POPULARITY
By Warren Cole Smith Megachurches are not going away, of course. But data in recent years suggest their growth and numbers are leveling out, and possibly even declining. In 1970, the United States had less than 20 protestant megachurches, churches with more than 2,000 in weekly attendance. Today, that number is close to 2,000, a 100-fold increase. However, this number has been mostly unchanged for the past 10 years. In other words, after a period of explosive growth from 1970 to about 2010, the growth in the number of megachurches, and the number of people who attend them, seems to have stagnated. Outreach Magazine publishes an annual list of the fastest growing churches in America, and the largest churches in America. I recently compared the most recent list to the list from 2006 — 20 years ago. My analysis was not comprehensive, but it was fascinating. For example, the largest church on the 2006 list was Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, pastored by Joel Osteen. In 2006 and 2026, the attendance listed was 45,000. No growth whatsoever over a 20-year period. The No. 2 church on the 2006 list was Florida's Without Walls International Church, led by Randy White, the former husband of Prosperity Gospel preacher and Trump advisor Paula White. Without Walls had 23,900 attendees in 2006. Today, that church is not on the list. It sold its facility in 2011 following the divorce of Randy and Paula White, not to mention other public scandals. Today, the church still exists, but attendance figures are hard to come by. Attendance is likely in the hundreds or — at most —low thousands. Not the tens of thousands of its heyday. The No. 3 church on the 2006 church is the Second Baptist Church of Houston, which listed attendance of 22,266 in 2006 and still has attendance of 19,564 today. That is a slight decline over the past two decades, but Second Baptist is still a substantial church and a force in the Houston area. Rounding out the Top Five on the 2006 list are New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (22,000) and Willow Creek Church (21,500). Both churches have been wracked by scandal and are now much smaller today than then. In short, not one of the Top Five churches of 2006 grew in the intervening decades, and three of the five had very public scandals that precipitated dramatic declines. I do not want to overstate my case. As William Bennett famously said, “The plural of anecdote is not data.” I am sharing anecdotes, not data — or at least, not all the data. I will be the first to admit that. And I can think of a couple of good counterarguments to my thesis that the Age of the Megachurch is over. First, while these churches have declined, others have emerged, and some of them are very large indeed. For example, Life.Church of Edmond, Okla., led by Craig Groeschel, now claims 85,000 attendees. That makes it the largest church in the nation. Church of the Highlands of Birmingham, Ala., is led by Chris Hodges. That church claims 60,000 attendees. And Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria, Ariz., is both the No. 3 church on this year's list and it remains one of the fastest growing churches in the country, with 54,142 in weekly attendance. However, it is worth noting that all three of these churches are multi-site churches. Life.Church has more than 45 physical locations. Church of the Highlands has at least 27 locations. Christ's Church of the Valley has more than 18 physical locations. The multisite phenomenon was rare in 2006 and nonexistent in 1970. It is obvious that if these multisite churches were not aggregating numbers from dozens of sites, their numbers would be much less eye-popping. The growth in multi-site churches, and the anemic growth in the number of megachurches also make obvious that American infatuation with megachurches seems to be in decline. Ryan Burge, my “go to guy” when it comes to church data, notes that the median size of a church in America is about 70 people. Put plainly, the nation's megachurches attract about five to seven million people each week. But non-megachurches attract 10 times that many — 50 to 70 million people. In other words, the megachurch is not now, nor has it ever been, representative of the church experience in the United States. Megachurches feel dominant because they receive media attention, and they can invest in radio, television, and other mass media. But that is an illusion. Will these trends continue? The answer to that question is, likely, “yes.” First, lots of church leaders, even those in the church growth movement, are growing tired of the megachurch and multisite model. Here at MinistryWatch, we have written about Watermark Church, which abandoned its multisite model in 2021. Most of those sites became independent churches, and they are now thriving. Some of these independent churches have themselves planted churches. Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., is someone who has never embraced either the megachurch or the multisite model. His church has intentionally stayed relatively small, less than 1,000 in weekly attendance, and it has been equally intentional about planting churches in the D.C. area. So far, CHBC has helped plant or revitalize more than a dozen churches in the surrounding area. Secondly, it is important to note that the megachurch is at least as much a cultural phenomenon as it is a spiritual phenomenon. Megachurches are the brainchild of Baby Boomers and the post-World War II industrialization of America and the world. That is why I often refer to the “Evangelical Industrial Complex” to describe what has happened to religious life since the 1970s. The industrial model, with its features of scale and mass production, has proven damaging to the mission of the church, and it has lost its appeal to subsequent generations, who value community and relationships. We can now see that evangelicalism's industrial model is good at empire building, but not as good at kingdom building. So, to return to the question that started this conversation: Is the Age of the Megachurch over? The answer to that question may be that it really never was. The sturm und drang of the megachurch movement has turned out to be just what Goethe's famous expression suggests: overwrought, full of passion, but fleeting. Megachurches will not disappear, but after a half-century of observation, we can say that the legacy of the megachurch is mixed, and includes scandal, spiritual deconstruction, and cynicism. In short, becoming a megachurch is no longer the goal to which even church growth advocates aspire. Many faithful Christians are discovering the wisdom found along the Old Paths, and they can say with conviction E.F Schumacher might admire: “small is beautiful.” The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.
