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Pastor Appreciation Month is coming soon, and Jared and Ross want to get you in the right mindset to make a difference in your pastors' hearts and minds. Why do pastors need so much encouragement anyway? And where should we start? The guys discuss the "double honor" ways of encouraging our churches' shepherds.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses the biblical and practical significance of the pastoral calling, emphasizing its high, noble, and character-driven nature. He explores the family and community dimensions of pastoral ministry while urging churches and leaders to actively promote and support this essential calling.
From two guys who grew up with only brothers comes a podcast on being daddies to only girls. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the different seasons, challenges, and blessings of raising daughters.
Ever wondered how growing up between worlds can actually make you see your own culture more clearly? This conversation with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher flips the script on what it means to be a missionary kid—not just as someone with wild stories or an identity crisis, but as a kind of secret decoder for understanding white evangelicalism's grip on American politics. There's a moment here where a single high school banquet in Kenya, complete with a Confederate flag, opens up a whole hidden history most of us never learned in Sunday school. What if the very things you thought were just “normal” missionary experiences are actually the missing puzzle pieces for understanding the rise of Christian nationalism today? Stick around, because the connections Holly draws between global childhoods and the current culture wars in the U.S. will surprise you—and might even change how you see your own story. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore how white evangelicalism shapes political landscapes and influences key decisions that affect society. Discover the unique role missionary kids play in decoding the complexities of evangelical culture worldwide. Understand the challenges third culture kids face as they navigate identity, belonging, and faith across different worlds. Trace the historical roots of Christian nationalism to see how it impacts modern cultural and political conversations. My special guest is Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author and historian who really knows what it means to live between worlds. Raised in Kenya as the daughter of Southern Baptist missionaries, Holly attended Rift Valley Academy and grew up balancing both her American roots and the culture around her. Her background extends far beyond childhood, though—she earned a PhD in American Studies, taught at the university level, and later worked as a CIA analyst specializing in Africa. Holly's life as a third culture kid gives her a distinctive lens on white evangelicalism and Christian nationalism, while her research dives into how missionary kids navigate the complicated push and pull of belonging and identity. She brings a clear-eyed, honest perspective that connects personal experience with bigger questions about faith, power, and the impact of evangelical culture around the globe. The key moments in this episode are:00:11:00 - The Emotional Challenges of MKs: Privilege, Grief, and Sacrifice 00:13:30 - Impact of Missions on White Evangelicalism's Global Narrative 00:14:05 - The American Influence on Global Evangelicalism and Missions 00:17:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Identity and Cultural Systems 00:19:01 - Missionaries' Political Complicity and Moral Accountability 00:23:18 - Practical Ways Missionaries Can Advocate for Justice Amid Political Pressures 00:26:43 - The Disconnect Between American Evangelical Consumers and Missionary Realities 00:27:56 - Origins and Evolution of Christian Nationalism in White Evangelicalism 00:29:06 - Growing Up as a Missionary Kid Abroad and Its Impact 00:33:14 - The Authoritarian Culture of Evangelicalism and Biblical Inerrancy 00:36:40 - Favorite Books and Writers on Missions and Analysis 00:39:19 - Resilience of Missionary Kids and Comparing History Writing to Intelligence Analysis 00:41:07 - Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Missionary Kids 00:42:00 - Navigating Trauma and the Danger of Simplistic Narratives 00:43:44 - Complicity and Accountability Within Missionary Communities Order the book The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism by Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Join the Patreon community for exclusive content at https://patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Read A Just Mission by Mekdes Haddis for a non-white American perspective on missions. Subscribe to The Bulwark newsletter for insightful commentary (paid subscription recommended for Jonathan V. Last's Triad newsletter). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever wondered how growing up between worlds can actually make you see your own culture more clearly? This conversation with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher flips the script on what it means to be a missionary kid—not just as someone with wild stories or an identity crisis, but as a kind of secret decoder for understanding white evangelicalism's grip on American politics. There's a moment here where a single high school banquet in Kenya, complete with a Confederate flag, opens up a whole hidden history most of us never learned in Sunday school. What if the very things you thought were just “normal” missionary experiences are actually the missing puzzle pieces for understanding the rise of Christian nationalism today? Stick around, because the connections Holly draws between global childhoods and the current culture wars in the U.S. will surprise you—and might even change how you see your own story. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore how white evangelicalism shapes political landscapes and influences key decisions that affect society. Discover the unique role missionary kids play in decoding the complexities of evangelical culture worldwide. Understand the challenges third culture kids face as they navigate identity, belonging, and faith across different worlds. Trace the historical roots of Christian nationalism to see how it impacts modern cultural and political conversations. My special guest is Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author and historian who really knows what it means to live between worlds. Raised in Kenya as the daughter of Southern Baptist missionaries, Holly attended Rift Valley Academy and grew up balancing both her American roots and the culture around her. Her background extends far beyond childhood, though—she earned a PhD in American Studies, taught at the university level, and later worked as a CIA analyst specializing in Africa. Holly's life as a third culture kid gives her a distinctive lens on white evangelicalism and Christian nationalism, while her research dives into how missionary kids navigate the complicated push and pull of belonging and identity. She brings a clear-eyed, honest perspective that connects personal experience with bigger questions about faith, power, and the impact of evangelical culture around the globe. The key moments in this episode are:00:11:00 - The Emotional Challenges of MKs: Privilege, Grief, and Sacrifice 00:13:30 - Impact of Missions