Podcasts about baptist convention

Part of the mission of the ERLC is to assist churches by helping fellow Baptists understand the moral demands of the gospel. We also apply Christian principles to moral and social problems and questions of public policy. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by partnering with like-minded individuals, churches, and institutions across the Southern Baptist Convention to produce work that is accessible and applicable to both the layperson and the scholar. Today, we'll highlight two instances of cooperation in the area of gender and sexuality issues. The first involves our resource, “God's Good Design: A Practical Guide for Answering Gender Confusion.” The second involves our public policy advocacy with the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Together, we signed onto an amicus brief in defense of parental rights.We'll talk to Dane Hays, family pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Decatur, AL, about the “Gender Guide.” Dane has served in counseling and discipleship for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from UAB and a Masters of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he studied biblical counseling and theology.You'll also hear from Tim Lubinus, the executive director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa, about the amicus brief. Prior to his current role, Tim was a missions pastor and served overseas on the mission field with the International Mission Board. He received a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  

Happy Thanksgiving! Today's show originally aired July 10, 2023.  In Hartwell, a rural Georgia lake community, pastor Grant Myerholtz convenes a growing "Baptist" congregation in an unusual way (for a baptist church, anyway): he chooses inclusivity. In an era where churches big and small are seeing declines in attendance, his Mt Hebron Baptist Church has grown from a dozen to more than a hundred.  Featured in ⁠a Washington Post piece⁠, Grant joined me last summer to let me learn more about him and his church. Were that there were more Rev. Grants and Mt. Hebron Baptist Churches.  UPDATE: Grant messaged me this past spring with a photo from Hartwell Pride and the following update: "Hey Ron just wanted to share a picture from this years pride in Hartwell…we had about 20-25 from the church to attend this year to support. We fully left the southern Baptist Convention..instead of open doors we just took them off..hope you are doing well and thanks again for having me on the show with you…hope you are doing well."

On this week's podcast we cover the IMB hosting a Sending Celebration in Tennessee, the ERLC sending a policy request letter to the Trump transition team, a roundup of state convention meetings, a new Christmas devotional from Albert Mohler and more.

Dr. Daniel Hyun joins us for a study in the book of Mark with a miraculous show and Jesus giving a suffering woman more… bringing her out of her shameful hiding. Dr. Hyun is a church services consultant for Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and is serving Maryland/Delaware churches, encouraging and equipping pastors and church leaders.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• More info about Dr. Daniel Hyun• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Mark 5, verses 21-34; Leviticus 15, verses 25-27; Psalm 34, verse 18; Galatians 3• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Dr. Daniel Hyun joins us for a study in the book of Mark with a miraculous show and Jesus giving a suffering woman more… bringing her out of her shameful hiding. Dr. Hyun is a church services consultant for Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and is serving Maryland/Delaware churches, encouraging and equipping pastors and church leaders.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• More info about Dr. Daniel Hyun• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Mark 5, verses 21-34; Leviticus 15, verses 25-27; Psalm 34, verse 18; Galatians 3• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Politics matter because they are the means by which the laws of our country, states, and communities are shaped. And those laws communicate what we value as a society. This November, the issue of life is on the ballot as an initiative in many states where voters will decide on laws related to abortion access. These specific  states include, New York, Maryland, Florida, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Nevada.Joining us today to help us better understand what these initiatives look like at a grassroots level and how they could impact the pro-life movement are Willie Isaacson and Joel Gilbert. Both Willie and Joel come highly recommended within their state conventions and come with years of experience in local and state policy advocacy.Willie Isaacson is senior pastor of First Baptist, Richmond, Missouri where he has served for over 11 years. He currently serves as the chair of the Missouri Baptist Christian Life Commission and president of the Ministerial Alliance in Richmond, Missouri.Joel Gilbert has served in Baptist churches in the D.C. area for over 25 years and currently serves as pastor at Poolesville Baptist Church in Poolesville, Maryland. He also serves on the Christian Life and Public Affairs Committee of the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware.

we look at John Calvin and the history of the southern Baptist Convention and southern seminary - Abstract of Principles and James Boyce

So a Baptist convention speaker pretty much seemed to call for the murder of President Trump three days before, you know, the last attempt at murder. Plus suddenly in our election system it's once again okay to have foreign interference? And then, why is the Left actually persecuting and prosecuting Mayor Eric Adams? Episode Links:Sharon Wilson, a Louisiana appeals court judge, tells the Annual Conference of the National Baptist Convention Of America (NCBA) "It's going to take a black person to chop off the head of the racist in this country" 3 days before a 2nd assassination attempt on Donald Trump.Soong-Chan Rah is Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological SeminaryZelensky flies to US to present 'victory plan' to Biden | AFPUkraine's Zelenskyy visits Pennsylvania ammunition factory to thank workersBREAKING: Josh Shapiro and Zelensky visit artillery shell plant in Scranton, PA. Shapiro signs shells to be used in the war in UkraineAfter being indicted by a federal grand jury, NYC Mayor Eric Adams released a video statement defiantly asserting he's a "target," and says "I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit," adding, "I am innocent." He plans to request an "immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth." Adams is the first mayor in city history to be charged while in office.Eric Adams spoke out against the Biden administration's influx of illegal immigration destroying NYC and he was IMMEDIATELY targeted. This is political. And I believe as I have for a while that only Trump can save him - and NYC.Alan's Soaps https://www.alansartisansoaps.comUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/toddStart your journey to better health with MassZymes. Visit bioptimizers.com/todd today to get your MassZymes 10% off.  Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddMake Bonefrog Cold Brew at home!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com) Learn about Bulwark's strategies with their FREE Common Cents Investing Guide.  Get yours by calling 866-779-RISK or go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com.EdenPURE https://edenpuredeals.comUse code TODD3 to save $200 on the Thunderstorm Air Purifier 3-pack.GreenHaven Interactive   https://greenhaveninteractive.comGet more customers. Dominate Google. Renue Healthcare https://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit renue.healthcare/Todd

September 15, 2024Dr. Bill Hurt serves as Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Columbus, MS as well the current President of the MS Baptist Convention.

Every church desires to be a safe space for children and adults alike. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, hear from two members of the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force of the Southern Baptist Convention as they share how their new curriculum will help churches across the country protect the vulnerable and give them the tools they need to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, Seth Brown, director of the convention relations group for N.C. Baptists, sits down with two members of the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF): Brad Eubank, pastor of Petal First Baptist Church in Petal, Miss., and Kris Buckman, youth and kids missionary for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.   Together, the three of them discuss the newly-released ministry toolkit, the five essentials of abuse prevention and response, how churches can protect their flock and more.

Kari Minter is the creator and founder of KariMinter.com, where she writes and creates resources to help women cultivate a deeper walk with God. In addition, she works for the Baptist Convention of Iowa as a church planters' spousal advocate. Kari earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to her writing and teaching, she is a mom to three kids and a wife to Brent, the lead pastor of Keystone Church of Ankeny.        

Jan Markell spends the hour with Pastor Cary Gordon, one of the producers of the film, Enemies Within the Church found in our online store. The film says certain organizations and individuals are hijacking the gospel. What kind of damage are Andy Stanley, Russell Moore, Jim Wallis, and the NAE doing today? What about the So. Baptist Convention? If unchecked, wokeness and Leftism will destroy all it touches in the world and church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/407/29

Jan Markell spends the hour with Pastor Cary Gordon, one of the producers of the film, Enemies Within the Church found in our online store. The film says certain organizations and individuals are hijacking the gospel. What kind of damage are Andy Stanley, Russell Moore, Jim Wallis, and the NAE doing today? What about the So. Baptist Convention? If unchecked, wokeness and Leftism will destroy all it touches in the world and church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1472/29

One of the most dangerous environments we can put our children in, is an environment without the right policies and procedures in place to protect them. On today's episode, Chuck and Jana are joined by Brad Eubank and Kris Buckman to discuss how we can be intentional in warding off predators and protecting our kids.Brad Eubank is the Senior Pastor of Petal First Baptist Church and Kris Buckman is a Youth and Kids Ministry Consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland Delaware. Brad and Kris were commissioned by the SBC to lead a task force focused on equipping and training churches to have policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse within our walls. Brad and Kris share with us a FREE resource created for leaders that gives step-by-step information on how to implement the best safety policies in your ministry! This curriculum also trains in 5 essential areas with next steps included. You'll hear how your ministry can be educated on the how's and why's of training, screening, protecting, reporting, and caring for your children. Check out the links below to grab your free resource! Thanks for sharing and listening with a friend!SHOW LINKS:sbcabuseprevention.com Lifeway Kids

Eric Schumacher is an author, podcaster, and a songwriter. He has served in pastoral ministry for over two decades, currently as the pastoral ministry director for the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Along with his podcast partner (the beautiful, wise, and skillful, Elyse Fitzpatrick), he is the co author of Worthy and Jesus and Gender, and the sole author of Ours and My Last Name. Eric's latest book is The Good Gift of Weakness: God's Strength Made Perfect in the Story of Redemption. Eric and his wife, Jenny, live in Iowa with their five children. www.emschumacher.com   Emily Jensen is an author, podcaster, and the co-founder and content director of Risen Motherhood. Between loads of dishes, laundry, and library books, you'll find her writing and recording content that applies timeless gospel truths to all of life. Her greatest passion is knowing Christ and making him known—in her home, community, and to the ends of the internet. She's also the co-author of Gospel Mom, Risen Motherhood, and is the sole author of He is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak. www.emilyajensen.com

This conversation originally aired July of 2023, after I'd read a piece in the Washington Post about a Hartwell, Georgia baptist preacher who was bucking the Southern Baptist Convention (the church has since left that organization) and welcoming all who sought to worship there. He's (several times now) offered prayer at Hartwell's annual pride celebration, and welcomes with a message of acceptance for everyone seeking refuge to worship. After weeks, now, of Harrison Butler-talk, it's ironic Grant reached out to me last night and sent a photo from this year's Hartwell pride with the message that read: "Hey Ron just wanted to share a picture from this years pride in Hartwell…we had about 20-25 from the church to attend this year to support. We fully left the southern Baptist Convention..instead of open doors we just took them off..hope you are doing well and thanks again for having me on the show with you…hope you are doing well." You can see that photo on my Instagram .