Part 11 of our study on Church History.May 3, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierUsing the core seminar on Church History from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC
Part 10 of our study on Church HistoryApril 26, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierUsing the core seminar on church history from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC
Part 9 of our study on Church HistoryApril 19, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierUsing the Church History Core Seminar from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC
Class #16 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-4-congregational-counseling Description from SermonAudio: The lesson presents a biblical vision for church-based discipleship and counseling. It emphasizes that every believer bears responsibility to care for one another through God's Word, rather than deferring to professional counselors. Grounded in numerous 'one another' passages and Paul's affirmation of the church's collective ability to instruct one another, it argues that the local congregation is the primary context for spiritual formation and mutual care. It distinguishes three levels of engagement: personal relationships as the front lines, mature believers as mentors, and pastoral care as a last resort for severe struggles. Still, it affirms that all members are called to participate in the work of discipleship. The class addresses common hesitations about inadequacy by affirming that faithfulness, prayerful listening, and Scripture application require no professional training — only willingness and dependence on the Holy Spirit. It concludes with clear guidelines for when to seek pastoral help, stressing that such steps should not replace personal involvement but rather support it. It warns against promising confidentiality, underscoring the importance of trust and wisdom in spiritual care.
Part 8 of our study of Church History.April 12, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierUsing the core seminar on Church History from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC.
Class #15 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/week-3-christian-identity Description from SermonAudio: This class centers on the biblical foundation of Christian identity. It holds that true self-understanding comes not from performance, relationships, labels, or self-perception, but from God's Word, being defined through the lens of creation, fall, and redemption. It emphasizes that identity is shaped by what we ultimately trust—whether the world's opinions, achievements, psychology, or God's truth—and warns that when competing influences become authoritative, they distort our sense of worth and purpose. The lesson draws from Paul's testimony in Philippians of transformation and radical reorientation from self-righteousness to Christian identity; it also calls believers to reject all earthly foundations and embrace the truth that they are image-bearers of God, once fallen in sin, but now redeemed in Christ. Practical application involves guiding others to shift conversations from experiential concerns to theological reflection, helping them discern what truly governs their hearts and reorient their lives around the unchanging truth of Scripture. Ultimately, the class affirms that identity is not discovered in self-analysis but is revealed in Christ, where dignity, purpose, and direction are found in relationship with God.
Class #14 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/week-2-getting-at-the-heart Description from SermonAudio: This class centers on the heart as the root of human behavior, defining it as the core of emotions, desires, thoughts, beliefs, and motives from which all actions and words originate. Drawing from Scripture, it emphasizes that sin is not merely external behavior but stems from an 'evil heart of unbelief,' as seen in Israel's refusal to enter the Promised Land, and highlights how the heart, though deceitful, is known and transformed by God through His Word and the new heart given in Christ. The lesson identifies some deep-rooted sins — discouragement, lust and idolatry, and deception and unbelief — as manifestations of a heart estranged from God. It warns that modern psychological narratives like trauma and victimhood can distract from biblical accountability and the need for faith-based transformation. Ultimately, the lesson calls believers to anchor their identity in Christ, trusting the truth of Scripture as the foundation for overcoming sin and effectively counseling others, with the conviction that true change begins not in self-effort but in the faith that affirms one's new identity in Jesus.
Jaime grew up in small-town Massachusetts. Having grown up a nominal Roman Catholic, Jaime had little interest in God beyond maintaining a veneer of morality, which he often cast off at his own convenience. By God’s grace, while in college, Jaime was born again while hearing a sermon on Luke 15. Upon graduation, Jaime served as a police officer, but after three years, though he loved the work, he resigned and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to pursue a Master of Divinity. During his studies, he met Dr. Mark Dever, Senior Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and moved to Washington, DC to be an intern and serve as Mark’s personal assistant for the next two years. After this time, he moved to Providence, RI and served as Associate Pastor at Grace Harbor Church for the next year and a half. Jaime was called to be Senior Pastor of Tremont Temple in April of 2017. He is married to Adriana and is daddy to Mercy, Audrey, Jack, and Noah. Jaime holds a B.S. from Bridgewater State University in Criminal Justice, an M.Div from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Th.M with a focus on preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jaime also serves as an adjunct professor in the Biblical and Religious Studies program at Sattler College in Boston. Jaime’s interests include history and literature, woodworking, a bit of surfing, daily hand grinding his pour over coffee with the help of Jack and Noah, running and barbell training, and short family adventures.