on White Evangelicalism's Global Narrative 00:14:05 - The American Influence on Global Evangelicalism and Missions 00:17:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Identity and Cultural Systems 00:19:01 - Missionaries' Political Complicity and Moral Accountability 00:23:18 - Practical Ways Missionaries Can Advocate for Justice Amid Political Pressures 00:26:43 - The Disconnect Between American Evangelical Consumers and Missionary Realities 00:27:56 - Origins and Evolution of Christian Nationalism in White Evangelicalism 00:29:06 - Growing Up as a Missionary Kid Abroad and Its Impact 00:33:14 - The Authoritarian Culture of Evangelicalism and Biblical Inerrancy 00:36:40 - Favorite Books and Writers on Missions and Analysis 00:39:19 - Resilience of Missionary Kids and Comparing History Writing to Intelligence Analysis 00:41:07 - Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Missionary Kids 00:42:00 - Navigating Trauma and the Danger of Simplistic Narratives 00:43:44 - Complicity and Accountability Within Missionary Communities Order the book The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism by Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Join the Patreon community for exclusive content at https://patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Read A Just Mission by Mekdes Haddis for a non-white American perspective on missions. Subscribe to The Bulwark newsletter for insightful commentary (paid subscription recommended for Jonathan V. Last's Triad newsletter). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Text us your questions!Ready to transform your relationship with the Bible? Zach Lambert, pastor of Restore Church in Austin and author of Better Ways to Read the Bible, offers a healing pathway for those wounded by scripture in this candid conversation.Growing up in a Southern Baptist megachurch during the "fundamentalist takeover," Lambert experienced firsthand how the Bible can be weaponized. Disagreeing with the pastor's interpretation is often treated as disagreeing with God. This authoritarian approach created spiritual trauma that eventually led Zach to seek healthier ways of engaging with scripture.Zach challenges the notion that there's one "plain reading" of the Bible, noting that everyone interprets scripture through various lenses. Some lenses—like literalism, apocalypse, moralism, and hierarchy—often produce harm, while others—focused on Jesus, context, flourishing, and fruitfulness—lead to healing. The key differentiator is the fruit they produce. "We should be asking with any given biblical interpretation: is it producing more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness in me and in the world around me?"The conversation tackles difficult topics like biblical violence, the subjugation of women, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, offering fresh perspectives without abandoning the text. Zach suggests we view scripture as John the Baptist pointing to Jesus rather than an end in itself: "Jesus didn't say 'here is the truth, believe it.' He said 'I am the truth, follow me.'" This shift from a text-centered to a person-centered faith can transform our approach to scripture.Whether you're deconstructing harmful theology, seeking to reintegrate the Bible into your spiritual life, or simply curious about healthier interpretive frameworks, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for transforming scripture from a weapon of harm into a tool of healing.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!
Ken Keathley examines Paul's prayer in Ephesians chapter one, a petition for believers to receive spiritual wisdom and revelation. It delves into understanding the glorious hope of God's calling, the immeasurable riches of His inheritance in the saints, and the overwhelming power demonstrated through Christ's resurrection and His supreme headship over the Church.
Dr. Bruno Molina is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Baptist Network, and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Theology, Apologetics, and World Religions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS). He is a former Pastor, Church Planter, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Evangelism Associate, and worked professionally as a Human Resources Manager. He earned his bachelor's degree from New York University in International Relations & Spanish, and both his Master of Arts in Theology and Ph.D. in World Christian Studies from SWBTS.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses the vital role that pastors play in leading churches, sharing personal stories of how pastors have shaped his own life, and honoring their frontline ministry. He explores new research on the challenges pastors face while emphasizing their steadfast commitment and the importance of supporting pastors both now and for future generations.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, Frances Fukuyama famously declared that we had reached the “end of history.” He meant that the big arguments, the major ideological struggles, were now all in the past, and that liberal democracy would prevail from then on. The rest would be just cordial arguments about policy. That peaceful kingdom has obviously not come to pass. Some might argue that Fukuyama's core thesis is still true. Liberal democracy lacks a coherent, universal rival. No alternative ideology has matched its global appeal or institutional resilience. Even authoritarian regimes adopt democratic trappings (e.g., elections in Russia) to gain legitimacy, implicitly acknowledging liberal democracy's normative power. That said, Fukuyama clearly underestimated internal challenges within democracies—polarization, disinformation, and inequality—evident in events like the U.S. Capitol riot or Brexit. These weaken the system's appeal and stability. While history may not have “ended,” liberal democracy remains a dominant, yet contested, paradigm. Its triumph is neither inevitable nor complete, as cultural, economic, and political forces continue to shape ideological battles globally. These are some of the issues that Hunter Baker looks at in his new book Postliberal Protestants: Baptists Between Obergefell and Christian Nationalism. And, if you're not Baptist, don't be turned off by the sub-title. Baker argues – I think convincingly – that the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest protestant denomination in the country, is in some ways a proxy for all of evangelicalism. I think he's mostly right, and that's why I think his book should be read not just by Baptists, but by all Christian leaders who want to have a role in shaping important public conversations in the 2020s and beyond. Also, Hunter Baker's argument for religious liberty – a cause long championed by Southern Baptists – is one that I think bears particular attention in this era in which we've seen a resurgence of religious intolerance both in the United States and around the world. Hunter Baker has both a law degree and a Ph.D., and he's the provost and dean of faculty at North Greenville University, in South Carolina. He is the author of four books, and you may have seen his byline at WORLD Magazine, where he is a frequent contributor to WORLD Opinions. In a spirit of full disclosure, I should also say that Hunter is a friend, someone I turn to regularly for counsel and fellowship. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.