Guest Bios Show Transcript https://youtu.be/ok7qRXGZYroFor nearly two decades, one woman stood up to the Southern Baptist Convention, forcing it to face its sex abuse crisis. She was gaslit, maligned, and threatened with legal action. But she didn't back down. And on this edition of The Roys Report, you'll hear her story. Joining host Julie Roys is Christa Brown, an abuse survivor who overcame the odds in pursuit of justice. As a 16-year-old girl, Christa was repeatedly raped by the youth pastor at her Southern Baptist Church. And when she told the music minister at her church what had happened, he told her never to speak of it. For 35 years, Christa kept silent, accepting the shame that rightly belonged to her rapist. But in the early 2000s, Christa broke her silence—and confronted her childhood church with what had happened. She thought they would do the right thing. But instead, they attacked her. That began a nearly 20-year battle with the Southern Baptist Convention—and led to two major investigations, showing that hundreds of Baptist leaders and volunteers had sexually abused congregants. She recounts it all in detail in her just released memoir, Baptistland. Christa found her voice, rising above her past trauma to become a leading voice in the national and global abuse survivor community. She speaks with unrelenting honesty about the patterns of abuse in evangelical churches—and the necessary steps to bring reform. Guests Christa Brown Named as one of the "top 10 religion newsmakers" of 2022, Christa Brown has persisted for two decades in working to peel back the truth about clergy sex abuse and coverups in the nation's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. As one of the first to go public with substantiated child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister—and documentation that others knew—she has consistently demanded reforms to make other kids and congregants safer. She is the author of Baptistland and This Little Light: Beyond a Baptist Preacher Predator and His Gang. Christa, who is retired appellate attorney, a mom, and a grandma, lives with her husband in Colorado. Show Transcript SPEAKERSCHRISTA BROWN, Julie Roys Julie Roys  00:04For nearly two decades, one woman stood up to the Southern Baptist Convention, forcing it to face its sex abuse crisis. She was gaslit, maligned, and threatened with legal action. But she didn’t back down and on this podcast, you’ll hear her story. Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And joining me today is Christa Brown, someone who’s become a sort of legend in the abuse survivor community. As a 16- year-old girl, Christa was repeatedly raped by the youth pastor at her Southern Baptist Church. And when she told the music minister at her church what had happened, he told her to never speak of it. For 35 years, Christa kept silent, accepting the shame that rightly belongs to her rapist. But in the early 2000s, Christa broke her silence and confronted her childhood church with what had happened. She thought they would do the right thing, but instead, they attacked her. And that began a nearly 20-year battle with the Southern Baptist Convention and led to two major investigations, showing that hundreds of Baptist leaders and volunteers had sexually abused congregants. Joining me is Christa Brown, someone who for decades fought to expose sex abuse and cover up within the Southern Baptist Convention. She has been dubbed the mother of all abuse bloggers, and also is named by the Religion News Association as one of the top 10 religion newsmakers of 2022. She’s also a retired appellate attorney, a mom, and a grandma. So Christa, welcome. It is such a privilege to have you on this podcast.   CHRISTA BROWN  03:22 Thank you, Julie, I really appreciate it. I’m so glad to be with you.   Julie Roys  03:26 And you’re kind of like a legend. I don’t know if you recognize this, but you have been at this a very, very long time and the persistence that you have had to expose what’s been going on within the Southern Baptist Convention, it didn’t just happen to you, it happened to so so many women and men who have been victims. And so just as somebody who’s been in this space for a really long time, not nearly as long as you, I just really appreciate your work. So thank you.   CHRISTA BROWN  04:16 Thanks. And of course, this is something that is still continuing to happen too.   Julie Roys  04:21 That’s true. So I just finished your book, Baptistland, and really emotionally, still wrestling to come to terms  with everything I read. I think there were several things that really struck me from your book. Of course, the horror of the sex abuse that you had at the hands of your own youth pastor, somebody that you trusted, and the spiritual abuse involved in that was just absolutely horrific. But I think too, the abuse within your own family and the psychological and emotional abuse that was there and kind of how that conditioned you for the abuse and to kind of keep secrets. And so it kind of contributed to everything that happened. But I think lastly, was your resiliency, which is amazing in the face of what you encountered, your resiliency. And I don’t know how you did that. I mean, what do you attribute the resiliency that you’ve had to overcome so many hurdles in your life?   CHRISTA BROWN  05:26 I don’t know. In part, I think I’m a little stubborn by nature. I think that is there. In part, I think I had the enormous good fortune to encounter a wonderful husband and wonderful spouse, who has been nothing but supportive. And I think, when someone has that kind of support in their life, I mean, that came, of course, later as an adult, but that too, of course, has just been an enormous source of stability for me. So yeah, I’ve had those things. And in that sense, I’ve been very, very fortunate.   Julie Roys  06:10 If someone has just even one person in their life that’s advocating for them, that’s behind them, it makes a huge difference. And I know my spouse has been with me 100% in the work I’ve done as well. And I credit him for a lot of what I’ve been able to do as well. So I can relate to that.   CHRISTA BROWN  06:28 Yeah. I mean, he’s a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. No one knows my husband, but he is very much there for me.   Julie Roys  06:38  You divide your memoir into four different deaths, as you call them. And of course, there’s an element of resurrection and all of that, too. But your deaths start, the very first death that you write about is the abuse that you suffered by, again, your own youth pastor. But as I mentioned, there was some dysfunction in your own home, that kind of conditioned you to be able to have this abuse, and maybe to keep it quiet. Would you talk a little bit about that, the home situation that conditioned you to stay quiet about the abuse?   CHRISTA BROWN  07:19 Yeah. I mean, I grew up in the sort of home that it’s like, we all pretend we’re happy. What happened didn’t happen. And when someone blows up and throws plates across the wall, we clean it up, and we act like nothing ever happened. When my father explodes, we all just go on. My father had serious PTSD problems, but back then, we would not have even had that acronym PTSD, we didn’t know what to call it. We just all, as with many families across America, when war veterans come home, we all just do the best we can. But that very dynamic of never talking about it, and just always putting you in the background and moving on, conditioned me to keep quiet and to not talk about things in the family. We did not talk about the family with outsiders. That was for sure. And so all of that, I think is part of what conditioned me. Then when I was abused by the pastor, why would I talk about it? I had no experience in talking about anything troubling in my life, None. What was normal was never to talk about things. And I hope people will see that because of course, that’s one of the very common questions that people often ask, Well, why didn’t you tell someone sooner? Why didn’t you talk about it? I hope people will see in my book, the only rational question is, why would she have ever talked about it? And then, of course, the fact that I did try with a couple people and that only made things worse.   Julie Roys  09:08 Yeah. And there was also this element of spiritual abuse, which honestly, when I was reading your book, and I’ve heard a lot of spiritual abuse, but I would say this was almost just so wicked, because in your case, you were so trusting, you had such a childlike faith in God. And he just completely exploited that. Would you talk about the spiritual abuse and how that how that really gave him power over you?   CHRISTA BROWN  09:40 Oh, it gave him enormous power. And I hope people will see that the enormous power that earnest that a person’s faith can hold when it is weaponized against them, because that is what gave him power. I mean, I think there are many people who would wish to believe that this happens to kids who are in some way, oh, morally lacks or they want to blame the kid for some reason, that the reality is what made me vulnerable? What made me a target? What made me easy prey? was the very fact that I love God so much. My faith was earnest and pure and that is precisely what was weaponized against me literally. I was raised from toddlerhood to believe that you trust these men who carry the voice of God, that they are men and God. In the framework I held in my mind at that time., there was no other possibility other than to obey.   Julie Roys  11:00 You know, it’s interesting, because I just had a conversation with my daughter this morning. And I feel kind of bad sometimes because of the work that I’m in, that they’re exposed to the evil of it. But at the same time, I realized this morning, as we were talking about some things, she knows to be skeptical, that trust is earned. I don’t care what title someone holds. She knows that you still need to know that this person may not be trustworthy, you need to watch them over time. But I think especially in our generation growing up. I mean, I never would have dreamed that a pastor could be involved in any kind of wrongdoing. It just wasn’t in my worldview. So I totally get that. And the other thing is, and this is probably the most wicked is the way that he made you feel then that you are somehow evil because you had participated in this and even did like an exorcism on you or something, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  12:05 Yes. After this had gone on for months and months, seven, eight months. And it escalated, of course, and got worse. And then toward the end, he began to tell me that I had harbored Satan. And I was a temptress. And finally, then he called me into his office one day and made me kneel. While he, with one hand on my shoulder and one hand raised, stood over me as I was kneeling, praying on and on for God to cast Satan from me. But as a kid. I mean, that was just, that was terrifying. I mean, I didn’t know how I had let Satan in, and I didn’t know what I had done. If I didn’t know how I’d let Satan in I didn’t know how to make Satan leave me. And the very thought that I held Satan within me, made me think I was going to hell, which, as a kid, I was raised with a very literal version of hell, where you burn forever with no reprieve. This was absolutely terrifying. And of course, in hindsight, I think that’s exactly what he wanted was to put this enormous, just exponentially greater shame onto me, so that I would not talk about it. Because why would I want anyone to know that I harbored Satan?   Julie Roys  13:36 Unbelievable And yet when you did speak, like you referenced, nothing was done to help you. And you initially spoke with it was your music minister, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  13:49 Yes, that’s right. And he was also my piano teacher. I always had my piano lessons in the church sanctuary on the baby grand there. He was the music minister. And it was because I had just developed this enormous fear that I must surely be going to hell. And so one day at my piano lesson, I just, I mean, psychologically, I was at a point where I was just breaking then, and I just completely froze. I mean, my hands literally would not move on the keys. And I told the music minister that I was afraid I was going to hell, and I asked him, “Am I going to hell? Then I told him that I’ve had an affair. And that was my own word an affair with the pastor. And he basically just told me to never talk about it again, at all. And he said, I wouldn’t go to hell, but it wasn’t much comfort, really, at that time. He told me never to talk about it. He did nothing. And many, many years later, I learned that he had already known even at that point in time, because the youth pastor himself had talked about it with him.   Julie Roys  15:00 That level of complicity and silence, I just I don’t understand like, do you have any idea why he would do that? Why would a music minister say nothing about a pastor that he knows is sexually abusing a teenage girl?   CHRISTA BROWN  15:26 It’s very hard for me to explain. He was a father himself. He had a young daughter at that time. And so it’s hard for me to understand why he couldn’t think about his own daughter and imagine how he would feel if it were her. And it’s very, very hard for me to comprehend. I think that instinct among some religious leaders who kind of circle the wagons and protect themselves is very, very strong. Also the sense of protecting the institution, the sense of not doing anything that would bring, that would hurt the cause of Christ that would hurt the witness. I think all of that is a part of it. And yet, of course, none of that excuses it.   Julie Roys  16:21 No, and it’s not really biblical. I mean, Scripture tells us to confess our sins, not to bury our sins, and yet, that’s what the church has been doing for so long. Not all churches, but certainly within the Southern Baptist Convention this has been a widespread problem. So Tommy Gilmore, who was your youth pastor,, did eventually leave the church, was given what I understand sort of a hero’s send-off. Yes. And then, which I just can’t even imagine you as a kid, like, you have to go through an exorcism. Meanwhile, your abuser gets a hero send-off, and then you go home to live like, just go on, right? Like nothing’s happened, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  17:07 That’s right. He did indeed have a hero sendoff. He went to a bigger church; I was told that he would have a better salary. The senior pastor praised him for the pulpit and talk of how fortunate we all were, how blessed we were to have had such a man of God in our midst for so long, there was a big church reception where everyone brought their casseroles and stuff. And in hindsight, I don’t know how as a kid, I could have thought anything else. I mean, here was a great man of God, praised by everyone. I was the girl who harbored Satan.   Julie Roys  17:43 Just awful. And when you did go home, you did confess to one of your sisters what had happened. Her response was pretty horrific.   CHRISTA BROWN  17:53 Yes, she called me a slut.   Julie Roys  17:55 Unbelievable. And so the shame that you must have felt that you shouldn’t have felt but I’m sure you did, must have been just just awful. But you were given, I mean, sound like the pastor then arranged for you to have a job at the library. And your mother kind of encouraged you for this maybe? What was it he said that he thought you should be busy or something? Or I mean, kind of like he knew what had happened.   CHRISTA BROWN  18:23 Yeah exactly. None of this was really explained to me. But my mom said, Brother Hayden thinks you need to stay busy. And so they set me up with a job at the Farmers Branch Public Library, which I started immediately, which turned out to be even though I had never sought this job. But it turned out to be a very, very good thing. I loved working at the library.   Julie Roys  18:52 And you even said, I think later on your book, you credit some of your ability to come through all this to the books that you read, which opened your mind to a whole new world, which what a beautiful thing that in the midst of all of this awfulness, there was this oasis right?   CHRISTA BROWN  19:09 Oh, absolutely. The library was very much my safe place. Books were my safe place, always my refuge. A library has a certain kind of orderliness about it, and the neat rows and every book has its place. And that brought a level of comfort to me.   Julie Roys  19:28 Yeah. And one of the great things was that you were a very studious person, it sounds like, and that ended up being a route for you kind of out of some of your home life. But initially, you thought you would go off to college when you graduated from high school. It didn’t really turn out that way. Kind of like your mom sabotaged that. Is that a correct way of putting it?   CHRISTA BROWN  19:51 Yes, that is she did sabotage it. She wanted me at home for her own reasons, and I wound up staying home and commuting to college, and it was a very, very bad year, because she was struggling enormously. And both of my parents were struggling.   Julie Roys  20:13 The second death that you described is when your sister Rita was separated from her husband, Richard, and something happened. I’m gonna let you describe what happened, but also how that played out within your family and your family relationships.   CHRISTA BROWN  20:31 Well basically, I had gone over to babysit their young two-year-old daughter, and he made a move on me. Told me that he had married the wrong sister. That he should have married me. He picked the right family but picked the wrong sister. And I felt very trapped at the time. I did leave, of course. But I mean, this was someone I had grown up with. This was someone who was like a brother to me. This was my oldest sister. And so he had been a part of our family, since I was like 12 years old. So, in that sense, it just felt incredibly wrong and bizarre. But the one thing I knew with absolute certainty was that if I talked about it, I would be blamed for it. That even at that young age, I knew that for sure. And so ever after this was, again, another great secret that I had the key. It really kind of, I think, warped some of the relationships in our family. For every Thanksgiving, and all sorts of family gatherings thereafter, every single time, I would always try very, very hard to make sure I was never alone in the room with him. And yeah, that was the death of that kind of view of my family. I think.   Julie Roys  22:14 One of the things I’ve noticed just from my experience in ministry is that often a child that’s raised in a dysfunctional home, even though they recognize it’s a dysfunctional home, has trouble breaking those patterns, and often picks a spouse that is often very much like the dysfunctional parent or one of the dysfunctional parents. And yet you did the exact opposite. I mean, you turned down one proposal from someone who you didn’t love. And your mother pressured you quite a bit to marry because he had an engineering degree with some financial stability there. But instead you met a guy, Jim. What was it that really drew you to Jim, someone who was completely other than your family, and so healthy in so many ways? What really made you fall for Jim?   CHRISTA BROWN  23:13 Well. Initially, it was just that he had these gorgeous blue eyes.   Julie Roys  23:18 That helps, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  23:21 But it was just a connection there that I could not deny. You know, and with Jim, what you see is what you get. He is who he is, and there is never ever any kind of hidden agenda, any dagger behind that smile. That’s it. He is up for and in true. And that was always very clear to me. That mainly, it was just this connection that I felt with him. So much so that, I mean, it felt so powerful. And I felt fearful of it because I think I recognized immediately that this was something powerful, life-changing potentially. And so initially, what I did was to tell him that I could never be serious about someone who hadn’t read Anna Karenina.   Julie Roys  24:18 Well, of course! Who of us hasn’t said that, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  24:24 That was my effort in escaping because I was so afraid of this. But Jim proceeded to read Anna Karenina. So I had no excuse. And so we’ve been together ever since.   Julie Roys  24:37 That’s so funny. And then you went on to do something that nobody in your family thought possible. You went to law school, and even the application process and everything. I mean, to have the gumption to do that. Despite the fact your mother said you’re gonna fail. You’re not going to do well. Again, this incredible hurdle, what made you feel like you could go to law school?   CHRISTA BROWN  25:07 You know, I really only had, I came from a blue-collar family. And I really only had one friend at that point in time, who had been to law school. And I kind of thought, Well, I think I’m as smart as him. And he was a good deal more assertive than me by temperament. But I thought I could give it a chance. And initially, I really was very tentative about it. I kind of just kind of tip toed in and told myself, well, I’ll try it for one semester and see how it goes. But I did well, so then I continued. And with my family, I did not tell anyone I was even applying until I was already in, already accepted, already had my financial aid lined up. Because I was fearful of what the reaction would be. I was fearful of how negative it would be. And even intellectually, knowing that maybe that’s not right, your family’s words still carry power. And so I made sure I had things in place before I even told them.   Julie Roys  26:21 So true and so important. But yeah, I mean, even if  intellectually, that’s a lie. Or even if they’re saying this because of their own issues, right? It’s still hard to overcome that. And so the fact that you did, again, amazing resiliency. And then you had a daughter, which is just so beautiful. I have one daughter, I had two boys, and then my daughter. But daughters change us in remarkable ways. And you, even though you really didn’t have a model for healthy parenting, sounds like you did a really great job, and you broke some of those patterns of behavior that you saw in your family. What do you attribute that to?   CHRISTA BROWN  27:09 I attribute it to letting my daughter herself educate me, being observant of her, trying to attune myself to what’s going on with her. And recognizing that and trying to be sensitive to that. I do think that breaking long established patterns or familial dysfunction is very, very difficult. I mean, lots of people would like to make a decision and say, Oh, I won’t do things like my parents did. But the thing is, it’s not just a one-time decision. It’s something that has to be done in 1000s, of tiny, tiny little decisions, to choose to pause in the moment, to pay attention, to think about what’s happening. And that kind of attentiveness takes effort. And I think I attribute it to that. Also books I write,I don’t feel that I had a good roadmap to follow from my own upbringing. But  I was big on books.   Julie Roys  28:29 And that guided you. One book that you mentioned, you read your daughter was the Bible, but  chose not to raise her in the church, understandably because of your experience. But you decided to have her explore that herself with just reading her scripture and telling her Bible stories. As I was reading that, I just realized that my own experience within the church when I think of like your experience, my experience, things that for me, certain songs that for me are very comforting to you probably have a totally different connotation. Like for me, Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus is a beautiful song that reminds me of a wonderful, idyllic, really in comparison childhood that I had growing up in the church, where people were trustworthy, and people weren’t hypocrites. But yet for you were, how do you come to terms with that, and with what the church did? with God? with faith? How do you come to terms with that?   