Class #13 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-1-introduction-to-biblical-counseling Description from SermonAudio: This class introduces biblical counseling as a vital, everyday practice rooted in the Christian call to disciple and care for one another. It emphasizes that, though every believer is equipped by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, the realities of sin, fallenness, and varying levels of maturity point to a need for mutual guidance. It defines biblical counseling not as psychological therapy but as the faithful representation of God's wisdom, where believers, as ambassadors of Christ, help others see their situations through God's perspective, grounded in Scripture. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5, the lesson underscores that the core of this ministry is reconciliation: pointing others to Christ's righteousness and calling them to repentance and transformation. Through a practical example of a father counseling his son over jealousy and peer pressure, it illustrates how asking thoughtful, Scripture-guided questions reveals heart issues like coveting, fear of man, and idolatry, demonstrating that true change begins in the heart. The sermon calls believers to live incarnationally, consistently representing Christ's message, method, and character in all relationships, not just in crises, but in the ordinary moments of life.
Class #12 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-12-hazards-joys-of-discipling Description from SermonAudio: This class explores the profound spiritual hazards and enduring joys inherent in the practice of discipleship, emphasizing that true discipleship is not about human effort or self-reliance, but about being a willing instrument in God's hands. It warns against pride, self-importance, and the illusion of personal adequacy, grounding the believer's sufficiency in Christ alone and affirming that all spiritual growth is ultimately God's work. The lesson highlights the dangers of rigid, programmatic approaches, over-dependency, and emotional discouragement, urging flexibility, accountability, and trust in God's sovereign timing and purpose. The joy of discipleship is found not in visible results, but in the faithful obedience of pointing others to Christ, with the ultimate goal of seeing them mature and set free to serve in their own spheres. This work, though often unseen, bears eternal fruit and reflects the divine principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive, as both the discipler and the disciple are transformed in the process.
Matt Schmucker unpacks the character qualities essential for effective missionary work and strategic kingdom advancement. Drawing from 34 years of experience revitalizing Capitol Hill Baptist Church and founding 9Marks Ministry, Schmucker reveals the economic and strategic realities of modern missions. He challenges the assumption that Western missionaries are always the solution, highlighting how indigenous pastor training often yields greater kingdom impact for significantly lower investment. Reconsider your approach to global gospel advancement through this cost-benefit and cultural-sensitivity lens. Topics: Missionary character, Indigenous leadership development, Strategic missions, Cost-effectiveness, Cross-cultural evangelism
Part 7 of our study on church historyUsing the Core Seminar from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DCMarch 15, 2026Pastor Aaron Frasier
Class #11 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-10-discipling-people-who-are-hurting Description from SermonAudio: The class centers on the necessity of anchoring both doctrine and practice in Christ when discipling those who are hurting. It emphasizes that suffering, though rooted in humanity's fall and the resulting curse, is not without purpose. Drawing from Scripture, it affirms God's sovereignty and goodness, showing how Christ's life, death, and resurrection break the power of sin and death, offering hope that transforms suffering into redemptive purpose. The practical emphasis on stability underscores the importance of cultivating deep, gospel-centered relationships and spiritual habits before crisis strikes, so that believers are equipped to endure trials with faith, humility, and hope. Through presence, gentle instruction, and sharing personal testimonies of God's grace, disciples can become ambassadors of comfort, reflecting Christ's power perfected in weakness and pointing others to the ultimate source of strength and healing.
Part 6 of our study on Church History.Using the Core Seminar from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DCMarch 8, 2026Pastor Aaron Frasier
Class #10 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-11-biblical-accountability Description from SermonAudio: The class centers on the biblical principle of accountability as a vital practice for spiritual growth, rooted in the truth that confession and honesty lead to divine mercy and freedom from sin's deceitfulness. Drawing from the story of Adam and Eve, it highlights humanity's tendency to deflect blame, contrasting it with God's call to take responsibility, which is empowered by confession to God and one another, as affirmed in Scripture. The message emphasizes three key reasons for accountability: the biblical encouragement of confession, the danger of self-deception, and the need to embrace vulnerability and honesty in light of our shared weakness in Christ. It further outlines nine practical ways to pursue accountability effectively. Ultimately, biblical accountability is not about shame or self-pity, but about mutual encouragement, rooted in the transformative power of God's Word, leading to victory over sin and deeper intimacy with Christ.
Part 5 of our study on church history.March 1, 2026Pastor Aaron Using the Church History Core Seminar from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC.
Class #9 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-8-using-christian-books-in-discipling Description from SermonAudio: This lesson presents a thoughtful, biblically grounded approach to using Christian books in discipleship — emphasizing humility, discernment, and Christ-centered growth. It begins with a call to self-examination, warning against pride and the Pharisaical attitude that can hinder genuine spiritual mentoring. While affirming the sufficiency of Scripture, it argues that well-chosen, faithfully biblical Christian books can serve as valuable tools for teaching, application, and discussion. The class offers practical guidance on selecting books for simplicity, clarity, and a focus on Christ. The method of engagement is relational and flexible, encouraging shared reading, open dialogue, and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit rather than rigid adherence to a prepared agenda. Ultimately, the lesson calls believers to actively seek opportunities to invest in others, recognizing that discipleship is a costly, grace-filled journey that deepens one's own dependence on Christ.