GOD: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher - The Podcast, S1
Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this episode, Jerry and Abigail return for their fourth conversation in the series Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue, exploring the most profound theme of God: An Autobiography as Told to a Philosopher: the New Axial Age.The term “Axial Age,” introduced by philosopher Karl Jaspers, describes the pivotal era when some of the world's greatest spiritual figures appeared within a few centuries of one another: Socrates, the Hebrew prophets, the Buddha, Confucius, and the sages of the Upanishads. Humanity shifted on its spiritual axis, developing new ways of thinking, deeper moral insights, and new pathways to the divine. Now, Jerry shares that God revealed to him we stand on the threshold of another great transformation, a new spiritual era filled with both peril and promise.Together, Jerry and Abigail ask what this might mean for religions and traditions born in the first Axial Age. Are they fading, losing their power to hold communities together, as God suggests, while a new spirituality rises in diverse, often fragmented ways? Abigail speaks of her profound yet complex relationship with Judaism, her spiritual experiences in India, her affection for Gandhi, and her surprising love of country gospel. Jerry recalls his own journey from Southern Baptist and Pentecostal childhood through philosophy into a direct encounter with God.Their conversation moves between history, theology, and personal testimony, showing how ancient wisdom and modern lives intertwine. They consider the Jewish vocation of chronology and covenant, the Hindu pursuit of Atman and Brahman, and the universal human calling to partner with God in history. Through all of this, one theme emerges as both anchor and challenge: to be truthful—to reality, to God, and to oneself.Are we living through a moment of spiritual collapse or the birth of something radically new? Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare your story: questions@godandautobiography.comShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Why should more churches take leadership development seriously? Why is raising up leaders "in house" so important? And how would you go about doing it? On this episode of the podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the ins and outs of raising up the next generation of church leaders in your local ministry.
Ellen Skrmetti was born and raised in Ripley, Mississippi, not far from Memphis, in a family that was devoted to the Southern Baptist church. For Ellen, a person of faith but also an aspiring comedian, this turned out to be great source material, as did all the characters in her small Southern town. During the pandemic, she started posting videos that all started with “Hey Jesus, It's Me,” and then she would launch into gossipy monologues about her neighbors, critiques of a cousin's potato salad, or—famously—what would have happened if Queen Elizabeth had died in the South. Now she's got a new book that takes its name from those viral hits and expands it a bit: Hey, Jesus, It's Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns. Ellen lives in Birmingham now, so we got to do this one in the Southern Living offices, and she was just as charming and funny in person as she is on Instagram. Sid talks to Ellen about why her yeast rolls are controversial, what it's been like getting back to standup after a fruitful detour through social media, and having what she calls a “true Southern church lady for a mother.” For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by: Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer Jeremiah Lee McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Danny Akin shares the story of missionary Ion Keith Falconer, whose brief but faithful life embodied the call of 1 Corinthians 16:13–14. He highlights Falconer's scholarship, strength, and devotion to the gospel, even in the face of sacrifice. This message challenges believers to consider how they might stand firm in faith as they follow the call of Christ.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses the essential role of self-discipline for ministry leaders, emphasizing how leadership requires practicing discipline, modeling self-control, and managing responsibilities with integrity. He explores practical strategies for developing greater discipline while highlighting the spiritual dimension of self-control.
In this message, we look at the transformative story of Jacob wrestling with God. Pastor Ray reminds us that often there is a battle before the blessing and we are encouraged to hold onto God even when we are struggling. As we reflect on Jacob's transformation from a deceiver to a 'prince with God,' we're invited to consider how our own struggles might be pathways to deeper spiritual growth and a renewed perspective on God's grace.Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. Our sermons podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing our sermons with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:- Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.com- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Heart Truth Devotions podcast: - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-truth-devotions/id1518661566- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/339RoxzO65vb8DX1P4E0YU?si=54f4735e6cc54fefFind us online - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothan- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothan- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1- Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org- WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church
The Bible is full of lessons for life that help us live for God and navigate the world we live in. Pastor Ray continues his message, "Josiah: Decluttering Your Soul."
It's Ross' last mailbag feature on the podcast! Tune in as he and Jared tackle listener-submitted questions and topics. On this week's episode, the guys discuss: whether a call to ministry is permanent, when husbands and wives disagree on a church, men serving in children's ministry, neglected doctrines, dealing with complaints in the church, and more.
Questions and Timestamps:[The Title Question is at minute 52:00]Leading Bible Studies Without Getting Too Technical - What are your tips for studying to teach in a small group without becoming too academic or overwhelming? 9:45Understanding Luke 12:33 - Should Christians today obey the command to “sell your possessions and give to the poor”? Does owning non-essential items violate this command? 15:54Biblical Manhood - What do men in the church need most? How do we pursue biblical masculinity without embracing extremes? 30:06Too Many Reformed Baptist Seminaries? - There are several Reformed Baptist seminaries in the South with overlapping faculty. Are they all necessary, or does this show division in the movement? 40:25Affordable Seminary Options – What lower-cost seminary options would you recommend besides Luther Rice, especially for someone considering SBTS but open to alternatives due to cost? 40:25Anglican Conversions Trend - Is the trend of Southern Baptists becoming Anglican similar to those converting to Catholicism or Orthodoxy? Is this something evangelicals should be concerned about? 52:04Ecclesial Anxiety and Ecumenism – How should Protestants respond to “ecclesial anxiety” (attraction to Rome/Orthodoxy/Anglicanism) without compromising the Gospel, especially when some Protestant defenders downplay Sola Fide for unity? 52:04 Preaching Assignment – As a new pastoral resident preparing a 15–20 minute Sunday evening chapel message, would you recommend preaching a psalm (e.g., Psalm 10) for a one-off sermon? 1:10:59Kippah at the Wailing Wall – In light of 1 Corinthians 11:7, should Christian men cover their heads when praying at the Wailing Wall? Was Paul's instruction cultural, counter-cultural, or theological? Is head covering there a matter of Christian liberty (Romans 14)? Would you personally cover your head, and would you rebuke someone who didn't? 1:15:15Paedobaptism vs. Credobaptism – If someone becomes convinced of infant baptism, would infant immersion be preferable to pouring? If uncertain after study, how should one proceed? 