CHRISTA BROWN  29:53 For me, it’s very, very different. Because things like that. Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. No, it was not sweet for me. Because trusting in Jesus, that was exactly what I did as a kid. That was my whole heart was to put every bit of trust in Jesus. And that led me down a very, very dark road. And that’s not the kind of thing that I can cognitively reason my way out of. Because the reality for me is that things like that, hymns like that, all sorts of Scripture like that, that for me now is kind of physiologically, neurologically networked with child rape. And that’s not something I can just say, Oh, no, I’m gonna think about this and not choose for it to be that way. No, that’s the way it is. And I accept that that is how it is. And I live with that. So yeah, for me, I mean, and that, I think, is what people need to realize is the enormous if you value your faith so much, then you need to be implementing serious accountability measures to make sure that these kinds of men do not church hop from church to church, because look at the damage that is done.   Julie Roys  31:20 Well. And that’s why I think spiritual abuse, and especially when it’s coupled with sexual abuse, has to be about the most profound harmful abuse there is, because you’re not just harming the body, but the soul in such a profound way. And it really is, I mean, that spiritual leaders or people who purport to be spiritual leaders, aren’t just horrified and wanting to root this out. I mean, says to me a lot about what they truly believe.   CHRISTA BROWN  31:55 Exactly. It is very, very hard. Certainly, for me, it is very hard to feel safe in faith, when faith itself has been used to eviscerate. And that doesn’t mean feeling safe in a church. That means feeling safe within myself in faith. It’s a very hard thing now,   Julie Roys  32:19 The shame that you felt as a kid, as I talk to you now, you seem to be very clear on the fact that you should have felt no shame, that you did nothing wrong. At what point did you get to that point where you realized this is not my fault? This is has been put on me by evil people. But it’s not my fault. I’m sure it was a process. But were there any points at which like, kind of a breakthrough where you’re like, this was not me?   CHRISTA BROWN  32:55 Yes. It was really my daughter who saved me, I think. Because when she was approaching the same age I had been at the time that the abuse, it was as though something exploded in my head. All these dark dusty boxes that were on the back shelf of my brain, that I had shoved back there and ignored for so long. All of a sudden, I kind of had to pull those boxes down and look at them and see what was in them. And that shifted thing. Suddenly, I saw things through the eyes of a mother in imagining what if someone did to my daughter what was done to me? And that was something I could not live with and could not accept. And really, that was  the singular kernel of truth from which everything else flowed. Because the one thing I knew for sure, and I didn’t know very much for sure. But I knew this, if someone did to my daughter what had been done to me, I would not blame her for one second, and I would be absolutely furious. And that shifted everything.   Julie Roys  34:20 Hmm. And so you did. You did at the age of 51, right? You publicly spoke out and really you talk about this as sort of the third death when you spoke about what had happened because of the response that you got. Although, before we talk about the response, just the fact that and I read in your book that the average age of someone coming forward is 52 which is insane to me, I would have guessed, like maybe late 20s early 30s you begin to sort of grapple with what had happened in your family or whatever. Why is it so late that people come forward about their childhood sexual abuse?   CHRISTA BROWN  35:13 I think the shame is so enormous. And as a kid, we absorbed that shame, and when we ossify into a few of what happened that blamed ourselves and we absorb that, as a kid, we solidify that view. It’s horrifying, we put that view, we put that into a box, put it up in their head, and put it on the back shelf. And we never want to look at it again, although, of course, it’s there. And it affects us in enormous ways. But I think it then just takes a very, very long time. And then there are these triggering events, like having kids of our own, to begin to understand, because we formed that view when we were young. And it impacted our whole identity.   Julie Roys  36:09 So when you did come forward, you spoke to your church, your childhood church. I’m not sure why you had optimism about that.   CHRISTA BROWN  36:19 I’m an optimistic person by nature.   Julie Roys  36:22 Yeah. I mean, you must. But I mean, when I read that I also thought,  when I first blew the whistle at Moody, I naively thought when I went to the trustees with the information I had, they would do the right thing. And that was not my experience. But I think we still hold on to this view that, man, these authority figures, they must not know. And so if I tell them, they will do something. Explain what happened when you did come forward to your church, and then I believe to, the Baptist Convention there in Texas as well.   CHRISTA BROWN  36:58 I was in my 50s,  early 50s. And I absolutely believe that they would do the right thing, that they want to help me. I was adamant about it. The same music minister who had known when I was a kid was still there at my same childhood church. I was absolutely convinced; I knew that he had raised a daughter by then. I thought he’s older now he will know better. He’ll wish he had done things differently. He will have learned some things; he will want to help me. And I have never been more wrong about anything in all my life then I was about that. Because the church’s first response was to threaten to seek legal recourse against me if I talked about it. And yeah, that was fairly intimidating. Even as someone who is a lawyer, I thought, whoa. And of course, you have to realize, I think, even as I’m doing this, at that point in time, I’m still trying to work through this process in my own mind, of unpacking everything that was done to me, of just dealing with it, of coming to terms with it. And that is a long emotional process because it was very traumatic. And at the same time then having the church threaten me, and try to bully me, that was just absolutely devastating. And then eventually, of course, yes, I also talked with people at the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Again, thinking these will know something. And I’ve contacted 18 Southern Baptist leaders in four different states, thinking surely there would be someone and there was no one. Absolutely no one who would do anything to help.   Julie Roys  38:59 One of the things that I thought back on when I was reading your book is about totalitarian states; that one of the things that a totalitarian state has to do is take over the press. And in Baptist land, they had their own press. Yes. And that was also weaponized against you, right?   CHRISTA BROWN  39:22 Yes, exactly. The Baptist Press published an article in which they said that I made false accusations, which, again, that was just absolutely devastating. But they’re in control of their own press, which gives them the ability to control the narrative, to present the picture that they want to present. That’s a very, very powerful tool.   Julie Roys  39:47 Although they don’t control all of it. And this is the thing that I have been so grateful for before the internet. Really, you had to go through all the gatekeepers, and I know, I couldn’t have done the reporting I’ve done had I had to go through the gatekeepers of the major Christian publications because they didn’t want to report half of this. Right. And I think the whole ME-TOO movement has taken off because of that. The Church TOO movement has taken off, because now, we have our own platforms, we have our own megaphones. And we can expose this stuff, and you did not stop. You just kept coming. And I’m guessing that that you’re one of so many, and so many people who have been suffering the same way as you have. But you went to the Southern Baptist Convention, you spoke out. Talk about your literally decades of advocacy, and what has kept you going through that.   CHRISTA BROWN  40:56 What has always kept me going has been the stories of other survivors, the very awareness that I wasn’t alone, and that there were so many others who did not have the ability, the resources, the educational background, the stamina, or maybe they just had toddlers under foot at home, they didn’t have the energy available for this. Back in 2006, I managed to publish an op-ed piece with the Dallas Morning News. And that was very early for me in this process. And it was after I did that, and I had my email address at the end of it, I was just flooded with emails. And that was when I really began to understand how pervasive this was. And most of those voices, most of those people are stories that no one ever hears about. And so that is always what has been a very powerful, made me feel a powerful sense of obligation. Because I’m very aware of those people. And I also want to say, the name of my book is Baptistland. And yes, I think there is this overarching kind of inculturation that this authoritarian type of Baptistland influences in our culture. But as you say, way back when, one of the earliest news media sources to begin reporting these stories was Associated Baptist Press, which is not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, they’re Independent Baptist press. And they were some of the very first. We would not have some of the history we have and the documentation of this long problem if they had not been doing that work. And it continues today with Baptist News Global, which again, is not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. I frequently write for them. So, yes, there have been other avenues, kind of on the fringes of Baptistland, that have been helpful in documenting this problem. And for that, I’ve been enormously grateful.   Julie Roys  43:14 So much has happened, especially in the past five years. The Houston Chronicle. That report showing literally hundreds of Southern Baptists leaders and volunteers engaged in credible abuse, effecting we know now over 700 victims. And again, that’s probably a fraction of it, because so many don’t speak, so many don’t come forward. We have Guidepost Solutions, who did their review, independent investigation of the executive committee the way that abuse survivors were treated. We know now that you were treated horribly, not just you, although you’re mentioned quite a bit in that report. But many survivors have been treated this way. SBC has initiated seemingly some reforms, the Caring Well Conference. But when it comes to substantive reform, have we seen substantive reform in the SBC?   CHRISTA BROWN  44:22 No, we have not. In my view, almost everything that they have done has been performative in nature. They still have no  names of credibly accused pastors on a database. They have talked and talked and talked. We’ve seen committee after committee, taskforce after task force. But no institutionally, they are not making progress. If they viewed this as a high priority, things would be very different. And you’re right. It is such a tragedy. It has been five years now since the Houston Chronicle Abuse of Faith series. It’s been two years since the Guidepost Report. That is enough time that we should see a great deal more change then we do. And yes, I’m named 70 times in that Guidepost Report, precisely because the executive committee treated me so terribly, and that’s now documented there. And that is just one report about one small entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, the executive committee. And what it reflects is pretty incredibly awful. And yet, the executive committee itself, it doesn’t make amends for its wrongdoing. It doesn’t impose consequences on those who treated me so terribly. No. And so what kind of example do they set for the rest of the Southern Baptist Convention? And they could take responsibility and accountability for their own wrong without anything to do with local church autonomy. They could do that themselves. No, they do not.   Julie Roys  46:15 And that was the big excuse for so many years was the SBC saying, listen, we’re a denomination that really honors local church autonomy. So we can’t really impose anything on these local churches. And you are asking for very common-sense reforms. I mean, a list for example, of all of the credibly accused or convicted pastors or leaders within the SBC. We just want a database, right? asking for this and them saying, oh, we can’t do that because of autonomy. And yet when this Guidepost Solutions report comes out, we find out they’re keeping their own list.   CHRISTA BROWN  46:52 Yes, they’ve been doing it all along, ever since 2007, while simultaneously claiming that they can’t keep a list. And of course, keeping records and sharing information on credibly accused clergy sex abusers, there’s nothing about that, that intrudes on the autonomy of local churches. To the contrary, that kind of information-sharing system could provide local churches with the resources that they need to exercise their autonomy more responsibly. That’s not on behalf of the local churches that their doing that. It’s on behalf of the larger denominational structures of the Southern Baptist Convention, that they’re protecting themselves.   Julie Roys  47:49 Wow. And we still don’t have it. We still don’t have a good database. This is not brain surgery, folks. This is really, really simple. But it shows the lack of will on the part of the Southern Baptist Convention. I think I just tweeted something out, not tweeted, posted on X. I can’t get used to that. But something recently; Southern Baptist minister saying, hey we’ve got the sex abuse crisis and everything else. But we need to get back to the really important things of winning people for Christ. That, to me is so infuriating that we don’t see, Jesus cared for the least of these, throughout Scripture talks about the least of these. How do we think what are we winning people to if our churches don’t reflect the heart of God? It’s so perverse and so frustrating. And I’m curious at this point, I mean, do you have hope for reform within the SBC? or do you feel like it’s a lost cause?   CHRISTA BROWN  48:56 I certainly don’t think that we will see meaningful reform in my lifetime. I really don’t. I just don’t think this institution is going that direction. They’ve given us no evidence on which to believe that they’re serious about this at all. And they have had multiple opportunities over the past 20 years to reckon with this, really serious opportunities, when they could have chosen to do so. And again, and again, they do not. So no, I do not hold hope for the institution. I do hold hope for individuals. I think there is value in putting the truth out there, regardless of what the Southern Baptist Convention may or may not ever do. Thank goodness, my hope does not rest on them.   Julie Roys  49:48 Amen. I mean, honestly, I think the truth has its own power and how it works itself out. That’s not in our hands. There’s nothing we can do about it. We’re not that powerful. But I know there’s a lot of different ways to look at this. I mean, some people come up to me and they’re like, Well, why is all of this being exposed now? What is going on? You know, it’s something awful in the church. And I’m like, Well, what we’re exposing most of what we’re exposing is decades old. Some of its recent, but a lot of it is decades old, that just hasn’t been exposed. And I do think God’s angry about it. I mean, that’s my personal belief on this. And that some of this is being exposed, that there is judgment coming. And there’s a reckoning coming. I do take heart in the fact that at least the truth is getting out there. But what people do with it, pretty tough. But I do think it will be a decade’s-long process, I thought at first it’d be a year or two few years. It’ll be a decade’s long process of this being exposed. But I do pray that something, some good structures grow out of it.   CHRISTA BROWN  51:13 I do believe that in years to come, and maybe decades to come, that ordinary human beings will look back on all this. Which is why I’m so glad things are being documented. We’ll look back on all this, and it will be so aberrant as to be almost inconceivable. And they will say, you? a multibillion-dollar tentacular institution? used this excuse of church autonomy to avoid protecting kids against clergy sex abuse? really? And it will seem so horrifying as to be almost inconceivable. I think that will happen. And this institution is on the wrong side of history.   Julie Roys  52:02 I agree with that.100%. And I’ll also say that when I talk to abuse survivors, it’s often not the abuser. I mean, the abuser obviously does horrific harm. But it’s the protectors, the allies, the bystanders that do nothing, or worse than that actually contribute to the crime by covering it up. That is what really, really causes the harm. And so I mean, to Southern Baptist leaders who probably won’t listen to this podcast, but if you do, shame on you! do something. I mean, this is unconscionable that you call yourselves Christians and you don’t do anything about abuse survivors. That is, to me, a test of the authenticity of your faith.   CHRISTA BROWN  52:52 You know you’re absolutely right Julie. This is perhaps the single most universal commonality that I find in survivor stories is almost invariably, as awful, and horrific as the sexual abuse itself is, what does even greater damage is how terribly survivors are treated by religious leaders, by churches, by people of faith. That is hard to reckon with and hard to come to terms with. It is one thing to come to terms with the evil that one man can do, but it is quite another thing to try to come to terms with, And everyone else acts as though it’s okay. And this kind of systemic institutional problem does not come about without the complicity of countless others who enable these things. And that is where the real problem lies.   Julie Roys  54:00 The fourth death that you talk about in your book is when your mother died, and your own sisters cut you out of an inheritance. And a lot of it though, based in the fact that your family didn’t want you talking about this. I can only imagine. I mean, I felt it as I read the book, but the pain that I’m sure you still carry from that. Why is it that your family wanted to silence you so much on this issue, so much that they would retaliate in this way?   CHRISTA BROWN  54:45 I think because they felt it brought shame onto the family. And because I grew up in a sort of family that says you pull yourself up by your bootstraps. You never talk about difficult things. You never talk about the family. My sister blamed me for what they said was making mom feel guilty because I had talked about this. Mom herself before she died, as I was speaking out numerous times would tell me that she thought I needed to own my part in it. Even though of course, I had been a kid. But she too had been, I think, misled, and manipulated by Brother Hayden, the senior pastor of our church at that time. And he’s now deceased. Because years later, many years later, I learned that he had told her that I would just forget about it. So that was a way of silencing my mom as well. And on some level, I think my mom must have felt guilty for that. As many mothers would feel guilt if something really terrible happens to a kid.  But I think she felt an enlarged level of guilt, which she could not really process. And it’s not as if people in my family went to counseling, right? And then because my mom felt guilty, my sister, I never put blame on her. I never ever put blame on her. But nevertheless, my sisters blamed me for making mom feel guilty. But, in some way if I think that’s all , scapegoating is something that human beings do. It’s something as old as time. And I think that’s what my sister did to me. Wrong. And in some ways, then they scapegoated me, and that was just kind of the rationalization for legitimizing what they did. And yes, to say it was painful, would be a real understatement. It was extremely painful.   Julie Roys  57:01 So sorry. You end your book with an afterword to childhood or clergy sex abuse survivors. And I know, our podcast, many survivors listen to this podcast. What message do you have for them?   CHRISTA BROWN  57:21 First and foremost, you are so worthy, you are a human being of infinite value. Whatever has been done to you within this faith community, it does not define who you are. Whoever you are at this point in your life right now, whether you are a person of faith or no faith, I don’t care. You are of infinite value and all of this other stuff that the faith community has communicated to you. Which abuse does this to people. It inculcates in you this notion that somehow you are not worthy. And that is a lie. That is a lie. So that would be the first thing I would say. And secondly, I would say, to all survivors and advocates, and really almost anyone out there, cultivate your skepticism. And sadly, when we see that faith itself is weaponized for power, that the accoutrements of faith are used to help propagandize and the perpetuation of status quo power structures, then it behooves us to apply our skepticism even to matters of faith. And I say, do not feel guilty for skepticism; not one bit. People need to earn trust. There’s nothing wrong with you for, for holding doubt.   Julie Roys  59:10 And I believe that if God is God, that he can handle our doubt, he can handle our hurt, he can handle our anger. And it’s justified in these cases. And it’s one of the greatest conundrums of the human experience. If God is great, and God is good, how do these horrible things happen to innocent people? It’s above my paygrade; it’s certainly one question that I’ve wrestled with an awful lot in my life and continue to, but I appreciate so much Christa, you’re honest, you’re honest  recounting your story and where you’re at, and you are a hero to the survivor community. And again, you have been in it so much longer than I have been. And I just look to folks like you who have really blazed a trail. And just so, so, so grateful for your work. So thank you.   CHRISTA BROWN  1:00:21 Thanks, Julie. Thanks for having me here. I really appreciate it.   Julie Roys  1:00:28 Thanks so much for listening to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And if you’d like a copy of Christa’s book called Baptistland, you can get one when you give $30 or more to The Roys report this month. As I’ve often said, we don’t have advertisers or many large donors, we simply have you, the people who care about exposing abuse and corruption in the church so she can be restored. So if you’d like to help us out and get a copy of Baptistland, just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. Also, just a quick reminder to subscribe to The Roys report on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. That way, you won’t miss any of these episodes. And while you’re at it, I’d really appreciate it if you’d help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review. And then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content. Again, thanks so much for joining me today. I hope you were blessed and encouraged. Read more