Part 4 of our Church History study.February 23, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierTeaching from the Church History Core Seminar of Capitol Hill Baptist Church
Week 3 of our study on Church HistoryFebruary 15, 2026Pastor Aaron FrasierTeaching from the Core Seminar on Church History from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC
Class #8 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/class-9-encouraging-a-passion-for-evangelism-missions Description from SermonAudio: The lesson emphasizes that evangelism and missions are essential, biblically mandated expressions of the Christian life, rooted in both the fear and love of God, and driven by the joy of sharing the gospel and the desire to bring glory to God. It calls every believer to embrace a lifestyle of evangelism, not as a one-time event but as a 24/7 responsibility, modeled through personal witness, intentional preparation, and relational engagement, while affirming that the church as a whole bears the collective responsibility to support global missions. It underscores that missions are not reserved for a select few but are the calling of the entire church, with every member called either to go or to send, and that supporting missionaries is a vital act of fellowship and spiritual partnership. It further highlights that a passion for missions fosters spiritual growth by breaking down cultural barriers, cultivating love for the global body of Christ, and aligning the believer's heart with God's eternal purpose of gathering a people from every tribe and tongue. The church is urged to cultivate this passion through prayer, shared study of mission literature, personal modeling, and careful discernment in preparing those called to the field, ensuring that missionary candidates meet biblical qualifications and are sent by the church in prayerful, Spirit-led unity.
Class 7 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-7-encouraging-biblical-prayer/ Description from SermonAudio: The lesson emphasizes that prayer is foundational to Christian discipleship, essential for spiritual growth, sanctification, and deepening fellowship with God, as exemplified by Jesus' own consistent prayer life. It calls believers to model prayer, instruct others in biblical prayer practices, and cultivate regular, intentional habits by planning time, avoiding distractions, and using tools like Scripture, journaling, and accountability partnerships. The message underscores that effective prayer aligns with God's will, not personal desires, and requires humility, proper motives, and reliance on the Holy Spirit — especially in times of spiritual dryness or when answers are delayed. Ultimately, God responds to prayer with a 'yes,' 'no,' or 'wait'. Because each reflects His sovereign wisdom and faithfulness, believers are called to trust His timing, glorify Him in every response, and remain steadfast in faith.
Class 6 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-6-encouraging-careful-bible-study Description from SermonAudio: The lesson establishes that effective one-on-one discipleship is fundamentally rooted in the authority and transformative power of Scripture, positioning Bible study not as a peripheral activity but as the essential foundation for spiritual growth and faithful counsel. Drawing from key passages such as Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 119, Matthew 4, and 2 Timothy 3:16, it emphasizes that God's Word is living, life-sustaining, and indispensable. The teacher underscores a troubling reality: despite widespread affirmation of biblical authority, many Christians neglect regular Scripture engagement, making intentional, practical discipleship in reading, meditation, and memorization a vital responsibility. Through concrete methods like structured reading plans, inductive study, prayerful reflection, and memorization of key verses, the lesson calls believers to model and teach biblical engagement as a means of fostering deep, lasting spiritual transformation. Ultimately, the Word of God is the instrument through which Christ shapes His people — discipleship without it is ineffective and unfaithful.
Class 5 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-5-discipling-in-the-local-church Description from SermonAudio: This class establishes that the local church is the optimal context for discipling relationships, grounded in Scripture and practical wisdom. It emphasizes that the church is called to be a holy, unified body where mutual accountability, diverse gifts, and shared growth in Christ-likeness are fostered. Discipling within the church enables holistic spiritual development, leverages collective resources, and reflects God's glory through unity in diversity. The lesson calls for cultivating a culture of intentional, Bible-centered relationships within the church community, encouraging believers to invest in one another through regular, flexible, and grace-filled encounters. Ultimately, this form of discipleship fulfills the church's purpose of glorifying God and building up the body of Christ together.
Class 4 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-4-the-importance-of-holiness Description from SermonAudio: This class centers on holiness as the ultimate goal and evidence of genuine discipleship, emphasizing that true spiritual growth is marked by increasing obedience to Christ, which reflects God's character and brings Him glory. Rooted in Scripture, it affirms that while believers are positionally holy in Christ, sanctification — progressive conformity to His image — is a lifelong process requiring both divine grace and intentional, loving encouragement from fellow believers. The teacher underscores that obedience is not mere rule-keeping but the natural outflow of love for Christ, and that disciplers must foster this holiness through prayer, biblical confrontation, personal example, and accountability within the church community. Crucially, the discipler must also pursue holiness, modeling Christ-like living as the foundation for authentic discipleship, since spiritual formation is both a divine work and a shared responsibility among believers.