1:24:00Baptism for the Bedridden – Should baptism be withheld from a bedridden new believer if full immersion is impossible, or should the mode be adapted? 1:28:00College Degree with No Career Intent – Is it unbiblical for a man to earn a degree with no intent to use it vocationally, planning instead to marry and become a stay-at-home dad? Would your answer differ if it were a woman pursuing a degree with the intent to marry and be a stay-at-home mom? 1:32:50Forgiveness of Future Sins – If past sins are forgiven at conversion, how does Christ's sacrifice atone for sins committed after becoming a believer? 1:41:00Guilt Over Pre-Conversion Sin – How should a believer deal with lingering guilt and accusations over past blasphemous actions (mocking Christ in a pre-conversion film) when struggling with scrupulosity and OCD? 1:46:00Office of Teacher – Do you agree with Calvin and the Puritans that “teacher” is a distinct New Testament office (all pastors are teachers, but not all teachers are pastors)? If so, should teachers be ordained? 1:49:05Doctrines to Hold Firmly in Ministry – For someone preparing for ministry, which doctrines require firm convictions (e.g., baptism, Lord's Supper, eschatology, covenant theology, age of the earth), and how should one prioritize study among many topics? 1:57:00Divorce and Eldership – Does being divorced automatically disqualify a man from serving as a pastor or elder in light of 1 Timothy 3:2? 1:52:20-----Support the Show: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/YourcalvinistLove Coffee? Want the Best? Get a free bag of Squirrelly Joe's Coffee by clicking on this link: https://www.Squirrellyjoes.com/yourcalvinistor use coupon code "Keith" for 20% off anything in the storeDominion Wealth Strategies http://www.Reformed.Moneyhttps://www.TinyBibles.comhttps://www.HighCallingFitness.comVisit us at https://www.KeithFoskey.com
It's Tuesday, August 12th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson 4 of 5 most populated countries hostile to Christianity International Christian Concern reports that now “four of the five most populous countries in the world share a disturbing reality: Christians are systematically and harshly persecuted within their borders.” And we would add that these four nations have stepped up persecution against Christians over the last ten years. The four countries are China with a population of 1.41 billion people, India with a population of 1.46 billion people, Indonesia with a population of 285 million people, and Pakistan with a population of 255 million people. By contrast, the United States, with a population of 347 million people, is the other top 5 most populated country which actually allows for religious freedoms. Russia won't comply with 1987 moratorium on nuclear missiles Last week, Russia announced it will no longer comply with the 1987 moratorium on deployment of nuclear-capable intermediate range missiles. These missiles are designed to bring total annihilation to European cities. This opens the way for nuclear-capable launch vehicles to be deployed proximate to theaters of military operation. China doubled nuclear warheads China began its nuclear buildup in 2018—increasing its nuclear firepower from 280 to 600 warheads, and adding 350 new Intercontinental ballistic missile silos this year. This buildup took place at the same time France and the United Kingdom reduced their nuclear arsenals. 80th anniversary since U.S. dropped atomic bombs in Japan This month marks the 80th anniversary since the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The city of Hiroshima marked the anniversary with a memorial event. The city's mayor, Shiro Suzuki, addressed the gathering, as one whose parents survived the 1945 attack. Suzuki said, ”Conflicts around the world are intensifying in a vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation . . . and if we continue on this trajectory, we will end up thrusting ourselves into a nuclear war. This existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth." Youth unemployment up worldwide The BBC reports some Chinese college graduates are actually paying for a pretend job. The outlet mentions a business called “Pretend to Work Company." With real jobs increasingly hard to come by, some young adults would rather pay to go into an office rather than to be stuck at home. This year, China's youth unemployment rate has scraped 17 percent. Canada has seen a sharp increase of youth unemployment—now at 14.2 percent. Italy's rate is upwards of 22 percent, and the United Kingdom has seen more increases of youth unemployment what they call “youth economic inactivity” in recent years—now at 13.4 percent. But youth unemployment in South Africa is the highest at 61 percent. The Apostle Paul exhorts the youth and all of us that "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread." (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) World Vision justified in denying employment to a lesbian The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Christian ministry, World Vision, was well within the law when they denied employment to a lesbian named Aubry McMahon who was in a sinful relationship with a woman she called her “wife.” The court held that the ministry had not violated federal or Washington state non-discrimination laws because it was covered under the “ministerial exception.” Abortion Kill Pill has enabled abortion rate to increase despite Dobbs Americans are killing significantly more babies following the U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade through the Dobbs decision on June 24, 2022. Official records put the annual number at 1.1 million, up from 880,000 in 2020. That's a 25 percent increase. The difference appears to be made up by the abortion kill pill by mail program. About 63 percent of the murder of babies is executed by the abortion pill now, and 25 percent of all abortions come by “Telehealth” or by mail. Twenty-two leading Southern Baptist pastors have issued a letter to President Donald Trump, requesting that the administration “stop the mail-order distribution of the abortion drug mifepristone.” To this point, the Trump administration has been reticent to limit access to the abortion kill pill. In May, the U.S. Justice Department recommended tossing out a lawsuit that would have restricted a reduction of access to Telehealth abortions. In an interview with interview with Time Magazine in December, the president reiterated five times, that it was "highly unlikely” the Food and Drug Administration would do anything to restrict access to the Abortion Kill Pill. However, God is in control. Jeremiah 51:19, 20, and 24 reminds us "He is the Maker of all things; and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance. The Lord of hosts is His name. You are My battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you, I will break the nation in pieces, says the Lord." California fire has burned 120,000 acres The State of California is dealing with more out-of-control fires. The Gifford Fire started up last Wednesday, and has already consumed some 120,000 acres. It's now threatening the towns of Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria. Sadly, it's only 30 percent contained. Grand Canyon fire has burned 144,000 acres The Dragon Bravo fire in Arizona has shut down the Grand Canyon North Rim for the season. This fire has burned up 144,000 acres. In God's all powerful workings, this fire began by lightning strike on Independence Day, July 4th. Despite tariff revenues, 2025 U.S. deficit is $109 million higher than 2024 And finally, despite the Department of Government Efficiency, the tariff hullabaloo, and the influx of import taxes to the federal government coffers, this year's deficit, through July, is a whopping $109 billion more than it was last year. The deficit totaled $1.6 trillion over the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025—heading towards a $1.9 trillion deficit for the year. That's about eight times the average deficit incurred under the George W. Bush administration. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 12th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses how ministry leaders can sustain their passion for serving others, drawing lessons from Jesus' model of compassion. He shares practical strategies for engaging deeply with people while emphasizing the essential rhythm of intentional rest to prevent burnout and maintain lasting drive in ministry.