Nabeeh Abbassi, president of the Jordan Baptist Convention, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about the work of Baptists in his country and the biblical history there (like the baptism of Jesus). The conversation took place in Beirut, Lebanon, during a gathering to celebrate the work of Lebanese Baptists (read coverage here and here). Note: Don't forget to check out our other podcast Dangerous Dogma, and our e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics.

Dr. Matt Henslee serves as the associational missionary of the Collin Baptist Association and as one of the pastors of First Baptist Church Farmersville. Matt earned his undergraduate degree at Dallas Baptist University and pursued graduate work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received an M.Div. and D.Min. in Church Revitalization. In addition to over two decades of ministry experience, Henslee has served Southern Baptists in several capacities. He previously led Mountain Valley Baptist Association's church planting efforts and served the Baptist Convention of New Mexico as the 1st vice president from 2020–2021. More recently, Dr. Henslee served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Pastors' Conference in 2022 and on the Leadership Council of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Dr. Henslee aims to encourage pastors in the trenches of gospel ministry and serve well as a pastor, associational missionary, professor, church revitalization consultant, author, recording artist, and podcast co-host of "Not Another Baptist Podcast". He has eaten a waffle every day since February 28, 2013.

Pastor Todd chats with the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa, Tim Lubinus.

For this session Dr. McIntyre is addressing the Trustee Orientation Program for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Brother McIntyre shared that a trustee is one who holds assets and acts in the best interest of another. A trustee is charged with establishing, creating and putting policy into cement and determining the direction of the institution. He is one who has the responsibility above all else of prayer for the institution, administration, staff and people.

Super Bowl LVII is just over a week away, but Texas residents won't be able to place bets on the game -- at least not legally. Some state lawmakers are working to change that, but they could face political hurdles just to get their bills to a floor vote. State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed SJR 17, which would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for legalized casino gambling in the state, while a yet-to-be-introduced bill back by the Sports Betting Alliance will focus more specifically on sports betting. But some experts, like SMU political science professor Cal Jillson, think the bill will face obstacles, particularly in the Texas Senate, while Robert Kohler, a lobbyist and consultant for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist Convention of Texas said he thinks gambling just isn't high on the list of priorities for Texas voters or lawmakers.

Super Bowl LVII is just over a week away, but Texas residents won't be able to place bets on the game -- at least not legally. Some state lawmakers are working to change that, but they could face political hurdles just to get their bills to a floor vote. State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed SJR 17, which would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for legalized casino gambling in the state, while a yet-to-be-introduced bill back by the Sports Betting Alliance will focus more specifically on sports betting. But some experts, like SMU political science professor Cal Jillson, think the bill will face obstacles, particularly in the Texas Senate, while Robert Kohler, a lobbyist and consultant for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist Convention of Texas said he thinks gambling just isn't high on the list of priorities for Texas voters or lawmakers.

Super Bowl LVII is just over a week away, but Texas residents won't be able to place bets on the game -- at least not legally. Some state lawmakers are working to change that, but they could face political hurdles just to get their bills to a floor vote. State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed SJR 17, which would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for legalized casino gambling in the state, while a yet-to-be-introduced bill back by the Sports Betting Alliance will focus more specifically on sports betting. But some experts, like SMU political science professor Cal Jillson, think the bill will face obstacles, particularly in the Texas Senate, while Robert Kohler, a lobbyist and consultant for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist Convention of Texas said he thinks gambling just isn't high on the list of priorities for Texas voters or lawmakers.

Super Bowl LVII is just over a week away, but Texas residents won't be able to place bets on the game -- at least not legally. Some state lawmakers are working to change that, but they could face political hurdles just to get their bills to a floor vote. State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed SJR 17, which would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for legalized casino gambling in the state, while a yet-to-be-introduced bill back by the Sports Betting Alliance will focus more specifically on sports betting. But some experts, like SMU political science professor Cal Jillson, think the bill will face obstacles, particularly in the Texas Senate, while Robert Kohler, a lobbyist and consultant for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist Convention of Texas said he thinks gambling just isn't high on the list of priorities for Texas voters or lawmakers.

Welcome to the audio digest of this week's issue of The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper. Each episode features news headlines and feature stories read by TAB Media Group staff and volunteers. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesday mornings. Articles of Interest: Texas Baptist convention gifting portable baptistries to church planters (5:13) Christian camps encourage spiritual development and missional outlook for all ages (9:11) Scholarships honoring TAB editors ‘deeply meaningful' (13:04) Visit TAB Media HERE Subscribe on iTunes HERE Visit Reliable Signs HERE

Super Bowl LVII is just over a week away, but Texas residents won't be able to place bets on the game -- at least not legally. Some state lawmakers are working to change that, but they could face political hurdles just to get their bills to a floor vote. State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed SJR 17, which would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for legalized casino gambling in the state, while a yet-to-be-introduced bill back by the Sports Betting Alliance will focus more specifically on sports betting. But some experts, like SMU political science professor Cal Jillson, think the bill will face obstacles, particularly in the Texas Senate, while Robert Kohler, a lobbyist and consultant for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist Convention of Texas said he thinks gambling just isn't high on the list of priorities for Texas voters or lawmakers.

In this episode we talk with Michael Crawford, the executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware.  Michael shares with us the wisdom of growing in how we experience the world and how other people experience us in relationships. Michael states that when we are self-aware, we are more likely to engage honestly and humbly with those around us as well as with the Lord. Click HERE to become a friend of the podcast by subscribing!Subscribers receive a bonus episode each month with exclusive content not featured elsewhere on the podcast. The bonus episodes are released directly to you on the third week of each month. In these episodes Eliza and Beth take a deeper dive into counseling topics and provide practical and personal insight just for you. In addition, every month you are automatically entered into drawings to win resources or merchandise from our sponsors.But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!This episode is sponsored by P&R Publishing. Click HERE to learn about P&R's extensive collection of resources for Christian life and ministry.Follow us: https://counselforlifepodcast.com/

This week on Two C's and a Pod podcast: 1. On Mission Together 2. Devotion Yourself to God If you would like to know more about the ministries of MBC visit us at mbcedenton.com Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/good-times License code: YBJ7EBOIAY8NRTNE --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In celebration of Missions Month, tonight we have special speaker Pastor Todd McClure, the West Virginia Baptist Convention Minister of Mission and Finance. Pastor McClure came to give us an update on the current state of WVBC missions, and also challenge us to be on mission, "as we are going".  For more information: WVBC: https://www.wvbc.org/ WVBC Missions: https://www.wvbc.org/missions/ More Information and Contact Info for Pastor Todd McClure: https://www.wvbc.org/about-us/staff/   Highlawn Baptist Church: https://highlawnbaptistchurch.org/   Originally Recorded: October 26, 2022 We're also Live Streaming of our Walk Through Revelation!  Wednesday nights at 7:00 come join us on YouTube (found here), and follow along with the teaching. Subscribe and "ring the bell" to be alerted when the live stream is about to start. At most times, if you're watching live, you'll be able to ask any questions you may have during the lesson.   FIND US ON YOUTUBE!  Sunday Morning sermons can be found by searching for "Highlawn Baptist" on YouTube, or by clicking here. Live Streams of Sunday morning services can also be found on YouTube at about 11:00 AM, every Sunday.  Subscribe and "ring the bell" for our YouTube page to be alerted when the live stream starts!       As with this podcast - Subscribe, Like, and Share our YouTube channel to help us get the message of the Good News out to a world in need of hope!  