Class 3 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-3-overcoming-barriers-excuses Description from SermonAudio: This class addresses common barriers that hinder believers from engaging in discipleship, offering biblical responses to each. It confronts fears such as discomfort with authority, the concern that spiritual mentoring turns friendship into a project, lack of motivation or time, the belief that one has nothing to teach, and feelings of inadequacy due to perceived lack of gifts. Drawing from Scripture, it emphasizes that biblical authority is modeled after Christ's servant leadership, genuine friendship is rooted in eternal love and self-sacrifice, and discipleship is not dependent on perfect timing or expertise but on faithfulness and small, consistent steps. The gospel itself is presented as the foundational truth every believer can share, and all Christians are called to disciple others through their life, testimony, and use of God's Word, even when imperfect. Ultimately, discipleship is not about personal performance but about partnering with God's redemptive work, trusting His strength, and relying on His Word to transform lives, making it both a divine mandate and a deeply rewarding calling.
Class 2 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-2-why-disciple Description from SermonAudio: Discipleship is not merely a duty but a joyful privilege rooted in biblical truth, driven by two profound motivations: the personal joy found in nurturing others' spiritual growth and the ultimate glory of God. Drawing from Paul's and John's heartfelt delight in seeing believers walk in truth, the message affirms that genuine Christian joy arises from being instruments in God's hands to mature His people. Furthermore, discipleship glorifies God by producing lasting fruit—manifested in sacrificial love, obedience, and the faithful sharing of divine truth—echoing Christ's command to remain in His love and bear fruit that endures. The preacher emphasizes that this process, though requiring personal sacrifice and humility, is deeply fulfilling because it reflects God's redemptive purpose and anticipates the eternal reward of hearing 'Well done.'
Class 1 in our BOLD Course on Christian Discipling & Biblical Counseling. Adapted from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's Core Seminar on Christian Discipling: https://CapitolHillBaptist.org/sermon/class-1-what-is-discipling Description from SermonAudio: Discipling is the intentional, relational, and loving practice of guiding fellow believers toward spiritual maturity through consistent engagement with Scripture, rooted in the Great Commission and modeled by Christ's own example. It is not a program or passive activity, but a deliberate process of equipping others to follow Jesus by fostering obedience to His Word, repentance from sin, self-discipline, and a growing desire to share the gospel. Central to this work is the transformation of character and life, not merely moral improvement, as believers are called to be conduits of God's truth, nurturing one another in the context of authentic relationships within the church. The goal is to help others become mature in Christ—grounded in Scripture, equipped for every good work, and able to discern truth for themselves—so that the entire body of Christ grows in unity, faith, and holiness. This work is not reserved for pastors or experts, but is the shared responsibility of every believer, carried out through personal investment, mutual encouragement, and the faithful teaching of God's Word.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There's no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. But these lively characters and their unique experiences only tell part of this engaging narrative. Through real-life stories, A Light on the Hill reveals how God works through church bodies and remains faithful during times of uncertainty. Exploring themes such as pastoral ministry, faithfulness, courage, racial reconciliation, church and politics, and more, this book will help readers see the long-term effects of faithful church ministries. Ultimately they will be encouraged to invest in a local church and preserve the gospel for the next generation. I'm delighted to have the book's author, Caleb Morell on the program today. Caleb Morell (MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and a doctoral student in historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives with his wife and three children on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.
Caleb Morell, assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and PhD candidate at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, talks to Timon about his new book, a history of Capitol Hill Baptist. Show Notes: Purchase A Light on the Hill – https://www.amazon.com/Light-Hill-Surprising-Influenced-Evangelicalism/dp/1433592894/?tag=thegospcoal-20 Caleb Morell is a historian and assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He completed his Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and is currently a doctoral student in historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and an Associate of Newton House, Oxford. Learn more about Caleb Morell's work: https://x.com/calebmorell https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/about-us/leadership-staff/member/1527259/ –––––– Follow American Reformer across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/amreformer Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AmericanReformer/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanReformer Rumble – https://rumble.com/user/AmReformer Website – https://americanreformer.org/ Promote a vigorous Christian approach to the cultural challenges of our day, by donating to The American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org/donate/ Follow Us on Twitter: Josh Abbotoy – https://twitter.com/Byzness Timon Cline – https://twitter.com/tlloydcline The American Reformer Podcast is hosted by Josh Abbotoy and Timon Cline, recorded remotely in the United States, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to our Podcast, "The American Reformer" Get our RSS Feed – https://americanreformerpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-american-reformer-podcast/id1677193347 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1V2dH5vhfogPIv0X8ux9Gm?si=a19db9dc271c4ce5
Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, this evangelical church, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, has remained steadfast in its theological convictions while navigating cultural, political, and social changes over 150 years. From its founding by Civil War veterans to its role in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, urban challenges, and the revitalization under pastor Mark Dever, this episode uncovers what makes this church a unique case study in American Christianity. Learn how Capitol Hill Baptist has maintained its gospel-centered mission amidst D.C.'s evolving landscape, including its response to suburbanization, gentrification, and even a lawsuit against the city during COVID-19.CHAPTERS:(00:01 - Introduction)(00:24 - What Makes Capitol Hill Baptist Unique?)(03:33 - Founding and Early History (1878))(05:42 - Capsule Summary of the Church's History)(09:24 - The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy)(14:56 - Suburbanization and Desegregation in the Mid-20th Century)(20:54 - Urban Planning and Parking Lot Disputes)(22:12 - Racial Integration and Social Engagement)(27:31 - The Marion Barry Era and Urban Violence)(32:13 - Mark Dever's Arrival and Church Revitalization)(35:50 - Gentrification and Its Impact)(38:38 - COVID-19 Lawsuit and Church Response)(41:38 - Commitment to Single-Service Gatherings)(45:09 - Political Engagement Over Time)(49:17 - The Importance of Institutions)(52:11 - Closing Remarks)CALEB MORELL'S LINKS:
David Closson - returns as our guest at Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan Podcast - with a great message - Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today. David Closson serves as the Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council where he researches, writes, and speaks about life, human sexuality, religious liberty, and related issues from a biblical worldview. He is the author of FRC's Biblical Worldview Series, which seeks to help Christians and Christian leaders apply the teachings of the Bible to difficult moral questions. David's work has appeared at Fox News, Real Clear Politics, National Review, The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Decision Magazine, WORLD Opinions, The Gospel Coalition, Townhall, and Christian Post. He is the author of Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today (B&H Academic, 2025) and is the co-author of Male and Female He Created Them: A Study on Identity, Sexuality, and Marriage (Christian Focus, 2023). David is a regular guest on Washington Watch, FRC's national television and radio program heard on over 800 stations in forty-eight states. While in seminary, David served as a Teaching Assistant and as an assistant to the Dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary. He has also served as a Program Leader for Covenant Journey, leading trips to Israel designed to strengthen Christian college students in their faith through an experiential journey of biblical and modern Israel. David has served on staff or as an ordained deacon at churches in Florida and Kentucky. He also interned for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Since 2024, David has served as a Fellow for Human Dignity and Public Policy at the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently, David is a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Ethics at Southwestern Seminary. David is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.) and the University of Central Florida (B.A., political science, cum laude). David lives in the Washington, D.C. area and is a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. We love to hear your comments, questions or share what you have learned from this podcast. Or to help you with any questions, concerns you might have or trainings . You can apply for our training and coaching sessions - here: https://www.virginiaprodanbooks.com/freedom-coaching Follow Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan #Podcast on: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kHPeoAgbkAHCg2C6RApEZ - to hear encouraging & inspiring messages . Order your autographed copy(s) of #SavingMyAssassin by Virginia Prodan - directly here: https://virginiaprodanbooks.com/product/book/- Invite Virginia Prodan to speak at your events - go to: https://lnkd.in/eQwj4R2u Subscribe to Virginia Prodan Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/VirginiaProd Follow Virginia Prodan on: Twitter : https://twitter.com/VirginiaProdan Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/virginia.prodan.1 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-prodan-0244581b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaprodan/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VirginiaProd Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan #Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/7kHPeoAgbkAHCg2C6RApEZ - ------ Invite Virginia Prodan to speak at your events -: https://virginiaprodanbooks.com/invite-virginia/ ----- Donate to Virginia Prodan #Ministries - here: https://www.virginiaprodan.com/donate/ We love to hear from you; your comments or questions. Please share it with others. #network #podcast #film #events #training #training #leadership #coaching #people #community #australia #motivation #share #like #power #romania #america @frcdc @AllianceDefends @focusonthefamily @VirginiaProd
The Way Home Podcast returns from hiatus! Today, we have Caleb Morell on The Way Home Podcast! Caleb Morell is the associate pastor of the historic Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and its influence on Baptist and evangelicalism across our nation's history. Today on The Way Home Podcast, Dan and Caleb discuss the […] The post The Way Home Podcast: Caleb Morell on The History of Capitol Hill Baptist Church appeared first on Daniel Darling.
We love to read Christian biographies. You can learn a lot! One thing we’ve never thought about is diving into a “church biography." Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. is just blocks away from the center of American power. It has an interesting history. It’s a great example of how God works through local churches. Faithful, gospel-centered church ministry is vitally important! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433592894?tag=christtoday-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wkesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There's no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. But these lively characters and their unique experiences only tell part of this engaging narrative. On today's episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, which tells the history and personal stories behind the influence Capitol Hill Baptist Church enjoys today.
Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisBurn the Ships - boulderwell.org/burntheshipsAncient Language Institute - https://ancientlanguage.com/Go to ionlayer.com and use code FPT to get $100 off your first kit. “A Light on a Hill” - https://amzn.to/43Zyeexhttps://americanreformer.org/2025/03/the-pastor-who-almost-became-president/SummaryIn this episode of Full Proof Theology, Chase Davis interviews Caleb Morell, assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, about the church's rich history, the role of elders in Baptist tradition, and the impact of historical events on church governance. They discuss Caleb's doctoral studies in historical theology, his book 'A Light on a Hill', and the lessons learned from the Spanish flu pandemic that informed their response to COVID-19. The conversation highlights the importance of faithfulness in ministry and the generational impact of church planting. In this conversation, Caleb Morell discusses the life of Green Clay Smith, a significant historical figure who almost became president. He explores Smith's role in the temperance movement, his views on the intersection of Christianity and politics, and the moral questions that resonate today. The discussion also covers the unique ministry approach of Capitol Hill Baptist Church under Mark Dever, emphasizing church planting over multi-site growth, and the church's commitment to a blended worship style that prioritizes congregational singing.Support the showSign up for the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisFollow Full Proof Theology on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullprooftheology/Follow Full Proof Theology on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullprooftheology/
Should faith and politics mix? Joseph Backholm sits down with Caleb Morrell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the unique role of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in shaping evangelicalism in the nation’s capital. Caleb shares his journey with the church, uncovering its rich 150-year history, from its founding to its enduring biblical foundation despite cultural shifts. They discuss the church’s impact in political spaces, the significance of strong leadership, and how it has remained a guiding light through changing times. Resources A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced by Caleb Morrell
Should faith and politics mix? Joseph Backholm sits down with Caleb Morrell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the unique role of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in shaping evangelicalism in the nation's capital. Caleb shares his journey with the church, uncovering its rich 150-year history, from its founding to its enduring biblical foundation despite cultural shifts. We discuss the church's impact in political spaces, the significance of strong leadership, and how it has remained a guiding light through changing times.ResourcesA Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced by Caleb Morrell
In Today's episode, William Wolfe sits down with Caleb Morell, Author of A Light on the Hill and Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, to unpack the faithful history of a baptist church in Washington DC from the 1860s till 2015 covering pastoral leadership, church discipline and bylaws, cultural battles, and more. Show Notes: Purchase A Light on the Hill – https://www.amazon.com/Light-Hill-Surprising-Influenced-Evangelicalism/dp/1433592894/?tag=thegospcoal-20 Caleb Morell is a historian and assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He completed his Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and is currently a doctoral student in historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and an Associate of Newton House, Oxford. Learn more about Caleb Morell's work: https://x.com/calebmorell https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/about-us/leadership-staff/member/1527259/ –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-center-for-3liUZaE_Tnq/ Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Should faith and politics mix? Joseph Backholm sits down with Caleb Morrell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the unique role of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in shaping evangelicalism in the nation’s capital. Caleb shares his journey with the church, uncovering its rich 150-year history, from its founding to its enduring biblical foundation despite cultural shifts. They discuss the church’s impact in political spaces, the significance of strong leadership, and how it has remained a guiding light through changing times. Resources A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced by Caleb Morrell
In this episode, Caleb Morell walks through the history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church and shares its unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. Caleb Morell is an assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and a doctoral student in historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the author of 'A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism' from Crossway. Read the full transcript of this episode. ❖ Listen to “What an Old Controversy Teaches Us about Grace and Legalism” with Sinclair Ferguson: Apple Podcasts | Spotify If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!
Are our strategies of evangelism getting in the way of God's strategy to advance the gospel? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with returning guest Caleb Morrell, Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Together they talk about the history of Capitol Hill and the balance of local and global engagement. Caleb Morell is an Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. He is a doctoral student at Midwestern Theological Seminary and he also oversees the internship program at Capitol Hill to train pastors. Caleb wrote a new book "A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism" available through Crossway. This week's Overtime episode dives into how to create a long-term vision for your local church. Get access to that conversation at missionsshow.com/premium. Family worship is a crucial part of building faith within our families. Reformation Heritage Books has a resource to help guide you in creating an uplifting and Biblically strong worship time with their new Family Worship Bible Guide. Go to heritagebooks.org/familyworship and pick up your copy. Use promo code: MISSIONSPOD for a 10% discount on any order. When was the last time your church did a missions conference, and how did it go? ABWE wants to help your church do a missions conference that will challenge your congregation to send. It's called Send Sunday. Go to missionsshow.com/SendSunday to download your free resources including sermon notes, small group discussion questions, song selections, children's activity pages, and more! Join with ABWE and other churches on Pentacost Sunday to pray and ask God to send someone from your church. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.
