the life in front of you in light of Christ and the promise that He is making all things new.   HIGHLIGHTS “The truth of God's Word is the ultimate authority in our lives. It shapes how we see God, how we understand ourselves, and how we interpret the life right in front of us.” “Sometimes on Monday morning we need to remember what we confessed on Sunday.” “The story began by His will and for His glory. That puts our lives in their proper place. There is a center, and we are not it. God is.” “Ordinary life was never an obstacle to the glory of God.” “The value of your life does not depend on every task feeling exciting.” “No need is too ordinary for our High Priest.” “Christ's ascension does not mean that he has become distant from our ordinary lives.” “A day is coming when work will have no thorns, our relationships will have no sin, and our bodies will have no death.”   DIG DEEPER What ordinary circumstance feels especially heavy to you right now? What have you begun to believe about God, yourself, or your life because of it? What does creation help you remember about God's good design, your purpose, and your limits? Where can you see the effects of the fall in this situation? How do the life, death, resurrection, and present reign of Christ change the way you see what is in front of you today? What does Christ's promised return and the promise that He will make all things new give you hope for? What is one concrete response the gospel is calling you to today: rest, repentance, gratitude, asking for help, serving, or simply remaining faithful Who could you invite into this conversation this week?

Nate Akin and Liam Garvie talk with Ryan Robertson (President of Reaching & Teaching) and Brooks Buser (President of Radius International) about the William Carey Project. This collaborative effort, inspired by the legacy of the Baptist missionary William Carey, aims to reach 10 unreached language groups around the world by bringing together the strengths of Radius, RTIM, and Pillar. Learn more at thepillarnetwork.com/williamcarey. 

Dave Kiehn interviews Nate Akin and Jason Wredberg about their new book with Courier Publishing, "What is a Pastor?" They discuss the biblical foundation for the office of pastor, whether pastoring is an office or a gift, the pastoral office in historic confessions, and more. Get the book here - https://a.co/d/0gq4OCpE.

Nate Akin, Liam Garvie, and Dave Kiehn discuss conferences, particularly our upcoming Unite Conference. In addition, they talk about why conferences are important and how to get the most out of them. 

Phil Newton shares insights on mentoring in the local church drawn from several examples from church history. Phil gave this talk at a Pillar regional gathering in Memphis, TN earlier this year. 

Brandon Langley talks with Jordan Cobb about transitioning to a plurality of elders in a revitalization, including shepherding the congregation and deacons through the process, spending “leadership coins” wisely, and more. Jordan is a member of our network and the Senior Pastor of Standing Springs Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC

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.