Our faith journeys can be filled with ups and downs as well as drastic turns and re-turns. Host Robin Linkhart sits down with Jason Smith, a 48-year-old IT professional from Duncan, Oklahoma, who shares his faith journey from Southern Baptist to Community of Christ. Having become fascinated with Mormonism at 15, Jason tells of his engagement in anti-Mormon evangelism out of a love for the people rather than a hatred. Over time, he deconstructed his Baptist faith, and joined Community of Christ, drawn to its inclusive, community-focused values. Jason emphasizes the importance of community, peace, and justice, and encourages listeners to persist in their faith despite challenges. More Fair Trade episodes. Download the TranscriptThanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
They don't make headlines. They don't sell books. They're not killing it on Insta or TikTok. But they're probably way better than we deserve. They're boring pastors. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross talk about why we're tempted to underestimate pastors we find "less than dynamic" (but why we shouldn't) and try to encourage ordinary pastors in their boring-ness to trust God in the normalcy of everdyay ministry.
MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 6th Publish Date: August 6th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, August 6th and Happy Birthday to David Robinson I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Gem City Porch Jam on Maple Avenue is Aug. 10 Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2025-2026 Class Suspect charged with breaking into Delk Road Marriott rooms All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: INGLES 9 STORY 1: Gem City Porch Jam on Maple Avenue is Aug. 10 The Gem City Porch Jam is back, and it’s pure Marietta magic. On Aug. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., Maple Avenue transforms into a block party with a purpose—celebrating the first responders and city workers who keep this town running. Picture it: live music spilling from five porches, kids bouncing in a jumpy house, and neighbors chatting over drinks from Meltyard. There’s even a “Touch a Truck” setup (yes, Barney the Police Dog will be there) and a mobile skate rink courtesy of Sparkles. Admission’s free, but donations? Strongly encouraged. Every dollar helps fill Community Appreciation Bags for Marietta’s everyday heroes. STORY 2: Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2025-2026 Class The Cobb Youth Leadership program just announced its 2025-2026 class, and wow—this group is stacked with talent. Sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, CYL is all about building leadership skills and connecting students across the county. Here’s the lineup: Karmen Smith (Allatoona), Chimamanda Akano and Andrew Vincent (Campbell), Austin Richardson (Harrison), and a whole crew from Hillgrove—Gabby Oden, Ashley Bass, Reagan Bass, Jocelyn Jones, and Jordana Valdez. Marietta High? They’re bringing the squad: Chloe Herrero, Jack Ison III, Caleb Johnson, Rhodes Patrick, and more. This program, running since 1989, gives juniors a chance to dive into their community and grow as leaders. Got questions? Hit up Katie Guice at 770-859-2334. STORY 3: Suspect charged with breaking into Delk Road Marriott rooms Bradley Dekover Traylor, 44, of Atlanta, found himself in hot water after allegedly breaking into multiple rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott on Delk Road. It all went down early—around 8 a.m. on July 26, according to Marietta police. From Room 318, he reportedly swiped a Michael Kors watch, a black-and-silver cross necklace, and a gold necklace. The guest gave police a detailed description of the stolen items, and hotel staff pointed them toward Traylor. By 1:33 p.m., officers tracked him down at the Shell Station on Delk Road—with the jewelry still on him. He’s now sitting in Cobb County Jail, no bond. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: COBB INT. FESTIVAL STORY 4: End of an era: Roswell Street congregation to join Woodstock church Roswell Street Baptist Church, once a powerhouse in Marietta and a cornerstone of the Southern Baptist community, is starting a new chapter—one that’s bittersweet for many. After years of decline, the church will merge with First Baptist Woodstock, becoming its second location. The numbers tell the story: membership dropped from 9,200 in 2014 to just 3,600 last year. Weekly attendance? Down to 433. The church even had to demolish its historic chapel. Starting Sunday, Christian Norman, an associate pastor from Woodstock, will step in as Roswell Street’s new pastor. The merger will take six months to finalize, with a full relaunch planned for 2026—complete with a new name that nods to Roswell Street’s history while embracing its future. STORY 5: Cobb super kicks off school year with visit to Vaughan Elementary First day of school vibes were in full swing at Vaughan Elementary on Monday, and Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale made the rounds to wish students a great year ahead. Over 105,000 students and 17,000 staff returned across 113 schools, but at Vaughan, the Rockets were already soaring—literally reciting their motto: “Rockets of Vaughan soar on!” In Kelli Connor’s second-grade class, kids prepped for Ragsdale’s visit by comparing his traits to the mischievous “No David!” from David Shannon’s book. (Spoiler: Ragsdale’s character won out.) During a press conference—fielding questions from students, not reporters—Ragsdale praised Cobb’s teachers as “superstars” and touched on AI, new safety measures (hello, Vapor Wake K-9s), and the upcoming cell phone restrictions. Break: STORY 6: Mayor Tumlin to run again, serve through grandchildren’s eyes Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin is running again—though, if you ask him, it wasn’t exactly his idea at first. But with three longtime council members—Andy Morris, Grif Chalfant, and Johnny Walker—stepping down, Tumlin, 78, felt a sense of duty. Born and raised in Marietta, Tumlin’s roots run deep. His six grandkids are either in Marietta schools or just graduated, and he says that perspective—seeing the city through their eyes—shapes his leadership. As for his challengers, 23-year-old Sam Foster and 26-year-old Sully Diaz, Tumlin’s ready to defend his record. On affordable housing, he’s all about balance. “If it’s not livable, it’s not affordable,” he said. The election’s set for November 4, with early voting starting October 14. STORY 7: 'No teeth': Mableton’s code enforcement waits on court Mableton took over its own code enforcement back in March, but there’s a snag—no municipal court yet to back it up. Without one, fines for violations? Not happening. The city’s first-ever municipal court is expected to open in “three to six months,” says spokesperson Gregory Woods. Until then, code enforcement is doing what it can, issuing about 160 violation notices a month. Compliance? Just 30% so far, though Woods says that’ll improve once the court’s running. The city’s working fast to get the court operational. They’ve already hired a court administrator, Mallory Minor, and are recruiting for key roles like judge and prosecutor. Once open, the court will focus on the worst violations first. For now, Mableton’s educating residents on compliance and resources. The court, when ready, will be at 1245 Veterans Memorial Highway. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 9 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 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This week on The Bulletin, Mike and Clarissa discuss Texas Democrats' decision to flee the state, Israel's culpability in Gaza's famine, and the exit of Southern Baptist leader Brent Leatherwood from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Then, Clarissa talks with author and former Obama speechwriter David Litt about developing an unlikely friendship with his brother-in-law and what it looks like to cultivate relationships across differences. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Read David's book, It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: David Litt is a New York Times bestselling author and a semi-finalist for the James Thurber Prize for American Humor. A former senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, David was described as "the comic muse for the president" for his work on the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Since leaving the White House, he's written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, TIME, and The Guardian, among others, and served as a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice. David appears frequently on CNN and MSNBC and continues to write speeches and jokes for major political figures, Fortune 500 CEOs, leading philanthropists, and NFL quarterbacks. David was the head writer/producer for Funny Or Die D.C. from 2016 to 2018 and has toured dozens of cities as a live storyteller with The Moth. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Alexa BurkeEditing and Mix: Kevin MorrisMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this message, Pastor Ray challenges us to examine the clutter in our souls that may be distancing us from God. The story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22-23 serves as a compelling backdrop, showing how a young leader recognized the spiritual decay in his nation and took bold steps to rectify it. We're prompted to consider three types of clutter that can affect our spiritual lives: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as Josiah discovered the lost book of the law and used it to guide his reforms, we're encouraged to return to Scripture and allow it to illuminate the areas of our lives that need decluttering. The message draws interesting parallels between our modern struggles with materialism and the ancient Israelites' slide into idolatry, reminding us that prosperity can sometimes lead us astray rather than closer to God. As we reflect on this, we're invited to evaluate our own lives, identify the clutter that's accumulating, and take courageous steps to clear it away, renewing our devotion to Christ.Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. Our sermons podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing our sermons with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:- Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.com- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Heart Truth Devotions podcast: - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-truth-devotions/id1518661566- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/339RoxzO65vb8DX1P4E0YU?si=54f4735e6cc54fefFind us online - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothan- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothan- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1- Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org- WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses the critical differences and dynamic overlap between leadership and management in ministry. He debunks common myths, explores why both disciplines are vital for organizational success, and shares practical stories illustrating how leaders drive change while managers make those visions a reality.
Top headlines for Friday, August 1, 2025In this episode, we explore the troubling lawsuit against a Florida church and a regional Assemblies of God body, accused of failing to protect children from abuse at a camp. Next, we turn our attention to the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University's decision to halt body-altering gender surgeries and puberty blockers, highlighting the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care. Plus, we examine the call from 40 Southern Baptist leaders urging the Trump administration to prevent the mailing of abortion pills to pro-life states, a move that intensifies the complex discourse on reproductive rights. 00:11 ERLC head Brent Leatherwood resigns; acting president named01:00 AOG church faces new lawsuit claiming it failed to protect kids01:54 Man sues girlfriend's husband, doctor who mailed abortion pills02:50 VCU Children's Hospital halts sex-change operations for minors03:39 40 SBC pastors urge Trump to ban mailing abortion pills04:35 FBI launches probe into brutal attack at Ohio music festival05:24 Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Forrest Frank nominated for Dove AwardSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsERLC head Brent Leatherwood resigns; acting president named | Church & MinistriesAOG church faces new lawsuit claiming it failed to protect kids | U.S.Man sues girlfriend's husband, doctor who mailed abortion pills | U.S.VCU Children's Hospital halts sex-change operations for minors | U.S.40 SBC pastors urge Trump to ban mailing abortion pills | PoliticsFBI launches probe into brutal attack at Ohio music festival | U.S.Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Forrest Frank nominated for Dove Award | Entertainment
Before the Supreme Court rightly ruled in favor of a Tennessee law protecting minors from gender transition procedures, we hosted a discussion at SBC25 to talk through this important case.ERLC President Brent Leatherwood spoke to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Alliance Defending Freedom's Vice President Ryan Bangert about why this case matters, how we can protect our kids with helpful legislation, and ways the ERLC advocates for Southern Baptist interests before the courts.Jonathan Skrmetti was sworn in to an eight-year term as Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter in September 2022. Prior to his current role, General Skrmetti served as Chief Counsel to Governor Bill Lee and as Chief Deputy Attorney General to his predecessor. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and four children. Ryan Bangert serves as senior vice president for strategic initiatives and special counsel to the president at Alliance Defending Freedom. He oversees ADF's regulatory practice, government relations, and corporate engagement teams. He also advises executive leadership with strategic initiatives and appears as counsel for ADF clients. Bangert is an active member of the Texas Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and various federal trial courts and courts of appeal.
Does obeying the fifth commandment mean never bugging your unbelieving parents about their spiritual state? How might other passages of Scripture provide some guidance on evangelizing our lost mom or dad? It's common for Christians to think about winning prodigal children, but in this episode of hte FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss how to handle having "prodigal parents."
Recently a professor at a Southern Baptist seminary converted to Anglicanism. When you examine it, his story challenges us to ask and answer several questions for ourselves.