Are our strategies of evangelism getting in the way of God's strategy to advance the gospel? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with returning guest Caleb Morrell, Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Together they talk about the history of Capitol Hill and the balance of local and global engagement. Caleb Morell is an Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. He is a doctoral student at Midwestern Theological Seminary and he also oversees the internship program at Capitol Hill to train pastors. Caleb wrote a new book "A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism" available through Crossway. This week's Overtime episode dives into how to create a long-term vision for your local church. Get access to that conversation at missionspodcast.com/premium. Family worship is a crucial part of building faith within our families. Reformation Heritage Books has a resource to help guide you in creating an uplifting and Biblically strong worship time with their new Family Worship Bible Guide. Go to heritagebooks.org/familyworship and pick up your copy. Use promo code: MISSIONSPOD for a 10% discount on any order. When was the last time your church did a missions conference, and how did it go? ABWE wants to help your church do a missions conference that will challenge your congregation to send. It's called Send Sunday. Go to missionspodcast.com/SendSunday to download your free resources including sermon notes, small group discussion questions, song selections, children's activity pages, and more! Join with ABWE and other churches on Pentacost Sunday to pray and ask God to send someone from your church. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
In Today's episode of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe sits down with David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council, to discuss the state of the pro-life movement, challenges after the Dobbs decision, the federal vs. state debate, and Closson's new book "Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today." Show Notes: Purchase "Life After Roe" – https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/life-after-roe-P005846462 Timestamps: 0:01:19 - Introduction of David Closson 0:05:00 - Discussion of COVID-19 experiences 0:06:42 - Dobbs decision leak and initial reactions 0:10:00 - Media commentary on Christians and abortion 0:14:23 - George Barna survey on church views about abortion 0:25:00 - Biblical passages about life (Luke 1 example) 0:37:08 - Christianity historical stance on abortion 0:44:04 - State-level ballot measures after Dobbs decision 0:52:55 - Equal protection under law for unborn children 0:54:30 - Chemical abortion pills and challenges 1:00:28 - Moral and spiritual reflection on the scourge of abortion 1:04:00 - Book availability and resources David Closson serves as the Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council where he researches, writes, and speaks about life, human sexuality, religious liberty, and related issues from a biblical worldview. He is the author of FRC's Biblical Worldview Series, which seeks to help Christians and Christian leaders apply the teachings of the Bible to difficult moral questions. Currently, David is a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Ethics at Southwestern Seminary. David is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.) and the University of Central Florida (B.A., political science, cum laude). David lives in the Washington, D.C. area and is a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Learn more about David's work: https://www.frc.org/david-closson#gsc.tab=0 https://x.com/DavidClosson –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-center-for-3liUZaE_Tnq/ Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Join us for a conversation with Caleb Morell, Assistant Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and author of A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism. Get the book here: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433592898/a-light-on-the-hill-hardback
In Today's episode of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe details his recent visit to the White House with President Trump for the Faith Office Policy Roundtable. #PresidentTrump #Faith #ReligiousLiberty #FreeSpeech #2024 #Policy #Values #Christianity Timestamps: 02:38 Overview of White House Faith Office 07:00 Concerns About Previous Administration: 10:00 Listening Session Details: 15:00 Pro-Life Policies and Personnel: 18:00 Immigration Policies and Family Protection 21:00 Religious Liberty and Global Support for Christians: 23:38 Meeting with President Trump 30:00 Reflections on the Day and Future Plans William Wolfe is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership. He has been a part of the Southern Baptist Convention for 13 years. After spending a decade living and working in Washington D.C., including for three Members of Congress, Heritage Action for America, as a Director at the State Department, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the DoD, William moved to Louisville, KY, to complete his seminary education in person. During that time, he became increasingly involved in much-needed work to revitalize the SBC as an institution, and the launch of CBL is an outgrowth of that work. Combining his experience in public policy and political strategy with his theological education and knowledge of the SBC, William has become a widely respected and authoritative commentator on the role of the SBC in broader American evangelicalism and the intersection of faith and politics in our nation. His work has been published in major outlets like Newsweek, The American Conservative, Christian Post, American Reformer, Daily Signal, The Federalist, and Daily Caller, etc., for think tanks like The Center for Renewing America, and for Christian publications such as 9 Marks and Founders Ministries. He also serves as a regular contributor to Liberty University's Standing for Freedom Center. He completed the Pastoral Internship program at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and the Presidential Internship at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a B.A. in History from Covenant College and an M.Div. from SBTS. To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org. –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-center-for-3liUZaE_Tnq/ Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
The ERLC's presence in our nation's capital allows us to speak up, for, and from our Southern Baptist churches before various audiences. In our previous episodes, we've covered the executive and judicial branches, demonstrating the need for Christians' involvement in the various facets of our government because policies have real-world effects on all of us. Today, our focus turns to the legislative branch.To help us better understand the legislative branch and why our involvement matters is David Closson. David serves as the director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council. He researches and writes on life, human sexuality, religious liberty, and related issues from a biblical worldview. David is a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Ethics at Southwestern Seminary. He received his M.Div. and Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his B.A. in political science from the University of Central Florida. David lives in the Washington, D.C. area and is a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
Episodes 206: History and Hopes: Mark Dever on Reformed Theology in the Baptist Tradition We are thrilled to bring you our first lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring Mark Dever discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Baptist tradition. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year will be marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker will offer insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church. Dr. Devers erves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/
Today we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Dane Ortlund entitled "7 Tips for Loving 'Those' People in Your Church". Jamie Dunlop serves as an associate pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. He is also the author of 'Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church'. Read the essay here. Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!
In this episode, Jamie Dunlop shares why being in a church with people you disagree with brings glory to God. Jamie Dunlop serves as an associate pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. He is also the author of 'Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church'. Read the full transcript of this episode. ❖ Listen to “Gracefully Dealing with Doctrinal Disagreement” with Gavin Ortlund: Apple | Spotify | YouTube If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!