Hear Tim Lubinus, Director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa and 16-year missionary veteran, share the heart of God for the globe, especially areas outside North America, in this mission-themed message.

Chris Martin, executive director for the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, shares about ministry in his beautiful, diverse, and very unique mission field of Hawaii and beyond.

Guest speaker Sam Taylor preaches from Matthew 28:18-20 on the idea that God should be the focus of our church and witness. Sam is the Greater Boston Regional Coordinator for the Baptist Convention of New England. He has served as pastor for more than 20 years. Before coming to New England in 2007, he led a team of International Mission Board missionaries, helping to plant multiple churches in Eastern Europe.   Island Pond Baptist Church is an SBC church in The post Matthew 28:18-20 – Is God an Active Member of Your Church? appeared first on Island Pond Baptist Church.

Rev. David Peoples and Dr. A. Wayne Johnson of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. present Joe Madison with the President's Award and share the important history and activism of their organization.Learn more about PNBC, Inc. and register for their upcoming 61st Annual Session: https://pnbc.org/

In this episode we talk with Michael Crawford, the executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware. Michael brings his significant expertise and pastoral voice to help us understand the reasons pastors and church planters will benefit from counseling for themselves. Follow us:https://counselforlifepodcast.comhttps://elizahuie.comhttps://bethmariebroom.com