In this episode we had the great privilege of interviewing Pastor Douglas Wilson. If you do not know Pastor Wilson, you should. He is the Pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. He writes a blog, Blog & Mablog, at https://dougwils.com. You can find many of his videos on youtube, including a debate he did with the late Christopher Hitchens. He also has authored more books than can be mentioned here. One you should check out is "Rules for Reformers." It was a great honor to discuss certain topics with Pastor Wilson. He grew up as a Southern Baptist, and is now a reformed Presbyterian. We discussed his church, his views of education and much more. Thank you for listening. If you are listening on iTunes please subscribe and leave a review. If you have comments or questions for us, you can email us at laymenscup@gmail.com. We also have videos you can view here on our website or on Youtube. We are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/laymenscup. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter @laymenscup. It is always our hope to get the Gospel out to as many people as possible and you can help us by sharing the show. Word of mouth is the greatest way we will get the show out to the masses. Thank you. Please pray for us, as we are praying for you. The Laymen, Bob, Kemp, Shaun, Wes and Patrick.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses navigating ministry amid controversial cultural and ethical topics, sharing practical and biblical strategies for pastors facing challenging issues in their communities. Dr. Iorg unpacks a gospel-centered framework for speaking with conviction, love, and preparation even when the answers aren't easy and pushback is inevitable.
To put the question even more pointedly, with lots of stereotyping to go round, when do Lutherans of German descent who settled mainly in the northern mid-western states pay attention to Baptists in the South? This was the subject of the recent recording when co-hosts, Korey Maas (Lutheran), Miles Smith (Anglican), and D. G. Hart (Presbyterian) discussed Scott Yenor's article on what Southern Baptist conservatives might learn from Missouri Synod Lutherans about "the left's" attack on denominational institutions. Part of the discussion involved the Southern Baptist Convention's place in conservative politics and the New Calvinist movement. Another part involved the dark side of church politics -- how much officers and members need to strategize and organize to defeat opponents within a communion where everyone is supposed to agree. Articles the co-hosts mentioned included: Korey Maas on the controversy in the LCMS over Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and the place of civil rights politics in the LCMS controversy. For any Presbyterians who might see parallels in the Lutheran and Baptist controversies with the Presbyterian conflict of the 1920s, especially over control of seminaries, this discussion at The Reformed Forum may be of use. This episode's sponor is the National Public Radio show, "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me."
Have you ever thought about your religious beliefs and where they came from, and how they shaped you as a person? What if the "traditional values" you grew up thinking were totally normal are actually part of a much darker system of control hiding in plain sight? Today I'm bringing you Tia Levings, New York Times bestselling author of "A Well-Trained Wife," and her story is going to blow your damn mind about religious trauma, Christian fundamentalism, and how the tradwife movement connects to patriarchal ideologies that are literally shaping our politics right now. From a mainstream Southern Baptist upbringing to the quiverfull movement, Tia's journey reveals how Christian patriarchy operates as a "cult within a cult" - your neighbors next door who looked a little conservative but were living under a completely different set of rules where abuse wasn't just normalized, it was sanctified.I've been chasing Tia down for a year and a half because her analysis of what's happening in our country today traces directly back to these core fundamental beliefs that have been patiently infiltrating mainstream America for decades. If you're wondering what the hell is going on in America, Tia's story is the key to decoding those invisible threads and figuring out how we move forward instead of backwards.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How mainstream Christianity can funnel people toward higher-control fundamentalist beliefsThe shocking reality of "Christian domestic discipline" and wife spanking in fundamentalist homesWhy the quiverfull movement aims to win the culture war through population controlHow the "fundy baby voice" is used to keep women sounding childlike and non-threateningThe hypersexualization tactics hidden behind modesty teachings in Christian patriarchyHow to recognize when political figures are using patriarchal manipulation techniquesWhy joy and happiness are actually forms of resistance against fundamentalist controlPractical ways to resist authoritarianism without burning yourself outTia's courage to tell the whole truth about Christian fundamentalism - including the secrets they don't want exposed - is exactly what we need right now to understand the forces shaping our reality. Her journey from controlled tradwife to fearless voice exposing religious trauma provides invaluable context about where our country is headed and how we can resist. Are you ready to stop normalizing the things that shouldn't be normal and start reclaiming your joy as an act of rebellion? Go follow Tia everywhere and grab her book "A Well-Trained Wife" - then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free Reinvention Roadmap weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Personal Brand - need help building yours? Schedule a call with me here and let's discuss.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com
It's now come to be expected in evangelical headlines -- the fallen pastor. Whether by sexual immorality or greed or abusive patterns of leadership, ministers big and small, famous and relatively unknown, seem to be dropping like flies. How does it happen? And, perhaps more intriguingly, can they be restored? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross talk about fallen pastors and the possibility of restoration to ministry? Also: stick around til the end of the ep for a REALLY BIG announcement. Links mentioned in this episode include "How to Fall in Ministry": https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/how-to-fall-in-ministry-and-what-to-do-when-you-do/ and "Can We Restore Pastors After Sexual Sin?": https://www.9marks.org/article/can-we-restore-pastors-after-sexual-sin-a-longer-answer/
Allie Monday - Erotic Photographer & Worshiper of WomenDIVORCED: FundamentalismTW: Eating disorder mentioned briefly My guest today was one of our sponsors for Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture 2025. Allie Monday is an erotic photographer and the creator of Ladygroove, a body-led portrait experience rooted in healing, sensuality, and self-acceptance. Her work invites women to shed shame and come home to their erotic aliveness. With over a decade behind the lens & 500+ women photographed, she blends artful witnessing with deep playful presence to create images that feel like sacred artifacts.Today, Allie shares her evolution from growing up in a Southern Baptist-type tradition and being an abstinence-only teacher to working in the field of erotic photography and empowering women to love themselves and fully experience pleasure. Allie's work has recently been published in the book HER BODY: A Riotous Celebration of the Female Form, and it's available through her website. FIND ALLIE: website: www.iamladygroove.comIG: instagram.com/ladygrooveFIND JANICE:Janice Selbie's Best-selling book Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook is now available in the USA:Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZF and CANADA Amazonhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZFRecordings are available for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference 2025! Get your Resource Ticket now: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/ Religious Trauma Survivor Support Group is happening on Tuesdays at 5pm Pacific and Thursdays at 6pm Eastern (starting April 17). Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others for healing and support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services Need help on your journey of healing from Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/servicesFollow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:Threads: Wisecounsellor@threads.netBlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisecounsellor/Subscribe to the audio-only version here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast The Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular mental health clinician.Support the show
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses how wisdom is not only a biblical pursuit but also a practical skill that can be learned and recognized in ministry leadership. He unpacks four key benchmarks that signal growing wisdom, as well as three warning signs from Proverbs that reveal a lack of it, offering leaders practical guidance for cultivating discernment and humility in their daily decisions.