Episode Summary I have had the honor to interview many guests since beginning Unstoppable Mindset. No guest has demonstrated a greater ability to be unstoppable than this episode's guest, Ian Walker. Ian learned at a fairly early age that he happened to have ADHD. He also demonstrated a great aptitude and love of music. His love of music won as he will tell you in in our interview. Ian also has worked at other jobs in his life. He will tell you about them as well. Ian's insights about music and ADHD especially will show you and anyone you bring to our podcast that we can use our inner strength to overcome any challenges we think we have before us. As you will hear, Ian is also a successful author and is even creating a play. Join Ian and me and be moved.  Thanks for listening and I hope you will let me know your thoughts about our episode and the Unstoppable Mindset podcast by emailing me at michaelhi@accessibe.com.   About the Guest:  In Stirring My Soul to Sing, Overcoming ADHD Through Song,_first- time Canadian author W. Ian Walker, ADHD survivor, musician, author and speaker tells his story of lifelong struggles with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and how he found relief by leaning into the music and his Christian faith during his successful 30-year career in music and the arts. Walker's book continues to grow in distribution and is listed on _43 international bookseller websites and stores. _ In his gritty and moving autobiography published in 2018, Walker offers "hope" for families and individuals facing an ADHD diagnosis. Walker is a classically trained musician, singer (baritone) and arts manager. He shares stories about how music (with an emphasis on vocal and choral music) brought him joy, success, and fulfilment in a life that was marked by a constant battle with ADHD. Walker credits his musical experiences and profoundly personal faith with mitigating and overcoming the potentially devastating impact of the disorder. He explains how, for 35 years, he used vocal and choral music to help him stay  focused, achieve goals, and meet deadlines, in conjunction with his ADHD.  Mr. Walker will be speaking at all online conferences for 2022 on “Overcoming ADHD with the Arts and Music Therapy”  A Long Road from the past until now... Although Ian was told he was “hyperactive” and had a learning disability in the early 1970s; he was not formally diagnosed with the disorder until 1996. In the intervening years, Walker experienced verbal abuse, school bullying, poor academic performance, employment instability, financial hardships, and failed relationships.  Despite these challenges, Walker persevered and now holds a _BA in Theater and Film, from McMaster University and a Post-graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management, from Humber College, Toronto and is a successful Arts Consultant.  W. Ian Walker is an in demand speaker and has recently spoke at ADDA/CHADD International OnLine Conference in 2020 & 2021. He also involved in many local community projects and is in preparation to lauch his first vocal performance and tour of a “Cabaret Evening with Ian” in 2022.  Walker is touring, speaking, and singing in support of the book. He has also produced eight videos.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpXUoGfVMOrt6BtsrZiPtbg?reload=9  For Contact: wiw@emliancommunications.org/shop or to purchase the book. Please call: 1-289- 700-7005  About the Host:  Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/  https://twitter.com/mhingson  https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links  https://accessibe.com/  https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe  https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.     Transcription Notes Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:19 Welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. Thanks for being here. I hope that you enjoy what we have to talk about today. We have a guest who I've been looking forward to for quite a while and circumstances keep causing us to have to delay getting together but we finally made it didn't we Ian?  Ian Walker  01:42 Yes, exactly. Nice to be here, Michael.  Michael Hingson  01:45 Thanks. And it's good to have you here. Ian Walker has a very interesting background. And I'm going to say up front, one of the interesting things about en and one that I'm really anxious to learn more about is that he himself has what people would classify as a disability. And that's fascinating to me, needless to say, so why don't we start there? You You say that at some point in your life, you since you were different? Can you tell us about that?  Ian Walker  02:15 Yeah, so um, I was raised in a very musical family. And music and the arts were really important. And especially for me, when we found out that I was diagnosed later on in my life with ADHD, but being a kid from the 1970s, they used to, you know, call me hyperactive. And so ADHD wasn't, you know, wasn't diagnosed wasn't used then. But I basically had all of the elements of, you know, dealing with ADHD. And so that's Attention Deficit hyper disorder, we're for people that don't, don't understand the disorder. And so, you know, I dealt with a lot of stuff. My mother, my grandmother, and my mother were very musical, and they acted as my, my mentors. And so, you know, once we sort of found out that I wasn't in your MOS, I wasn't your average, you know, person here that was going through the regular school system. My, my grandmother suggested to my parents that I'd always love to sing and that I should take singing lessons. And that opened up a huge, you know, door for me a level of confidence, and self esteem. And, and then, you know, I had to deal with all the bullying that went on, because I was a young young man who wanted to sing. Michael Hingson  04:09 When did this occur? When did all this occur?  Ian Walker  04:12 So, I was born in 1960. Okay, and by around 1970 1971, I, you know, I'd already been a boy soprano.My grandmother really trained me very well. And as a result, people come up to me all the time and say, Oh, II and when you sing, you have great diction. Yay, Grandma, you know, Ian Walker  04:39 oh, well, about your D's and T's and that you want to be heard at the back of the hall or the back of the church, you know? And that was the days before amplification right where amplitude vacation is used so much now. So, so I got all of the the great beginning sings and grandma would work with me on the piece and the finesse and the phrasing, and the and, you know, the diction, and mom would help me with, with rhythm. You know, sometimes my rhythm wasn't always right on track. And then she'd also helped me with, you know, the finesse more maybe about dynamics and, you know, interpretation of the songs. And so, you know, this being the early 70s, there wasn't a lot of great selection out there to, for a young staff to learn to sing. And so I'd be and because I was raised in the church, you know, I sang a lot of early boy soprano stuffs, a lot of Easter pieces of hallelujahs. And, you know, a lot of those kinds of wonderful thing is a great training, a great training, you know, I really, really wished we had recorded my voice as a young soprano, I don't have a boy soprano. I don't have any, you know, except vague little memories every once in a while, sort of, you know, pops in my head. But so then, around 1971 72, I was in grade four, grade five. And they determined that I needed to go and deal with my ADHD issues. So it being the 70s, they took kids out of the regular school system, this is here in Canada, they took kids out of the regular schools and put them into a special school for disability issues. Well, I was always really good on all of my, you know, English, geography, history, all of the main core, you know, subjects, but my weakness was math. And so as now probably what they would do is just, you know, have a special tutor for me, but anyways, I had to be taken out of the school system. Put two years behind, you know, and, and, thank goodness, in my second year, we had an amazing teacher, who was a background of the military was a left handed Colonel here in Canada. And he, when you were in his class, you were like, in the army was it and so we classmates almost saluted when we came into. And, but he was very, very good with me. And he recognized and said, This boy's intelligence, he's got, you know, English and history and, and geography and, you know, an interest in science, what's he doing here? So, he made a special, you know, presentation to me to the, you know, to the board or whatever, and said, Ian needs to be put back into the regular classroom curriculum. And so, I did grade six, and then to grade eight, back in the road rotary system, but I was two years behind, you know, my peers so so, you know, still continuing on with my music. You know, it was in a lot of different shows. At that time. They had a kid's version or student version for the pirate No. Gilbert and Sullivan's not pirates, but the other one. pinafore pinafore, HMS Pinafore, and I got to play the captain and you know, Michael Hingson  09:13 you are not the model of modern major model of the modern Ian Walker  09:17 meeting general No, no. That's a wonderful twisting song. Oh, my goodness, it's, you know, takes a long time to learn all the lyrics in that song. Yeah, Michael Hingson  09:32 but you know, yeah, go ahead. Ian Walker  09:35 So there's a little bit about, you know, dealing with the disability stuff. Michael Hingson  09:39 So do you regard yourself as a person with a disability today? Yeah, why? Why? What do you think about that?  Ian Walker  09:51 Well, because of Okay, so, it took me 27 years to get my BA And a lot of the hindrances, that when, you know, I gone through high school, and did, you know did some other sort of other some other courses along the way to, you know, check out, see what I really wanted to do, but I really wanted to have a degree in music. And when I got into the program at the University of Western Ontario, very good school, for singers, and choral people. I just couldn't handle the program, I could handle all the artistic, all the creative stuff, but I couldn't handle the academics. And that's where we really found out that I had a disability with my writing, that there was some some problems that I'd leave out words that, you know, my sentence structure was in great. I couldn't do syntax from one paragraph to the other paragraph. And there was just some other, you know, other stuff along the way that I really, it was really determined to me that I did have a disability, as you know, as an ADHD student, Michael Hingson  11:18 how did you deal with that, then, in terms of addressing the issue of word gaps and so on?  Ian Walker  11:25 Well, before you know, voice activated software, right, I would have to read my papers over, like, you know, and that was part of the chore as getting the work done way before the the deadline was, you know, was required. But then when voice activated software came in, I use Dragon Naturally Speaking in the early years. And so then, eventually, it could read it to me. And then I went, Oh, my goodness, you know, I've left out a verb here, I've left out an adjective there, or, you know, the sentence didn't make sense. Or, and then, you know, as I learned more about syntax from the next paragraph to the next paragraph. Yeah, it was difficult. And I still got some of my papers. From those some of the early beginnings before I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. And I go, Oh, my goodness, like look at the mistakes, you know, as well as spelling mistakes and things that now you know, software can grammerly Naturally Speaking, no grammar, grammar, Grammarly. I like Grammarly. It really, it really punches up my my work. I haven't checked Michael Hingson  12:53 lately but for me, Grammarly has been somewhat inaccessible, which is a little bit of a problem. But it doesn't at least I haven't found that it works with screen readers well, but I again, I haven't looked at it now. And in a couple of years, so maybe there have been some improvements. But I do agree with you and appreciate the concept that software helps us a lot. If we're open to using I remember Dragon Dictate back in the very early days. Ian Walker  13:26 And yeah, and there. Michael Hingson  13:29 Well, and it wasn't overly accessible and Dragon wasn't overly accessible. There is a product now I use a screen reader called JAWS that verbalizes whatever text comes across the screen, and a gentleman over in England has created a product called JC which is sort of a bridge between dragon and jaws, and actually makes the combination a lot more accessible. So it's very easy now to use Dragon Naturally Speaking and use it effectively. And voice input software like Dragon has made such a difference. I think to so many people. It's so much easier to compose now as you point out. Ian Walker  14:15 Mm hmm. And, and I love it. Like you know, I'm generally a Microsoft guy. So you know, I yeah, I tried Mac and it just it's just too complicated for my brain. Michael Hingson  14:30 Mac is great for graphics. Yeah, and a lot of and a lot of people use it but I too tend toward windows. Ian Walker  14:38 Yeah, yeah. And so you know, now that when I'm writing and stuff, I just love it that AI can either use dictate or you know, or just click on the Grammarly and clean up some stuff that need may need it Michael Hingson  14:55 has Grammarly ever said You dumb bunny. Aren't you ever gonna figure that out, oh, no, just checking, just checking. Ian Walker  15:06 They may say, Huh, you might have another, you have two or three other options. Michael Hingson  15:13 That's my wife would say that though. But that's, that's what wives do. Well, you know, you, you talk about your grandfather being a preacher or pastor, how did? How did his influence affect you? Ian Walker  15:31 Okay, so this is great grandfather. So I had two great grandfather's on my dad's side, who were Baptist preachers. So faith has always been very important in our family. And, you know, and then along with, with the music and stuff, my grandmother that the one that was my, my vocal coach, everything, she was a music director for 25 years, and her Baptist Church and director, choirs, as well as all, you know, musical events. So, so between both my mom and dad had both strong faith and, and I was raised in the Baptist Convention of Ontario, and Quebec, or Baptist of Canada. So our faith has always been very, very important. And that's a really good point. Because in my later years, as I, you know, was learning more about the disorder and a whole deal, when I would be really frustrated, I could just, you know, I could just turn to my faith, I could turn to God, and just, you know, say, God, I need strength here. And I need help, I need support. And, you know, and, and then the thing was, I had lots of people in the family praying for me as well, genuinely, all of them on both sides of my mum and dad side are a lot of, you know, secure Christian, so they had been Christians for a long time. And they they, so I would really say on both my mom and dad side generally is we're a family of faith. And that made a huge, huge difference in actually tell you another story. When I was going through some really bad bullying, in so this is public school, just before third grade, seventh grade, sixth grade seventh, my mom formed a prayer group for children that were having disabilities, mostly boys. Were there were some girls in in the group. And that prayer group continued, I think they got together like, once or twice a month, that prayer group continued for a good 10 years. And I know that I'm walking out of the blessings of that prayer group, because of the faithfulness of my mom and her, her friends that prayed me for strength to get through the issues that I needed to get through. And Michael Hingson  18:17 they pass that on to you. Mm hmm. Which is pretty cool. I think that faith is a very important thing. And I think that it is very relevant for us to have faith, however we express it, that inner strength is is very important to all of us. And, and I'm sure that you, especially when you're talking about bullying, and so on, clearly you, you've had a lot of tests of that. And, you know, at the same time, you know, as well as I that a lot of the bullying comes simply from ignorance and people just don't understand. And you you can choose either to hold a grudge and create a lot of animosity, or you can move beyond that. Ian Walker  19:11 That's right. Well, I think what happened was, you know, when I got to a point, kind of just sort of before my 30s and I just didn't like all of the excess baggage that you know, the that I was still having, I was having, you know, bad dreams of these experiences and stuff. And just just right around there, I was starting to have some, some marital ish issues with my first wife. And so I got into some really good Christian counseling. And, you know, we had to go deep, deep deep down the well, you know, To deal with this stuff, but once we got it out, and as they will talk about it. And the other thing was to learning how to forgive those who had really, you know, hurt me, like, as in the Bible, you know, Jesus says, you know, forgive those who may not know what they've done, right? And, and so once I was able to do that, oh my goodness, a huge burden was lifted from my heart and my whole presence. And I just, you know, I was able to carry on, and I think a lot of the blessings that I've had over the last, say 10 or 15 years is because I've gotten rid of that, those burdens of, you know, of not of those burdens of unforgiveness still holding on to those those issues. So I'm, I'm grateful that, you know, I learned that experience relatively young in my life. Michael Hingson  21:05 You have written a book I have, that I'd love to hear more about. Ian Walker  21:12 Okay, so I'm holding it up here. So it's called stirring my soul to sing, overcoming ADHD through song. And it's available on Amazon. It's available on Barnes and Barnes and Noble, and you can find it on a lot of other you know, platforms. Michael Hingson  21:34 Is there an audio version of the book? Ian Walker  21:36 Not yet. This is that I'm just starting to think about that, too. So when we were getting it, you know, published and my resources didn't include in the budget to do an audiobook, but I'm, I'm thinking about doing one very soon. So, yeah, Michael Hingson  21:55 it won't earn you money, but you might explore in Canada. I'm not sure what the process is. But you might reach out to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, there is a program. In most countries, it used to be called Talking Books. It sort of still is, I guess, to some of us who remember those terminologies. But yeah, we're blind people are in books created for blind people are exempt from standard copyright laws. And so in the in the United States, contacting the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, print impaired or print disabled, however you want to call it, readers, they record books. Now, it's only available to blind and other print challenged people. But it is also a place where you might look at going. But did you did you publish the book yourself? Or was it? Ian Walker  22:55 I went through through a Christian Faith Based publisher in Canada called Word allied press. Okay, so yeah. And I would Michael Hingson  23:07 think that they should be able to help you get the book out on programs like Audible. Ian Walker  23:14 Yeah, well, that's, that's kind of in the works. So we're just just setting up the time, then, you know, the studio time to be able to do it. And I'm hoping I'm hoping to have it done. You know, probably by the fall, so yeah. Michael Hingson  23:31 Well, when we did thunder dog back in 2010, and 2011. It was published by Thomas Nelson sets, the largest Christian publisher, now part of Harper Collins. Yeah, I didn't read it. They actually had someone else read it. But they did make that part of the process. And I kind of encouraged and someone insisted that it needed to also be an audio book. As it turns out, the Library of Congress has also produced it along with our second book running with Roselle so that they're directly available to blind people. Of course, you know, it's always nice when people buy it through audible, as opposed to the Library of Congress because these poor starving authors, dogs, and our dogs make a little bit of money. So you know, Alamo my guide dog always says, whenever we travel, please tell people to buy books because we're running low on kibbles. You know? Ian Walker  24:25 That's great. Michael Hingson  24:28 But, but tell me more about, you know, the book. Okay. Ian Walker  24:30 And so, um, so for the longest time, you know, I was really thinking about should I write a book and just, just sort of sitting down and thinking about the process and, you know, like, this is, this is my first effort. I've had other you know, other pieces published in different sort of music publications and things like that, but So, um, but I just went, Oh, can I do this? So I sat down, and I just sort of came up with potential chapter, you know, like, chapter titles. And then and, you know, wanted to start at the beginning and, and sort of worked my way through. And that's how I started to do it. And so it took about five years to write. Some things were very easy that just flowed really well. Some of the other real difficult issues took a long time, one particular chapter, in dealing with the relationship with my ex wife, I wrote at least 50 times, and, and then I sent it to my publisher, and, you know, I got it back with lots of red ink and crossbow this and, and, and said, No, in, we've taken your chapter, we've added it now. And if you want to publish with us, it has to be this way. And, and I went, you know, and when I read it, and I'm like, Oh, my goodness, like, why did this take me so long to you know, but it's the process of getting it out. Right, the good as well as the bad. And, and so I was really, really happy, you know, when I read their sort of version of that particular chapter. And, and then, you know, different things just started to come along way. So the first part is about the difficulties of dealing with ADHD from a from a child to, you know, to early 20s. But the other part is about the success of my career is working in arts management, in choral and, well, choral arts management, and I've done some orchestral, but most of my career, so I've worked with some major choral organizations in Canada. And, you know, I've worked with some incredible artists. And so I'm not sure if you're familiar with marine forester, she's an amazing classical vocal artists, she was, you know, big in the 40s. To, to the early 2000s. And she had an opportunity to sort of work with her, and she sort of took me under her wing. I'm an alumnus of the Tanglewood Institute program for actually called Boston University Tanglewood Institute. And so when I was down at Tanglewood, in 1981, I got to spend 20 minutes with Leonard Bernstein, and had an amazing conversation with him about one of his choral pieces. And, you know, the other one who comes to mind is like, an over 10 year relationship with Sir David Wilcox that's he's the conductor for or was the conductor for King's College, Cambridge. You know, what Christmas times Christmas from Kings is usually broadcast and Oh, my goodness, that, you know, well, so David was just one of the most amazing and generous people I've ever met my life. And so we, you know, became friends. And then we emailed for over 10 years, you know, right up to Lee. He was in his early 80s, then right up to his early 90s. And he lived to be 95. And, you know, so I wanted to talk about the other side of my career, which was still having a disability, but basically getting to do what I wanted to do, which was to work in music. And, you know, I talked about some of the teachers that I, I worked with, and, you know, choral experiences. And Ian Walker  29:23 so I it's, it's genuinely an arts book, for that arts person in your family who you don't know what to deal with. Michael Hingson  29:34 Yeah. So when you went, by the way when you were done and tinker with Did you ever get to sing with the Boston Symphony? Ian Walker  29:40 No, because our program was a young artists vocal program. But, but we had all kinds of speakers coming in throughout the summer. We were there for eight weeks. And it was an incredible program. and no says You didn't come and speak to us. But we could go at any time, you know, with the student card and go and listen to rehearsals all the time. And our, our, our choral director just recently passed away Leonard Atherton, who used to be a part of University of Muncie, Indiana. But he was a Canadian first. And he did some work up here, like just not very far from where I live in Hamilton, Ontario. And so I was just amazed, choral people that he knew, and that I knew, and then, you know, we come down to dangle wood, and, you know, it becomes International. So, so it's wonderful. And our group are has stayed together this summer, this coming summer, we'll celebrate 41 years, that and we've got composers, we've got conductors, we've got singers that had had incredible careers. And so we're just, you know, through the wonder of the internet, that we're able to still, you know, stay connected. We've got about three reunions throughout the years to that's pretty Tanglefoot. Michael Hingson  31:22 How long did it take you to act? How long did it take you to write the book? Ian Walker  31:27 Well, it was about five years. And then I was looking for the right publisher, and I was going to publish with one in the States. But there was some problems with, you know, the price of the book then and having to add the tariff coming back on and, you know, for a paperback it was going to be like between 35 or $40 for, you know, who would pay that. So. So, I'm connected with a very wonderful group here called the word guild, for Christian writers, and Christian folk who write for, you know, for Christian media. And so some of my friends said, Ian, why don't you check out word alive press. And it's been a very good, you know, association being connected with them. So they, they really helped me get the book out there. And now it's gone into 43 International bookstores on website, I am just, it's gone all over the world. The last it was in China, and it was being looked at in Russia, I was just totally blown away. So Michael Hingson  32:45 exciting. It is. Ian Walker  32:47 And, you know, I'm working on a second book right now. So but it's not gonna have you know, I've already told my story, you know, now, it's time to finesse and, and have some fun. Michael Hingson  33:03 Yeah, we're, we're sort of in the same boat, Thunder dog having been publishing it, and it tells my story. And we have talked in previous episodes of unstoppable mindset about working on another book, and I interviewed Carrie Wildkin, who I'm working with who's collaborating with me on writing it. We also had Susie Florian, who's the lady who wrote and helped me write. She's a professional writer, and she helped me write thunder dog. She is also very involved with Christian writers on the west coast. So we should probably introduce the two of them. That would be wonderful. All right, yeah, I'll do that this afternoon. But we, but we are now getting ready to write another book. And this one's going to be more about fear, and learning to better address and control fear and make it more of a positive thing then, when something happens and you just become so blinded by fear that you can't move forward or do any do anything. So our tentative title is the guide dogs Guide to Being brave me having worked with a guide dogs, and you're just about to have a contract signed on that, which is really exciting. So we'll be awesome. We'll be telling people about that as it moves forward. But I I'm with you the stories out there. So now it's time to be able to branch out and do other things. Yeah, but Ian Walker  34:33 that's really interesting that you you're, you know, looking at writing a book about fear because I've really felt in the last little while that a lot of ADHD issues, open the door to fear. And I was thinking about writing a book on fear, but but I just I've seen it, you know, time and time again, and I A lot of like, part of, you know, part of my journey has really also been to just break down the doors and say, I'm not going to be held by fear anymore. And, you know, I mean, it took me 27 years to get that degree and I was bound and determined that I was going to get it. I, you know, I didn't think it was going to take that long. But there, you know, and there were elements of fear that I had to break through and just say, No, I'm not going to I'm not going to let that, you know, just one little element stopped me from achieving my goal. Michael Hingson  35:37 Hence, the concept of unstoppable. Exactly, yeah. Let me ask this. I'm just curious, have you have animals been a part of your life and help you and moving forward in any way? Ian Walker  35:52 Yes, we growing up, we had an amazing Labrador, and her name was shadow, black lab. And when I would have bad days, she would always come near me, and sit with me. And just she sensed that you know, that I'd had a bad day or had been bullied or whatever. And we had a tent trailer. So sometimes, if it was a really bad day, I'd go out underneath one of the beds and sit with her just, you know, for half an hour or 45 minutes. And she just helped me to really calm down. And then, Elaine, and I, my second wife, we have a Shih Tzu have a niece and her name is Faith. And oh, my goodness, she is such a good dog. And I recently had some health issues. And she came and sat with me almost every day, you know, while I was recovering. And, yeah, so Oh, yes. I love animals Michael Hingson  37:05 very well, we, Ian Walker  37:08 I'm not a cat person. They're the only thing I like we Michael Hingson  37:15 we are now going to draft you to be interviewed for the book. Great. So I think there's, there's a story there. And I think it will be fun to make it part of the book because we will be talking to other people. And Ian Walker  37:33 I would love to write a story for that. That'd be wonderful. Michael Hingson  37:36 Well, we'll get we'll get you interviewed, and we'll be working on that. Definitely. Okay. But, but you know, it's it is interesting animals have such a positive effect on all of us. If, if we allow that. And I understand you're not a cat person. We do have a cat. Yeah. Okay. And she is the most verbal creature. I think I have you ever known. She talks to us all the time. We rescued her. And it took her a couple of months to decide that maybe we were reasonable creatures to have in her house. You know how cats are. So, so we we do have a great relationship with her. And she's good. She's on reason. Ian Walker  38:21 I don't like taxes. I'm allergic to them. Michael Hingson  38:24 So yeah, I understand that. Ian Walker  38:27 You know, a couple of my friends have some tolerable cats that Michael Hingson  38:34 we had. When we lived in many years ago in Mission Viejo, California. We had neighbors, whose kitchen faced our kitchen, and they discovered that from time to time, I would drag out my ice cream freezer and make homemade ice cream. We actually had okay, why we actually had wireless intercoms between the two kitchens. And whenever they looked through their window and saw the freezer going, they would announce that they'd be over with bowls and spoons about 630 or seven o'clock. And sure enough, Alan Linda would show up with bowls and spoons. We also had to we also had two cats. They were sisters. Yeah. Al was not a cat person. These two cats every time he came over, would jump up on the couch where he was sitting and they would wrap themselves around his head and purr and purr and you knew that he was a little bit uncomfortable. But what's funny is what's what's really funny is eventually there was a cat in the neighborhood that would occasionally go to their house and he fed the cat and suddenly the cat adopted him. And he became a cat person, which was really hilarious. Ian Walker  39:49 That's funny. Michael Hingson  39:51 But But animals are a part of our lives in so many ways. So you took five years to write the book was published in 2018. And it's doing Yes. Hmm. Let me ask this. So you come from a musical family, obviously. Yes. Your, your parents and so on. Do you have any, any musical relatives that maybe some of us would have heard of? Ian Walker  40:19 Yes, I do. So on my grandmother's side, my great uncles and everything, generally, we're all very artistic, loved music or arts or, or. And so my third cousins are Jonathan and Jordan night from the New Kids on the Block. So, and we got to see them in concert, because I'm about 10 years older than they are. So Michael Hingson  40:54 that's why there's a new kids. Ian Walker  40:56 That's right. So we got to see them in concert in, I think it was around 2014 or 15. And I understand they're coming to Toronto again in the near near future, I think. I think this coming June or something anyways. Yeah. So. So they're, you know, that that's pretty amazing that but vocal and choral music have been a part of my mom's side of the family. I have other cousins, second cousins or third cousins that have also been in some international choirs and, you know, sang in church choirs as well as you know, community when cousin, she's sung in the Toronto Mendelssohn choir for a number of years. So which is 160 voice choir? Michael Hingson  41:49 You were part of that for a while, weren't you? Ian Walker  41:51 I was I was in the Toronto Mendelssohn youth choir. And that was wonderful. And as a result, Robert Cooper, who has been my good friend and mentor, he was the artistic director of that, that program, and oh, my goodness, we, we had wonderful, wonderful years wonderful training. And I have still about, you know, good 10 or 15. Friends from from those years that we've still stayed in touch, and that's also at least at the 40 year mark, too. So. Michael Hingson  42:29 Well, I have to ask, do your third cousins acknowledge you as members of as a member of the family? Ian Walker  42:36 Oh, yeah, they know, checking? Yeah, they know who I am, what you see their grandmother was my favorite great aunt. Okay. And so, she is mentioned in the book quite a lot. And, and she was an amazing painter. I have like five or six of her paintings in my house. And, and so the eldest, Jonathan knew her fairly well as the Jonathan Jordan was a couple years behind. And so, you know, he didn't get to spend as much quality time as, as Jonathan did, to, you know, connect with her. They were living in Boston, so yeah, so, but she was wonderful. Oh, my goodness, I love spending time with my aunt all of Michael Hingson  43:35 Well, obviously, ADHD was something that you you dealt with very well, but even so, and music helped that, but help you deal with that. But was was your ADHD ever a problem when you were dealing with music singing or studying music? Ian Walker  43:54 And that's really interesting, because some other people have asked me that, no, you know, and the, like, the only thing that I have a problem with right now, maybe it's partly age, but is memory. And so when I'm memorizing words in with music, there's no problem. When I have to memorize like, you know, written script part. It is, it's a real difficult time unless I sort of have worked out some, you know, some steps along the way, like, Okay, I'm telling this part of the story, and this is what it means in depth. So that, you know, and it's kind of like I have to sort of like do a, a plot analysis. But when I'm learning music, with lyrics and music together, there's no problem. And I would love to, to see an MRI of my brain to trying to do one or the other, just to you know, to understand what what's going on. out there, why what, you know, problems. Michael Hingson  45:06 But it's interesting that you can use that as a breakthrough to really, in a lot of ways get beyond the absolutely HD. Ian Walker  45:15 Yeah, yeah. And also, they say after 50 That your ADHD, you know, lessons, and mine certainly did. But the other thing that I wanted to stress too is I've chosen since I was 12 or 13 years old to be non medicated. So I have used music as my therapy. So I have a catchphrase music versus medicine. And that has worked so well for me. Michael Hingson  45:53 So you sing that great thing. Yes. Do you Do you play any musical instruments? Yes. Besides kazoo Ian Walker  46:03 No, I don't play kazoo, but I cannot play because you know, but I play flute accordion and piano and as well as voice Michael Hingson  46:11 Yeah. Well, then you can work on because you could work on kazoo. Ian Walker  46:16 I could work on kazoo. Yeah. Michael Hingson  46:19 That that should go well with football I would think. Ian Walker  46:22 Yeah, the right part. I'm going to be a new what's his name? Bobby. You know that. Don't worry. Get Don't worry. Be happy. Yeah, some? Yeah. That well, he is an incredible musician, incredible singer. And so he can think like he can hum and sing Mozart parts and and then I love it when people come and we'll sing harmony with them or whatever. Oh, it's really mix Aaron Bobby McFerrin. I know, even Ferran Michael Hingson  46:57 right. Yeah. We we are great fans here. My wife and I have acapella music. We listen a lot to groups like Straight No Chaser. Are you familiar with them? No, don't know them. They're a group of 10 students who went to to college in Indiana, formed a group saying some then didn't do anything. And then later got all got back together. Now they have a number of of albums. And it's all acapella. Which is really wonderful. And the harmony is great. And they, they, they sing one of my favorite Christmas songs who spiked the eggnog, you have to hunt it down and listen, oh, that's it. It's really cool. It's really clever. And, but but, you know, music is so much a part of all of our lives. And I'm glad that for you, it really is able to, to mean so much and do so much. So from a professional standpoint. You graduated from college? And then what did you do? Ian Walker  48:10 Well, then I worked a lot in different arts organizations. So in now, like, you know, because it took such a long time to get the degree and, you know, get myself established and because I'm an arts consultant, so I deal in public relations, marketing and fundraising. And I've had a various number of clients, you know, throughout the years. Now, with COVID, some things are starting to, you know, pick up again, but it's me time, I've wanted to really do a cabaret evening. So I've just started working with this amazing music director, her name's Don Martens. She's here, right here in the Hamilton area. She's so talented, and I just love working with her. So our plan is, for September, we're going to do a backyard concert to you know, try it out, we're going to do six to eight or eight, eight to 12 songs or so. And then we'll we'll try it out her husband does all the sound and the lighting. And then we'll see how it goes. And if it's ready to be, you know, shipped, then we can start promoting it when I also do other book signing events. Michael Hingson  49:34 How many people will be involved in that? In terms of singing? Yeah, Ian Walker  49:37 yeah. Well, I've tried to do something different with my book signing events. I've tried to always sing. So you know, do three or four pieces. And, and that's all gone overwhelmed with people that you know, don't know me. But the other exciting news is I'm working on an album. So so this is the first time You can find me on the internet. And, you know, I've just done a whole Christmas community thing with the Dundas Baptist Church, which was our home church, we, my family was there for over 50 years. But Don put together this wonderful sort of community program during COVID. And so I've got a good, good piece on there. So and now we're going to be we're going to be putting together six songs to to, you know, to start an album, so I'm really excited about that. That's been, I've wanted to do an album for a long time. And so we're gonna have the gospel, inspiration, style and one Christmas song. Michael Hingson  50:52 Where can people find out? Where can people find your singing today? Well, Ian Walker  50:55 as soon as I yeah, you can go to my website. And if you can sign up, I do a newsletter vote every, you know, either once a year or six every six months? And do you want me just to tell you the new website, Michael Hingson  51:14 or Sure, we'll, we'll do it later as well. But sure, go ahead. Ian Walker  51:18 So it's Emily in E M, Lian, communications plural.org. And if you go to that website, and there's a, you know, become a friend, join my website, just give us your name and your email address, we'd love to have you, you know, come on board, and then you'll be able to see my, my events. So but the other odd other real exciting big news is, I've written a play about the book. And I taken seven characters, and created a 60 minute play about dealing with ADHD, and using music therapy. So and it's going to be called stirring my soul to sing. And we're going to be premiering it in July here within the Greater Toronto Area. We're just waiting for confirmation. But I think it's going to be done as Baptist church because they have a wonderful sanctuary area, that will just work perfectly. We're going to kind of do it, what I refer to as opera and concert style. So music stands with scripts, and it's gonna kind of like an old time radio show, we're going to begin to try that, that format out. And so I'm really, really excited about that and information, how to get tickets, as all my will be on my website very soon. Michael Hingson  53:02 Cool. Well, that's pretty obviously pretty exciting all the way around in terms of the things that you've accomplished. I'm interested to know a little bit more about what it means to be an art consultant. Ian Walker  53:14 Oh, well, you know, I've worked in, in that position. And as for 30 years, so you know, working with different arts organizations, you learn a multiple level of skills. And so excuse me, when I started off, I was working in marketing, and I loved marketing. And then, you know, you as part of, because I was in an apprenticeship program, so we had had to move around, you know, and learn so many skills. So then I was taught, I think I was like, a month or so in the box office. So I learned box office skills. And then, you know, some of the events that I was working on in marketing promoted me to learn more about PR. And then also that summer I learned fundraising as I was on the phone selling tickets for, you know, for the orchestra. So all of those Ian Walker  54:17 skills became a what's what I call now an art consultant. So I have, I've raised $2.5 million for Arts and Social Sciences. Ian Walker  54:30 And before I'm done when I'm ready to retire I'm aiming for my goal is going to be 5 million. So, so I got another 2.5 to go. You can do it. I think I can do it. Yeah, cuz I'm not ready to retire yet. And I'm just in my early 60s. So Michael Hingson  54:47 there Yeah, there you go. Yeah. So in addition to being an arts consultant, what are you doing to help prepare the next generation whether it's a In art, or I'm more curious to hear what you would say about helping people in the future dealing with ADHD. Ian Walker  55:08 Absolutely. And my whole thoughts is, you know, I want to be able to give back. So I'm, I'm, as we're just starting to, you know, put things together for the production, I'm going to have two or three students, that will be learning stage managing, or, you know, and I'm hoping that these are kids that have some disability issues, you know, if it's a DD ADHD or a DD to be able to see how to use your energies, you know, is really important, and to have the right people there to help steward you, you know, in that, in that process is really important. So, so we're going to do that. I've been speaking to Chamber of Commerce, you know, in the within the community, as a, as a public speaker, and talking about ADHD, and disability in in the classroom, and how important it is that the shaming stops blaming, and the shaming stops, you know, and that disability is part of our lives, as artists as, as whatever that, you know, we continue to grow, and to have tolerance for people that have a difference, you know, then then, then the normal person. And so those are really important things. And, and I had built that into my company that we will have students or we will have assistants that have ADHD, or whatever. And that, you know, we will be working with with adults of disability, in our projects that we're doing into the future, Michael Hingson  57:09 will is clearly a person who has a lot of knowledge about ADHD, especially from the first person's point of view. Have you found? Have you found challenges using websites and the internet? Being a person experiencing ADHD? Ian Walker  57:28 Um, sometimes, like, I'm just because we're, you know, coming out of COVID now, and just bombardment of emails, like, you know, I mean, I get over, sometimes, like, over 150 emails, now I gotta start going through, get rid of the sales stuff. Michael Hingson  57:48 But that takes care of 149 of them. But go ahead. Ian Walker  57:51 See, there you go. Right. And, and so the thing is, I just, I get exasperated, I get tired. From Michael Hingson  58:01 websites. Have you had challenges on going to visit web pages? Ian Walker  58:06 Not so much? No. Because I've just discovered now, and I love this, especially on, you know, on the Kindle books, whatever, that those kinds of books and web pages can read back to you. You don't have to read everything. And I love this. And so. So now with the upgrade and you know, software through Microsoft web pages, if I'm tired or at it, you know, they can can voice activate and read to me, which is wonderful. Michael Hingson  58:44 One of the reasons that I asked the question is that is you may know, if you've looked at me a lot, I work for a company called accessiBe, which is a company that manufactures products that make webpages and websites accessible and accessiBe. It deals with a variety of disabilities and actually allows you to activate profiles to address specific issues like in terms of ADHD, a lot of noise on websites and other things like that. And AccessiBe has a profile specifically intended to deal with websites that can be a challenge for some people with ADHD to make them much more usable. So if you get a chance, you might check it out. It's, Ian Walker  59:33 I wouldn't use it. Yeah. Michael Hingson  59:37 Yeah, I will A C C E S S B E, I will I'll send you some information. Because it might very well be that there is a great partnership that can evolve from that around the wonderful accessiBe likes to work with people who have disabilities and who know more than than we do. So yeah, it's it's good to establish that but the way it works is that there are a number profiles that accessiBe be deals with and ADHD and, and other cognitive disabilities are profiles that can be activated. So it certainly makes sense for us to get you and some of the folks that accessiBe together. Ian Walker  1:00:16 Awesome. Michael Hingson  1:00:18 Well, we have been doing this a long time. And we could go on and on and on. But we both probably have lots to do. But I'd like to do this again. But I really, thank you for your time being here today to talk about a lot of this. And I'd like you to go through again, if people want to get a hold of you not sending you sales emails. Okay, how can they reach out to you? Ian Walker  1:00:45 Okay, so my website is www.E M L I A N communications. So C O M M U N I C A T I O N S .org Emliancommunications.org. Now, there's an easier way to remember if you just Google Walker, or Stirring Walker ADHD, it will also bring up all the information that you need to know about me and the book. Michael Hingson  1:01:30 And if people want to email you, Ian Walker  1:01:33 you can email me at info@Emliancommunications.org. Michael Hingson  1:01:41 Well, thank you very much for being here. I know it's taken us a while to get together. But I am so glad that we finally were able to do it and have a chance to really chat. I've got to ask, do you do a podcast? Ian Walker  1:01:56 I do. And I just started it. It's called the arts report music for the ADHD brain. And it's on Spotify. It's on a couple others, you can find it on my website. We're going to be adding some more to it. It's just been, you know, time to I've got some programs in the can that just have to be edit it. And well, thank God I have somebody who's amazing that does that. I don't have to do that. That's not my that's not my, my specialty. Michael Hingson  1:02:33 You do? No, that's Ian Walker  1:02:34 not what I do. Well, I like being able to have a producer say hey, what do you think about this? And Michael Hingson  1:02:41 do you deal with some of the PATA Palooza folks? Ian Walker  1:02:44 Just starting to get into that. So in been very grateful of the new connections that we're we've made there. So of course, you're one of those. So that's, that's wonderful. Michael Hingson  1:02:59 Well, again, what's the name of the podcast? Ian Walker  1:03:02 So it's called the arts report music for the ADHD brain. Michael Hingson  1:03:09 Well, if you ever need a guest to come on and talk about something esoteric or another, let me know we'd love to do Ian Walker  1:03:16 that because we want to talk about disability as well. So you know and overcoming disability so love to have you on Michael when we can can schedule that. Michael Hingson  1:03:27 Let's do it. All right, in locker thanks again for being here. And I want to thank you for listening to us today. I hope you've enjoyed your time within reach out to him. I am sure that he won't treat your email as a sales email. He's he's responded to mine pretty well. So I guess he he liked me can distinguish between what's real and what's not. But I want to thank you all for listening to unstoppable mindset. We sure appreciate a five star rating wherever you are listening to this podcast. And if you'd like to reach out and talk to me possibly be a guest on the podcast or just share your thoughts. You can go to www.Michaelhingson.com/podcast that's www.M I C H A E L H I N G S O N.com/podcast or email me at Michaelh M I C H A E L H I at accessiBe.com accessiBe is spelled A C C E S S I B E. And again, we mentioned the concept of accessiBe dealing with a variety of disabilities. If you want to learn more about accessiBe , please visit www.accessibe.com. But again, thanks for listening and Ian, thanks very much for being here today. Ian Walker  1:04:53 Thank you so much, Michael. It's been great hanging out with you today. Michael Hingson  1:04:57 It's been my honor as well. Thank you Michael Hingson  1:05:03 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com. accessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Guest speaker Sam Taylor preaches from Psalm 92:12-14 on the idea that God can still use you even when you think you are not good enough. Sam is the Greater Boston Regional Coordinator for the Baptist Convention of New England. He has served as pastor for more than 20 years. Before coming to New England in 2007, he led a team of International Mission Board missionaries, helping to plant multiple churches in Eastern Europe.   Island Pond Baptist Church is The post Psalm 92:12-14 – God's Not Finished With You! appeared first on Island Pond Baptist Church.