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Church Project Track Session 1: Re-Discovering E-DNA Jesus started this beautiful thing called "church," not man. And, He and His followers led and modeled how he intended for church to be lived out. Rather than the latest church growth book or contextually-based model, it is time to return to the ways Jesus intended for His Church to be lived out as seen in the example of the Early Church. Rethinking Church: From Traditional to Transformative - A Journey of Rediscovery In this session, the speaker shares his 15-year journey of founding and developing Church Project. Growing up in a small fundamental Southern Baptist church in Tyler, Texas, he initially misunderstood the gospel's breadth. Through years of college, internships, and pastoral work, he grappled with his frustrations and God's calling. After leaving traditional church settings, he started Church Project with a mission to return to the church's original intent. The session dives into the importance of decentralizing from primary places and priests, distributing pastoral leadership, and fostering diverse discipleship communities. Through biblical references, especially Titus chapter one, the speaker explains the foundational elements needed to create effective and healthy church communities. Join this transformative discussion that challenges conventional ecclesiology and aims to shape a more inclusive, decentralized, and dynamic church model. Key Takeaways 00:00 The Beginnings of Church Product 00:45 Discovering the True Gospel 00:54 From Pre-Med to Ministry 01:46 A Frustrated Calling 03:46 The Birth of Church Product 04:29 Rethinking Church 05:12 Understanding Ecclesiology 05:59 Paul's Instructions to Titus 18:22 Distributed Pastoral Leadership 23:22 Diverse Discipleship Communities 26:46 Q&A Session 27:50 Introduction to the Sessions 28:10 The Role of the Building 29:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization 29:53 Gathering Spaces and Their Use 33:41 House Churches and Accountability 38:16 Challenges and Solutions in House Churches 49:43 The Importance of Corporate Gatherings 57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women's Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- The Discipleship Gospel https://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page -- Disciple-Making Culture https://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/ -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/
This summer, in conjunction with anticipated Supreme Court decisions, we hosted a conversation about how Baptist state conventions are partnering with the ERLC to protect their churches' biblical convictions when they are challenged at the Supreme Court. Panelists Nathan Lorick, executive director of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention; Julio Guarneri, Executive Director of Baptist General Convention of Texas; and Randy Davis, executive director of Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, talked with ERLC President Brent Leatherwood about how both states filed amicus briefs alongside the ERLC in Supreme Court cases for 2025.
In the occasional Grab Bag! feature of the podcast, Jared and Ross come prepared with two surprise questions for the other. No prep, no warning -- just unfiltered, off-the-cuff responses to each other's curiosity.
On this episode of The Lead On Podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, discusses practical strategies for getting more work done in ministry leadership. He shares eleven actionable steps that help leaders overcome overwhelm, boost efficiency, and maintain balance as they tackle daily tasks.
Our debate over the quality of Christian movies is now notorious and a running gag on the podcast, but this is only the second time ever we've done an official "movie swap." Ross assigns Jared a Christian movie to watch. Jared assigns Ross a "Christian-"eque movie to watch. Then they sit and down and compare notes. On this week's episode of the podcast, the guys discuss 2006's "Facing the Giants" and 1998's "Simon Birch."
A Southern Baptist viewer writes to Pastor Ben with a heartbreaking question: How do you speak up about racism, immigration, and Christian hypocrisy when your own brother is deep into MAGA politics? In this episode of Hey Pastor Ben, we explore what it means to tell the truth without destroying your relationships — and how to hold your ground without losing your soul. If you've ever felt outnumbered at the family table or afraid to speak what you believe, this one's for you.Become a patron! http://Patreon.com/thebpdshowOr support via: Paypal.me/HeyPastorBen
This week Erin captains a boat from Vancouver to Bowen Island, and Bryan has some kitchen mold remediation but still attends the WeHo No King's Day protest. Erin reviews an article from Atmos where climate policy experts Vivian Taylor and Philip Newell share their discoveries of fossil fuel billionaires funneling money into the anti-trans movement to distract from their actions affecting climate change. Bryan covers the Southern Baptist Convention which gathered this month to endorse a resolution to overturn the legalization of same-sex marriage and called for laws to oppose gender identity recognition. For tickets to Bryan's Edinburgh shows this summer visit www.bryansafi.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins Hysteria to share about the tragic shootings in her state and honor the legacy of her friend and colleague, State Representative Melissa Hortman. Erin and Alyssa also discuss the latest on RFK Jr.'s vaccine quakery, new (bad) discrimination rules in VA hospitals, and their skepticism of Amy Coney Barrett's drift to the left. They wrap up with a petty conversation about shopping cart etiquette and the atrocious styling in Ryan Murphy's latest adaptation. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Southern Baptists move to end same-sex marriage in the US (BBC 6/11)‘Extremely disturbing and unethical': new rules allow VA doctors to refuse to treat Democrats, unmarried veterans (The Guardian 6/16)!RFK Jr. replaced everyone on the CDC's vaccine panel. Here's why that matters (NPR 6/13)Baby of Georgia woman who was kept on life support has been delivered: Report (USA Today (USA Today 6/17)A ‘formidable public servant.' Who was Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota state representative assassinated in her home? (CNN 6/14)The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a 'hit list' of 45 officials (NPR 6/16)How Amy Coney Barrett Is Confounding the Right and the Left (NYT 6/15)Supreme Court upholds Tennessee's youth transgender care ban (The Hill 6/18)