Psalm 46:1 – Mike Crawford, Executive Director of Baptist Convention of MD/DE

In our last episode we discussed what it means to be a part of a cooperatve program. The South Carolina Baptist Convention (SCBC) is one of these programs. The SCBC exists to "to see every life saturated and transformed by the hope of the Gospel." There are many avenues they use to complete this mission. Listen in as our guest, SCBC's Chief Strategic Officer, Lee Clamp, joins us to talk about the history and current state of the SCBC, the local church's role in the SCBC, and Lee's own heart for relational discipleship. Lee is a man of God that desires to see people transformed by Jesus as he leads 5 teams in the SCBC to see this vision come to a reality. Enjoy today's discussion about the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

When Christians devour one another, the Holy Spirit is grieved. This undercuts our power in ministry. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Smith and discuss divisiveness and unity in the church today. The church's divisions reflect the divisions of the world. Kevin Smith is the former Executive Director for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, professor at Southern Seminary, and now transitioning back into the pastorate at Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. Kevin laments the divisiveness in the church and believes that Christians must pursue unity. Listen in as we discuss Kevin Smith's heart for the local church, racial unity, and justice. We also discuss Kevin's own story and background, raised in Maryland, discipled in ministry at Main Street Baptist Church under Elder DJ Ward, his love for his wife, his distaste for political tribalism, and his transition back into the pastorate. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Download the Germantown Chamber App built by bfac.comhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/germantown-area-chamber/id999194804 About bfac.combfac.com is one of the fastest growing mobile app design & mass texting companies in the world, with clients in all 50 U-S States and a growing footprint around the world. They've been featured by media outlets around North America including NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, The Business Journal, iHeart Media and Gannett Publishing.Today,  bfac.com has 48 U-S states as clients (the actual states themselves) and growing territories including Guam and Puerto Rico. They work with elected officials (From the Governor's office to the Attorney General) to the military (National Guard & AirNational Guard) to restaurants & convenience Stores (Mickey Mantle Steakhouse & 7-Eleven) to charities (Salvation Army, Folds of Honor & FCA) to major companies (Dell Computers & Michelin Tires) and churches (Billy Graham Ministries). They also work with a number of associations across the country (Bar Association, Home Builders Association & National Guard Officers Association). But while a number of fortune 500 companies use their services, the majority of our clients (over 90%) are small businesses. They are affordable and more than a million people use bfac.com technology around the world!bfac.com's focus is simple, help their clients reach their goals with proven strategy and cutting edge technology. They are passionate about helping their clients disrupt their markets and grow faster than ever. They provide each client with their own account manager; creating a personalized customer service experience from day one. Call or text 405-635-5651 to schedule a FREE consultation, and see for yourself how bfac.com can make an immediate impact on your business or organization. About Brad McMullanMcMullan is the founder and CEO of bfac.com, an international mobile technology company, that focuses on mobile app development, voice search technology, digital marketing & mass texting for businesses and organizations. Today, bfac.com has clients in all 50 states and has 48 U-S states as clients (the actual states themselves are clients of bfac.com) and also the territories of Guam & Puerto Rico. The award-winning technology company is currently used by more than a million people around the world. Some clients include Toyota, Michelin, Ozarka Water, Dell Computers, The Salvation Army, The National Guard and AMR.McMullan was honored for his business accomplishments by the Business Journal, when he was named to the prestigious "Tech 21" list and was named to the "Top in Tech" list of influential technology leaders. McMullan has also been named the Executive of the Year by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. McMullan has also recently been selected by Harvard Business School, to participate in a special continuing education program on technology.                                                                                                                         McMullan is an active volunteer, serving on multiple national boards including the Salvation Army's National Advisory Board and 4WordWomen.org's National Board of Directors. McMullan also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Innovate Mississippi and recently finished serving on the Oklahoma State Chamber Board of Directors and a four-year term on the Madison County Business League Board of Directors. He has previously also served on the Make A Wish Board of Directors of Mississippi and the Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors in Mississippi. For his extensive community work, McMullan was recognized as the Community Advocate of the Year by New Horizon Church International. When he is not running his company or working in the community, McMullan can usually be found on the speaking circuit.  He was invited to speak at more than 70 events and conventions over the last few years including Google's Start Up Grind, The Crossing The Bridge Conference on Race Relations, The Conservation District's Annual Dinner, The Keller Williams Real Estate Annual Dinner, The Young Bankers Association Annual Conference, The Manufactured Housing Association Conference, The Oklahoma Marketing Association's Annual Luncheon, The Germantown Tennessee's Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, The Independent Insurance Association of Oklahoma's Annual Conference, The FedEX e-Tech Conference, The Oklahoma Association on Associations Annual Conference, The Mississippi Economic Council's Annual Meeting, The Furniture Marketing Group's Annual Symposium at the Venetian in Las Vegas, The North American Rental Car Association's Convention at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and at the Better Business Bureau Regional Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. McMullan was also the keynote speaker for the Baptist Convention's Witnessing Through Media Awards. McMullan has been featured on NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS. iHeart Media and the Radio people.Before entering the business world and the speaking circuit, McMullan was known by many as an Award Winning Broadcast Journalist. McMullan won two Emmy Awards and has five Emmy nominations to his credit.  He also has won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award and received multiple honors from the Associated Press.McMullan has interviewed a number of newsmakers including Former President Obama, Former President George W. Bush, Former Vice President Dick Cheney, the late Former President George H. Bush, the late Senator John McCain, J.C. Watts, Oliver North and Kelly Ripa.  McMullan's work has been featured on major news networks and in a number of newspapers around the world including the Washington Post.

U.S. Senator James Lankford joins Sam Stone and Chuck Warren on this episode of Broken Potholes. Senator James Lankford serves Oklahomans. He served four years in the US House of Representatives for central Oklahoma, until he was overwhelmingly elected to the US Senate in 2014. Before his service in Congress, Senator Lankford served students and families for more than 20 years in ministry, including 15 years as the Director of Student Ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and Director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp, the largest youth camp in the United States, with more than 51,000 individuals attending each summer.Senator Lankford and his staff enjoy serving people from all backgrounds across Oklahoma. As chairman of the Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee, which covers federal spending, regulatory reform, and the federal workforce, he demands we have a more fiscally responsible and transparent federal government, and our nation remains the world leader. He believes that the federal government has an important role in our nation, but empowered families, individual people, and private businesses grow our economy and pass down our values. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com

This week, we have the privilege of being joined by Dr. Kevin Smith, the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of MD/DE. As we continue pursuing racial reconciliation, we want to spend some time addressing the state of the Evangelical Church, honestly look at the history of Southern Baptists, and try to make sense of where we are now. "Deflection Boy" t-shirts and bumper stickers will be made available...if we ever start doing merch.

Who is Sufficient - Richard P Oldham - Ky Baptist Convention Recorded in 1977

The Legislative Black Caucus puts pressure on lawmakers to hold a vote to remove the state flag.Plus, calling it a moral stand, Mississippi's Baptist Convention joins a growing number of organizations distancing themselves from the confederate emblem.Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, accolades for one Jackson State student culminate with an ESPY Award.Segment 1:Mississippi's Legislative Black Caucus is pressing lawmakers to hold a vote on removing the state flag with the confederate emblem before the session ends. Gathered outside the state capital yesterday, leadership told members of the media talks are underway to bring the issue to a vote. Representative Chris Bell, a Democrat from Jackson, says bi-partisan efforts to take action on the issue began the Monday after thousands marched in the streets of the capital city demanding change.Segment 2:Leaders of Mississippi's Baptist Convention Board are calling on state legislators to change the state flag, calling it a ‘moral issue.' Dozens of board members, past and present, signed a letter asking legislators and the governor to remove the flag with its confederate emblem. Current Executive Director Shawn Parker authored and presented the letter.Segment 3:Southern Remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:Thomas Lee made a three pointer that, since March, has shot the Jackson State University student into the national spotlight. That light continued to shine Sunday night when Lee was awarded an ESPY for Favorite "Can't Stop Watching Moment". Thomas Lee joins us to discuss that memorable night and how he is taking advantage of the attention. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Dr. Kevin Smith to the podcast to talk about the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and why Christians should lament this tragedy and work to seek justice in their communities. This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Talking Points: Abortion by Dr Lizzie Ling & Vaughan Roberts. Guest Biography Dr. Kevin Smith leads the staff of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. He has experience as a pastor, chaplain, church planter, conference speaker, and short-term missionary. He has studied at Hampton University, the Church of God Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, subsequently serving on Southern's faculty for over a decade. In 2015, while serving the Highview Baptist Church in Louisville (KY), he was elected president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Kevin and his wife, Patricia, have three adult children and two great-nephews. His hobbies include whatever sports his kids were playing and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. His ministry is animated by Jesus' prayer for the unity of His followers in John 17. Resources from the Conversation Connect with Dr. Smith on Twitter @smithbaptist Learn more about the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Listen to the New York Time's The Daily episode on the shooting of Arbery Listen to Slate's What Next episode on the corruption of justice in this case Read the AJC explainer | What we know so far about the Ahmaud Arbery shooting Read Russell Moore's article | The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery and the Justice of God Read Baptist Press report by Diana Chandler | Video of Ahmaud Arbery shooting inflames tensions in south Georgia town Read The Dispatch explainer by David French | A Vigilante Killing in Georgia Subscribe to the ERLC's Capitol Conversations

The coronavirus has upended our lives and the uncertainty is unsettling. As the country confronts this new reality, Jeff Pickering visited United States Senator James Lankford in his Washington, D.C. office to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's ongoing response to this rapidly developing situation. This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the Oxford Apologetics series. Learn about the titles in this bestselling series here. Guest Biography James Lankford is a United States Senator from Oklahoma. After serving four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, James was elected to the U.S. Senate to complete an unexpired term in November 2014 and re-elected to a full six-year senate term in November 2016. Before Congress, James served students and families for more than 20 years in ministry, including 15 years as the Director of Student Ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and Director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp. James lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Cindy. They have been married more than 27 years and have two daughters, Hannah and Jordan. He enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard, and reading. Resources from the Conversation Sen. Lankford's Senate website Keep up with the ERLC's latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov From The White House | 15 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD A Q&A on coronavirus with an infectious disease specialist ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast