Podcasts about Southern Baptist Convention

Using a recent study by Ryan Burge, Jess and Thom examine the sobering reality of demographic decline in two groups: the Southern Baptist Convention and non-denominational evangelical churches. The post Denominations That Are on Red Alert for Rapid Decline appeared first on Church Answers.

ABOUT THE EPISODEListen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum interview SBC Presidential Candidate Josh Powell.Timestamps00:46 – Intro06:07 – Why Josh Powell Wants to Be SBC President13:52 – What are Some of the Biggest Things the SBC Has?16:17 – Concrete Ways of Moving Forward without a Credentials Committee22:07 – The Issue of Loss of Trust and How to Regain It26:47 – What Kind of Influence Does Josh Powell Have to Make the SBC Stronger?30:30 – The Baptist Courier31:50 – Navigating the Question of Wokeness39:26 – Confessing Where We Were Wrong43:00 – What Lessons Can We Learn from The Sex Abuse Task Force48:44 – Is There a Way for Leaders to Say They Were Wrong on This?52:15 – What Kind of Leaders Would Best Serve the SBC?56:07 – The ERLC: It's Ideal Mission, Identity, and Leadership59:39 – Where You Can Learn More about Josh Powell1:01:08 – OutroResources to ClickTheme of the Month: Can the Center Hold? The Southern Baptist Convention in the 21st CenturyGive to Support the WorkBooks to ReadThe Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism is Tearing America Apart – Jeremy Carl

ABOUT THE EPISODEListen in as David Schrock interviews both Mark Coppenger and Brad Green on their COA Essays.Timestamps00:24 – Intro06:20 – What are Some Things that are Encouraging about the SBC?09:32 – Concerns about the SBC13:07 – Four Different Way to Treat the Environment19:54 – Coming Away from the Sex Abuse Crisis23:56 – Believe All Women? Intersectionality at Play28:24 – Have We Gotten Past Resolution 9?32:20 – The Baptist Courier33:53 – What Kind of Leaders Do We Need Going Forward?40:30 – SBC Ingratiationism43:40 – Is the Female Pastor Problem Because of Leaders Who are Unwilling to be Disaggreeable?49:00 – How Do We Faithfully Grow?53:11 – There is Still a Drift in the SBC54:50 – SBC Presbyterianism: A ‘Hierarchy' Within the SBC1:04:25 – Final Thoughts: What Leaders Do We Need Today?1:06:38 – Outro Resources to Click“Five Reasons to Be Thankful for the Southern Baptist Convention” – Brad Green“Stewardship of Our SBC Land” – Mark Coppenger“The SBC in a Crowded Theater” – Mark Coppenger“Who's the Vandal?” – Mark Coppenger“Alabama fan Harvey Updyke, poisoner of Auburn trees, dead at 71” – Mike Rodak“Resolution 9 and the Southern Baptist Convention 2019” – Tom Ascol“The Ethics & Religious Liberty Conundrum” – Christ Over All“Freedom of Speech” – Norman RockwellTheme of the Month: Can the Center Hold? The Southern Baptist Convention in the 21st CenturyGive to Support the WorkBooks to ReadWhat is Critical Theory?: A Concise Christian Analysis – Bradley G. Green

ABOUT THE EPISODEJoin David Schrock and Stephen Wellum as they interview SBC President Clint Pressley on the current state of the SBC.Timestamps· 01:00 – Intro· 05:28 – What is Clint Pressley as SBC President,Doing Throughout the Year?· 09:14 – What's Been Some Encouragements andChallenges That He's Seen?· 11:25 – Is There a Way for the ERLC to be Usefulto the SBC?· 12:56 – What Counsel Would Dr. Wellum Give tothe Next President about the ERLC?· 15:28 – How Is Clint Pressley Thinking about theAbortion Issue?· 20:15 – What State is Lifeway In?· 23:18 – The Baptist Courier· 24:40 – The Executive Committee· 28:18 – The Law Amendment· 30:24 – Filling the Credentials Committee· 32:02 – The Challenges of Cooperating Together· 34:22 – Do Our Seminaries Teach Good BaptistEcclesiology?· 37:28 – How Should the SBC Think about Lawsuits?· 39:21 - Financial Transparency· 42:03 – Are There Things that Would be Helpful to Update the Convention?· 46:27 – What Should Someone Be Doing to Help the Convention?· 47:55 – What are some things Clint Pressley is Praying and Hoping for This Year?· 48:53 – How Our Theme for COA This Month Can be Helpful· 50:20 - Outro Resources to Click· Theme of the Month: Can the Center Hold? The Southern Baptist Convention in the 21st CenturyGiveto Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODEThere's a lot to love about the Southern Baptist Convention. Here's what I'm most thankful for. / / The Southern Baptist Convention is like a beautiful landscape . . . scarred by five disasters from recent years. We need understand these problems so we can then work towards cleanup.Resources to Click“Five Reasons to Be Thankful for the Southern Baptist Convention” – Brad Green“Stewardship of Our SBC Land” – Mark Coppenger“The SBC in a Crowded Theater” – Mark Coppenger“Who's the Vandal?” – Mark Coppenger“Alabama fan Harvey Updyke, poisoner of Auburn trees, dead at 71” – Mike Rodak“Resolution 9 and the Southern Baptist Convention 2019” – Tom Ascol“The Ethics & Religious Liberty Conundrum” – Christ Over All“Freedom of Speech” – Norman RockwellTheme of the Month: Can the Center Hold? The Southern Baptist Convention in the 21st CenturyGive to Support the Work

(This podcast was previously published on April 25, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Many churches today are teaching doctrines that are traditions of men instead of the commandments of God from the New Testament Bible.   This is antichrist in the end time church.  This is the apostasy that Paul said had to come before Jesus returns.   II Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;   4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.   "The falling away" are churches falling away from scripture.  When this happens the door is open for antichrist to come into the church and set up doctrines of men, departing from scripture which is the doctrine of Christ for the church.   For example:  The Catholic church teaches their followers to pray to Mary.  This is their "tradition" set up by men and not by God.   Jesus says:  John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.   In the New Testament Bible, we are taught to pray directly to God through Jesus Christ.   Philippians 4:6   Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.   Mary is dead.  She is sleeping.  She cannot hear you or watch over you.  No dead person can do these things.  Dead people are asleep.   Jesus shows us that dead people are "asleep".   John 11:11-14  These things said HE (Jesus): and after that HE saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.   12 Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.   13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that HE had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.   14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.   Some church people in both Catholic and Protestant churches think dead people watch over them.   The Bible shows us that dead people are asleep.   I Thessalonians 4:13-17  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.   15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (dead).   16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:   17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   God watches over us.  Dead people are sleeping until Jesus returns.   In churches today, there are many traditions of men which are opposite to the doctrines of Christ in the Holy Bible.   *****   The protestant churches usually call crackers and grape juice, "The Lord's Supper."    But we commune with God through prayer and through the Bible which is the Word of God.   As we partake of scripture correctly and apply scripture to our lives, we "eat and drink" the flesh of Jesus and the blood of Jesus.  This is "The Lord's Supper."   Therefore those who wrongly apply scripture, "eat and drink" damnation to themselves.   I Corinthians 11   27  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.   28 But let a man examine himself (as he reads Bible), and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.   29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.   30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.   31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.   ***   Matthew 15   1-2 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,  Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.   3 But HE answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?   4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.   5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;   6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free.   Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.   7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,   8 This people draweth nigh unto ME with their mouth, and honoureth ME with their lips; but their heart is far from ME.   9 But in vain they do worship ME, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.   ***   In February, 2021, a pastor of a Baptist church in Georgia (USA), announced to the world news media that homosexuals and lesbians were welcome to come to their church.   This is shockingly against the Bible.   Romans 1:26-28  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:   27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.   28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;   When I read this on CNN International, I thought of how close we must be getting to the return of Jesus and the great tribulation and the end of this world!   For when the churches fall away from scripture this way, we draw much closer to the end.   The Southern Baptist Convention removed that Baptist church in Georgia from their association of approved churches.  They said they were removed because they went against the "tradition" of the Baptist church.  (They did not mention any scripture at all, just "tradition.")   Even the Southern Baptist Convention pulled away from citing scripture.  (antichrist and the end times)   In The Bible, we read the following concerning homosexuals and lesbians:   Romans 1:26-28   26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:   27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.   28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;   When we, who are of God, give a reason for doing something, it should be because of a scripture in the Bible and we should present that scripture for all to see.   ***   But to be approved by man, many omit Bible.   The Bible, the scriptures, are the only thing keeping antichrist back.   2 Thessalonians 2:7-8  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE who now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way.   When Jesus, THE WORD, the Holy Scriptures, are removed, then antichrist moves into the church.   8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:   The apostle Paul said antichrist was already there in the churches, among the elders even, just waiting until Paul was out of the way so he could move in and speak perverse things to the church.   Acts 20:29-30  Paul says to the elders of the church at Ephesus:  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.   The apostle John also told us there were "many" antichrists in his day coming into their church.  They came into their church, in John's time, and stayed there until they saw they could not take over and speak their perverse doctrines, and then they left.   I John 2:18-19  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.   Many denominations came as a result of those who did not want to follow sound doctrines in the church groups.   These denominations set up their own doctrines and left the doctrines of Christ.  They set up their own churches by their own fleshly preferences.   Some churches even use some scripture for a time, only to "fall away" from that instruction and set up other teachings by their own thinking to please men.   It seems unreasonable to say:   *  whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.  (The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery)   Words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:32   *  Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.  (I Corinthians 7:10-11 ... a commandment of the Lord says Paul)   *  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.  (Romans 7:2-3)   If the divorced woman remarries, she commits adultery.   *  Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.   And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.  (Words of Jesus in Mark 10:11-12)   *  The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.  (I Corinthians 7:39)   *  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. (Word of Jesus in Matthew 32:5)      - Man who divorces "a faithful wife" will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.    - Faithful wife who has been divorced by her husband commits adultery if she remarries after divorce.    - Man who marries divorced woman commits adultery.   When churches change the doctrines of Christ away from the New Testament Bible, they fall away from the Word of God and this allows antichrist to come into that church group and reign over the church group.   ***   The Catholic church once taught their followers that if a woman was divorced and she remarried it was a sin. Also they taught that a man could not marry a divorced woman.  But they taught no scripture to back up their rules.   (Also the Catholics taught their followers that they could not read the Bible for they would not understand the Bible and they might get it wrong.)   And more than once, I have heard Catholic individuals say their church told them they did not need to read the Bible, for the Catholic priest would tell them what they needed to know.)   ***   The current Southern Baptist Convention is now stating that they do not welcome to their churches homosexuals or lesbians because it is against their "tradition", but they present no scripture.   As time goes by, they change their rules in their churches, falling away from the doctrines of the scripture of the New Testament Bible, and this is antichrist in the churches.   Their followers often do not know what God says in the Holy Bible about these subjects.   When we say what we believe, we must also tell the scripture upon which our belief is based, otherwise the doctrine is weakened and we get to the point we don't know if this is really what God says or not.   ***   Satan came to Eve to cause Eve to doubt that which God said:   Genesis 3:1  Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?   The devil is the father of lies.  Even in his statement to Eve, he presented perversion of the word from God, for devil said, "every" tree?  No, God didn't say "every" tree.  The devil twists scripture.   (When I recall a scripture, I like to go to that exact scripture in the Bible, for the devil has a way of adding things which are not in the scripture.  So I like to read that section of scripture from the Bible and check exactly what the Bible says to us.)   Genesis 2:9  And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.   15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.   16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:   17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.   (See how the devil twisted this scripture when he spoke with Eve.)   Jesus said this concerning the devil.   John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.   And when we fail to quote exact scripture, we are beginning the falling away from scripture.   Soon it becomes tradition and something other than the exact word from God.   Then we, too, fall away from scripture.   We must deal very carefully with the Word of God and quote that word correctly to others even when they will not understand.   The scripture is all that stands between us and antichrist.   Do not try to lure people to yourself.  Speak the pure Word of God and let them depart if they wish to do so.   I Corinthians 2:14   But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.   I Timothy 4:2-3   Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;   ***   Other scriptures in this Podcast:   II Corinthians 6   14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?   15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?   16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be MY people.   17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you,   18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.   ***   When we speak the exact scriptures to them, they will often depart from us when they are unbelievers.   If the unbeliever depart, let him depart.   They will be as thorns in our sides and pricks in our eyes if they are unbelievers and we try to be with them.   Numbers 33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.   By speaking the scriptures, we drive the unbelievers away from us.   If they agree with scripture, when we speak, then they will be saved and given the Spirit of God.   I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.   But as long as an unbeliever chooses to come around you, speak the Word of God as the Spirit brings that word to your mind.

David Sons and Jared Cornutt sit down with Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater (FL) and candidate for President of the Southern Baptist Convention, to talk about the Southern Baptist Convention, his calls for reform, and the future of cooperation. The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com   ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook  

Today on the podcast, I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Clint Pressley. Dr. Pressley has been serving as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, since his election in June 2024 — and he was reelected to a second term in June 2025. That means, of course, that he is coming to the end of his tenure as president, and I wanted to sit down with him to reflect on his time as president, and to look at some of the issues facing the SBC and evangelicalism in general. Before stepping into this national leadership role, Clint Pressley has spent decades in pastoral ministry, most notably as the senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has faithfully shepherded his congregation since 2011. His journey in ministry began in his youth and has taken him across multiple states and church contexts — from Mississippi to Alabama and back to North Carolina — shaping a pastoral heart deeply grounded in Scripture and committed to gospel proclamation. A graduate of Wofford College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Pressley has also served in key denominational capacities for years, including as vice president of the SBC and as a trustee and former chairman of the board for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Beyond his leadership roles, he is known for emphasizing unity, doctrinal fidelity, and mission focus within the convention. Today, he joins us to reflect on his vision for Southern Baptists, the challenges and opportunities facing the church, and what it means to lead with conviction rooted in faith. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

On this very special episode we dig into the takeover of the Southern Baptist convention and analyze how it is a preview our current right wing take over of the country as well as its juicy Left Behind connections. This should be a niche topic that folks hear about, are aghast by and move on from but unfortunately taking over a branch of a Baptist denomination was only the beginning and, even more unfortunately, was only trial run of their tactics. Fascinating stuff.Here are the main sources that Jennifer used for her research:The Fundamentalist Takeover in the Southern Baptist Convention: A Brief History by Rob James and Gary Leazer with James ShoopmanShadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right by Anne Nelson, 2019 (new Afterword in 2021)The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism by Katherine Stewart, 2019 (updated in 2022) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback episode, we continue our revisit of H.B.'s 2023 conversation with Steve Gaines, Pastor Emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. After serving as Senior Pastor for 19 years, Dr. Gaines transitioned to his emeritus role in 2024. He also served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018. He continues to be a widely respected voice in the areas of prayer, evangelism, and pastoral ministry.Get a new website, unlimited custom graphics, & full-service podcast production services at https://IncreaseCreative.Co/HBSubscribe to the Cutting It Straight magazine at https://CISmag.orgConnect with H.B. and access more resources at https://HBCharlesJr.comThe On Preaching Podcast is dedicated to helping you to preach faithfully, clearly, and better.Hosted by H.B. Charles, Jr., Pastor-Teacher of Shiloh.Church in Jacksonville, Florida Produced by Luke Clayton and the team at IncreaseCreative.Co

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead unpack breaking news within the Southern Baptist Convention, including the Executive Committee's new $186M Cooperative Program budget and ongoing financial strain on the EC. They discuss the disfellowshipping of two churches over female pastors and broader concerns about egalitarianism. A major focus is the McRaney v. NAMB case and the Supreme Court's denial of review, which Whitehead argues reshapes Baptist polity and weakens ordinary Baptists' civil recourse against defamation. The future of the SBC hangs in the balance as we countdown to the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.   Follow CBL's "SBC Weekly RoundUp" to stay informed on: SBC Presidential Race Entity Controversies (ERLC, Executive Committee, seminaries, and more) The future of the Cooperative Program How your church can prepare to engage faithfully and effectively at the SBC Annual Meeting   Timestamps: 00:00 - 02:37 – Introduction & Preview of SBC Weekly Roundup 02:37 - 05:00 – Executive Committee Budget Cuts & continuing financial strain 05:00 - 06:02 – Two SBC churches disfellowshipped, egalitarianism, and the Law Amendment gap 06:02 - 09:35 – McRaney v. NAMB: Overview of the case, SCOTUS denial, and NAMB's public spin 09:35 - 15:00 – Initial Takeaways from the EC Meeting: “Everything Is Awesome” deception 15:00 - 24:42 – Lifeway CP Survey vs. Financial Reality 24:42 - 36:52 – Disturbing Twist: Vance Pitman's NAMB contract as ‘National Mobilizer' 36:52 - 40:00 – Have We Lost Our Baptist Polity? Today vs. Historic SBC Church Planting Rates 40:00 - 1:20:00 – Church autonomy, civil justice, and courts treating Baptists like Catholics 1:20:00 - 1:25:00 – Orlando or Bust: Why This SBC Meeting Is Pivotal   ––––––   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 CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313 CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945 CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445 Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673 iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575 PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223 PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575 TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV

Top headlines for Thursday, February 26, 2026The U.S. Supreme Court has ended Will McRaney's nine-year legal battle against the Southern Baptist Convention's mission board, a ruling that reinforces church autonomy under the First Amendment. Meanwhile, televangelist E. Bernard Jordan is suing YouTubers and pastors for $80 million, alleging defamation and secret recordings that he claims devastated his ministry. And in Florida, Turning Point USA Faith abruptly canceled its “Make Heaven Crowded” tour stop at First Baptist Orlando, raising questions about the intersection of church, politics, and public events.00:11 'Hand of Providence': 7 top moments in Trump's State of the Union address marking nation's 250th anniversary01:16 Supreme Court refuses Will McRaney's lawsuit against SBC entity02:04 Televangelist E. Bernard Jordan files lawsuit against YouTubers02:51 Baptist church, TPUSA back off plans to host 'Make Heaven Crowded03:36 Vanderbilt ceases some adult trans surgeries04:29 Randy Saylor of Living Word Church gets 10 years for sex assault05:16 Trip Lee's first worship project shaped by chronic illnessSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on XChristian 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 News'Hand of Providence': 7 top moments in Trump's State of the Union address marking nation's 250th anniversarySupreme Court refuses Will McRaney's lawsuit against SBC entity | Church & MinistriesTelevangelist E. Bernard Jordan files lawsuit against YouTubers | U.S.Baptist church, TPUSA back off plans to host 'Make Heaven Crowded | U.S.Vanderbilt ceases some adult trans surgeries | U.S.Randy Saylor of Living Word Church gets 10 years for sex assault | U.S.Americans recount moments after killing of Mexican cartel leader | WorldTrip Lee's first worship project shaped by chronic illness | Entertainment

In this throwback episode, we revisit H.B.'s 2023 conversation with Steve Gaines, Pastor Emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. After serving as Senior Pastor for 19 years, Dr. Gaines transitioned to his emeritus role in 2024. He also served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018. He continues to be a widely respected voice in the areas of prayer, evangelism, and pastoral ministry.Get a new website, unlimited custom graphics, & full-service podcast production services at https://IncreaseCreative.Co/HBSubscribe to the Cutting It Straight magazine at https://CISmag.orgConnect with H.B. and access more resources at https://HBCharlesJr.comThe On Preaching Podcast is dedicated to helping you to preach faithfully, clearly, and better.Hosted by H.B. Charles, Jr., Pastor-Teacher of Shiloh.Church in Jacksonville, Florida Produced by Luke Clayton and the team at IncreaseCreative.CoSHARE YOUR QUESTIONS, AND IT MAY BE FEATURED IN A FUTURE EPISODE.Drop a comment or go to https://ncrs.cc/opqa to ask your questions.

Guests: Ronald J. Pestritto & Daniel Darling Host Scot Bertram talks with Ronald J. Pestritto, dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship and Charles and Lucia Shipley Chair in the American Constitution at Hillsdale College, about the rise of the administrative state and his recent provocation Government by the Unelected: How it Happened, and How It Might Be Tamed. And Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, discusses the Christian obligation to patriotism and his new book In Defense of Christian Patriotism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the ERLC Podcast, Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth sits down with Dr. Fred Luter, senior pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, to discuss racial reconciliation in the life of the church. Together, they reflect on the power of the gospel to break down dividing walls, share encouraging stories of progress within the SBC, and offer practical guidance for pastors seeking to lead their congregations toward greater unity. As Southern Baptists observe Racial Reconciliation Sunday, this conversation reminds us that a free and faithful church should reflect the diverse, redeemed multitude we will one day worship alongside in heaven.Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

"If it were not for the black church, there would be no church in America." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1931) In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Walter Strickland II—professor, author, and teaching pastor—reveals why Dietrich Bonhoeffer said there would be no church in America without the African-American church, and what that means for leaders today.Dr. Walter Strickland II unpacks the biblical foundation for kingdom diversity, explains why lament is the missing spiritual muscle in American Christianity, and shares forgotten stories of African-American church leaders. Discover how bearing each other's burdens and learning from the past can transform your church into the multicultural witness God intended.Key Insights:04:46 - Bonhoeffer's Bold Statement About the Black Church08:35 - Spirit-Led Innovation Means Proclamation + Justice14:10 - Kingdom Diversity vs. DEI: What's the Difference?17:34 - Individualistic vs. Collectivistic: Why We Misunderstand Grief19:32 - Why We Debate Details Instead of Mourning Together21:24 - Daniel 9: Repenting on Behalf of Your Nation22:30 - Notable Leaders in Black Church HistoryResources Mentioned:Website: https://walterstrickland.wordpress.comSwing Low: A Life of Lifting Jesus Higher (Volumes 1 & 2) by Walter R. Strickland IIPlain Theology for Plain People by Charles Octavius Booth (republished by Strickland)Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention (contributor)God So Loved the World: A Blueprint for Kingdom Diversity by Walter R. Strickland IIJuneteenth Documentary featuring Rasool Berry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmjuDxKTzzgFollow Innovative Church Leaders:Website: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeadersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeChurchLeaders/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innovativechurchleadersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleadersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovative-church-leaders/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleadersEric Bryant:Website: https://ericbryant.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericbryant777TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericbryant777Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericmichaelbryant/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbryant/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bryant-397003172/X: https://x.com/ericbryantPastoral Cohort with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-post-christian-podcast/id1509588357Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZeQIrzr2tCMyq1VdwxGNnKingdom diversity isn't optional—it's biblical. Learn how to lead a church that reflects Revelation 7:9. Sign up for practical tools at https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us.#ChurchLeadership #KingdomDiversity #Lament #BlackChurch #CulturalDiscernment #MultiEthnicChurch #SpiritLed #BiblicalJustice #ChurchHistory #BlackHistoryMonth

The Theology of Resilience: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense with Daniel RitchieResilience isn’t just the ability to survive hardship…it’s the courage to believe that God is still good, purposeful, and present in the middle of it. Today’s guest embodies that truth in a powerful way. Daniel Ritchie was born without arms, something that, by the world’s standards, could have defined his limitations. But instead of allowing his circumstances to dictate his identity or future, Daniel has chosen a life marked by faith, joy, perseverance, and purpose.This conversation goes far beyond overcoming adversity. It’s about how emotional wounds can run deeper than physical ones, the power that is found through surrender, as well as rooting and anchoring our identity in Christ, and how weakness, when placed in God’s hands, can become a platform for His strength.Daniel is a longtime evangelist, speaker, author, and currently serves as First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. But at his core, he is a man who has learned to trust God deeply, even when life didn’t make sense.Links:Daniel’s Website: https://danielritchie.com/about-daniel/Pick up a Copy of My Affliction for His Glory: https://www.amazon.com/My-Affliction-His-Glory-Identity/dp/1683590821Pick up a copy of Endure: https://www.amazon.com/Endure-Building-Faith-Long-Run/dp/1683595416 About Daniel - Daniel Ritchie A post from DRITCH9 on Daniel Ritchie provided by: https://danielritchie.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when faith communities quietly replace women's leadership with unpaid, invisible labor? In this powerful Best of 2025 #1 top most downloaded episode of 2025 re-release, historian and bestselling author Dr. Beth Allison Barr joins Lori Adams-Brown to unpack how the role of the “pastor's wife” became a substitute for women's ordination—and the deep harm that followed. Drawing from her book Becoming the Pastor's Wife, Beth combines rigorous historical research with lived experience to show how a once-fluid vision of women's leadership in Christianity narrowed dramatically in the late 20th century. What emerges is a sobering picture: women expected to perform the equivalent of multiple full-time jobs for free, while being told their obedience—not their gifts—is God's highest calling. Together, Lori and Beth explore how this shift didn't happen gradually, but almost overnight, during the Southern Baptist Convention's fundamentalist takeover. They discuss the psychological toll on women, the myth of “biblical womanhood,” and how patriarchy often survives by recruiting women to enforce it. This conversation isn't just about church history—it's about power, unpaid labor, identity, and what happens when women are asked to disappear for the sake of “peace.” In this episode, we cover: How marriage replaced ordination as women's path to ministry The myth of the “ideal” pastor's wife and its emotional toll Why unpaid labor is framed as godliness—and why that's harmful How women are pitted against one another inside patriarchal systems What it could look like for women to work together instead Guest Bio:Beth Allison Barr is a medieval historian, professor, and bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. Her work bridges history, faith, and gender, helping readers recover the erased stories of women in Christianity. Key Timestamps: 00:05 – The forgotten legacy of Willie Dawson 12:30 – Dorothy Patterson's hats & the performance of submission 19:40 – The “patriarchal bargain” explained 24:15 – The emotional cost of being the ideal pastor's wife 27:40 – A vision for working together, not competing Call to Action:Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating faith, leadership, or invisible labor. Visit our podcast website or loriadamsbrown.com for more resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when faith communities quietly replace women's leadership with unpaid, invisible labor? In this powerful Best of 2025 #1 top most downloaded episode of 2025 re-release, historian and bestselling author Dr. Beth Allison Barr joins Lori Adams-Brown to unpack how the role of the “pastor's wife” became a substitute for women's ordination—and the deep harm that followed. Drawing from her book Becoming the Pastor's Wife, Beth combines rigorous historical research with lived experience to show how a once-fluid vision of women's leadership in Christianity narrowed dramatically in the late 20th century. What emerges is a sobering picture: women expected to perform the equivalent of multiple full-time jobs for free, while being told their obedience—not their gifts—is God's highest calling. Together, Lori and Beth explore how this shift didn't happen gradually, but almost overnight, during the Southern Baptist Convention's fundamentalist takeover. They discuss the psychological toll on women, the myth of “biblical womanhood,” and how patriarchy often survives by recruiting women to enforce it. This conversation isn't just about church history—it's about power, unpaid labor, identity, and what happens when women are asked to disappear for the sake of “peace.” In this episode, we cover: How marriage replaced ordination as women's path to ministry The myth of the “ideal” pastor's wife and its emotional toll Why unpaid labor is framed as godliness—and why that's harmful How women are pitted against one another inside patriarchal systems What it could look like for women to work together instead Guest Bio:Beth Allison Barr is a medieval historian, professor, and bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. Her work bridges history, faith, and gender, helping readers recover the erased stories of women in Christianity. Key Timestamps: 00:05 – The forgotten legacy of Willie Dawson 12:30 – Dorothy Patterson's hats & the performance of submission 19:40 – The “patriarchal bargain” explained 24:15 – The emotional cost of being the ideal pastor's wife 27:40 – A vision for working together, not competing Call to Action:Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating faith, leadership, or invisible labor. Visit our podcast website or loriadamsbrown.com for more resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says that church services are fair game for protesters. He’s defending the rioters who stormed a Baptist church in St. Paul over the weekend. Clint Pressley, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention joins us today to discuss. Listen LIVE Weekdays 7AM Central on the KWAM app, or Mighty990.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Barry Creamer has served as president of Criswell College since 2014, after spending a combined 10 years as both a member of the faculty and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A trained philosopher and historian, Dr. Creamer holds a B.A. in English from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington.For more than 20 years Dr. Creamer pastored churches across Texas, and he continues to preach conferences, teach lay audiences, and serve as interim pastor for churches in transition. Dr. Creamer has spent over a decade hosting his own podcast, Coffee with Creamer, a program covering relevant issues in ethics, ministry, and worldview, and has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has been featured on numerous print and electronic platforms.

Check out the list of 20 Top Podcasts to start off for 2026. And our guest is JD GREEAR, senior pastor of Summit Church in Raleigh, NC, and best-selling author of multiple books, including his most recent Everyday Revolutionary. JD also is the past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a popular speaker and podcaster. We discuss leadership today, engaging culture, the power of quiet influence, practical ways to impact your community, and much more. Plus, check out the list of 20 Top Podcasts you should know to start off 2026. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list and all the show notes. Share them with your team, repost the lists, and follow and subscribe. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: UNITUS – (FOOTWEAR and APPAREL) Unitus is a faith-focused footwear and apparel company started by NBA player, Jonathan Isaac. Visit http://weareunitus.com. Unitus exists to help followers of Jesus honor God in their everyday life. The most recent shoe drop is the Judah 2 - a lifestyle running and athletic shoe featuring Scripture on the back. Choose your favorite shoes, workout gear, hoodies, or leisure wear. Makes a great gift for friends and family. Check them out at http://weareunitus.com. And SUBSPLASH – engage your congregation through Subsplash. Schedule your free demo at http://subsplash.com/brad. Subsplash is the platform made to help maximize your church's giving, growth, and engagement. The go to for mobile apps, messaging, and streaming, along with building websites, groups, giving and more, Subsplash puts today's most innovative church technology into your hands so you can focus completely on ministry. Visit http://subsplash.com/brad and join more than 20,000 churches and ministries who partner with Subsplash. Again, visit http://subsplash.com/brad to schedule a quick, no obligation demo.

RaShan Frost from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention talks about their recent statement of principles for use of AI, calling for the wise application of AI technology based on the theological principle of humans being made it the image of God.  The Gospel Coalition's Collin Hansen looks back at 2025 and talks about the top 10 theological news stories of 2025.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Southern Baptist Convention has undermined its moral authority amid America's institutional legitimacy crisis by adopting progressive agendas, including a multimillion-dollar #MeToo alliance costing over $13 million—featuring the Guidepost investigation—that led to selling its headquarters. This stemmed from a purported abuse emergency based on contested events: Paige Patterson's 2018 firing over remarks and an unverified allegation; the 2019 Houston Chronicle report (with predation rates critics say are below societal averages across 47,000 churches); and Jennifer Lyell's progressive activism framing a 12-year consensual relationship with David Sills as abuse, now unraveling via romantic emails revealed in the Sills' ongoing defamation lawsuit exposing Guidepost's biased process. The episode reflects a shift from biblical standards on adultery to secular frameworks, demanding new leadership rooted in truth for restoration.Order Against the Waves: Againstthewavesbook.comCheck out Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris?X: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonharrispodcast/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to our review of The Real David Platt! In this episode, we dive into the SBC and if Mclean Bible church or any church is in the Southern Baptist Convention. We talk about this because ecclesiology matters. We just need your friendly cooperation here.... These reviews play clips from the documentary so you may want to watch these on our youtube channel. You can find full documentary here.

We have heard a lot of discussion in the past few years about Christian Nationalism. But for all the talk, the books, and the social media traffic, there's less clarity than ever around the term. But one of the worst outcomes we have seen amidst this talk has been a dismissal of what my guest today, Daniel Darling, calls Christian patriotism. While Dan Darling rejects what is often a virulent and anti-Christian version of Christian Nationalism, he writes in a new book that patriotism isn't optional for Christians. He explains that God himself defines the time and place in which we live and gave us a command to love our neighbors. Loving our country and getting involved in the political, social, cultural, and civic lives of our nation are essential duties. Dan Darling is uniquely qualified to talk about these issues. He is a pastor and the author of several books, including The Dignity Revolution, which is one that had a big impact on me. He currently serves as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also a columnist for WORLD Magazine and a contributor to USA Today. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

This week's episode features Megan Basham, culture reporter for The Daily Wire and author of Shepherds for Sale: How evangelical leaders traded the truth for a leftist agenda, to discuss her reporting on how major philanthropic networks, political groups, and federal funding streams have shaped the policy positions of several large evangelical institutions on immigration issues such as open borders, refugee resettlement, and amnesties.Basham outlines how organizations like World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals and a federally funded refugee-resettlement contractor, have become influential voices within evangelical leadership. She discusses her findings on the financial and philanthropic support behind campaigns such as the Evangelical Immigration Table, which was created to push support behind left-wing causes, like open borders.In the episode, Basham walks through her reporting on efforts by political and foundation-backed groups to partner with major denominations, develop Bible-study curricula, and promote messaging on immigration within Christian colleges and ministries. She also describes the tension emerging between national-level leadership and many congregants, noting recent pushback inside denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention. The conversation broadens to examine why institutional leaders in multiple religious traditions – Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, and Jewish – often adopt policy positions that differ from the views of the people in the pews.The episode also looks at ongoing debates inside evangelical circles about mission work and refugee policy. Should churches be importing targets for witness instead of going where these people are to preach the gospel?HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestMegan Basham is the culture reporter for The Daily WireRelatedReligious NGO that Settled Afghan Shooter Condemned Trump for Additional Vetting OrderShepherds for Sale: How evangelical leaders traded the truth for a leftist agendaRaking in Hundreds of Millions for Trafficking Kids Destroys U.S. Catholic Bishops' Credibility on ImmigrationSomali Immigrants in MinnesotaMotor-Voter Law Often Lures Non-Citizens into Voting Illegally‘Operation Allies Welcome': Parole, Benefits, Vetting GapsIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

Welcome to The Weekly, produced by TAB Media Group, which publishes The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper. Each episode features news headlines read by TAB Media Group staff and volunteers. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesday mornings. To hear Jennifer Rash's full interview with RaShan Frost, director of research with the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, find it on TAB Media Group's YouTube channel here. To download the workbook, visit erlc.com. Visit TAB Media HERE Subscribe on iTunes HERE

Trillia Newbell is the author of the kids' books Creative God, Colorful Us and God's Very Good Idea; a Bible study on Hebrews 11, A Great Cloud of Witnesses; and a Bible study on Romans 8, If God Is For Us, as well as the books Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith; Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts (2016);  Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves (2015) and United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity (2014). Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, and many other Christian outlets. Trillia has spoken at numerous conferences, churches, women's retreats, colleges and seminaries. She spent seven years serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. She is currently an acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers. Her latest book is Celebrating Around the Table: Learning the Stories of Black Christians through Readings, Fellowship, Food, and Faith, (Harvest House).

JESUS IS BETTER Mark 12:35–40 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus If corruption, hypocrisy, and abuse inside the church have ever made you question Jesus, let this sink in: Jesus condemned those things even more fiercely than you do. What you hate about religion is often the very reason you might love Jesus — because He exposes that darkness and stands against it. Sermon Summary In this message, Coleton walks deeply into one of Jesus' sharpest public confrontations with religious leaders. Drawing from Mark 12:35–40, he exposes three behaviors of the teachers of the law that still plague the church today — behaviors that cause people to lose trust, walk away, or become disgusted with religion altogether. But instead of letting these failings push us from Jesus, Coleton argues they should push us closer to Him, because Jesus Himself condemns these very abuses more clearly, more passionately, and more fiercely than we ever could. What follows is Coleton's three-point framework, each grounded in Scripture, history, and modern examples, ultimately leading us toward a posture of repentance, discernment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. 1. Hypocritical Lifestyle — Appearing Righteous (vv. 38, 40) Scripture: “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect… and for a show make lengthy prayers.” — Mark 12:38, 40 Historical Note (Mark Strauss): “Teachers of the law wore long white linen robes… These garments imitated the robes worn by priests and so ‘signified' religious devotion.” Jesus' critique:   They projected holiness to gain admiration, honor, and spiritual credibility, but inside they were spiritually dead. Coleton highlights Jesus' words from Matthew where He calls them “whitewashed tombs” — clean and impressive on the outside, but hiding decay beneath. He describes Bryn Gilet's painting of the Pharisee and tax collector, showing a beautifully posed, self-righteous Pharisee whose “worship” is nothing more than polished emptiness. Modern Example: Coleton shares his disillusionment with a once-admired pastor whose hidden lifestyle contradicted everything he preached. The fallout devastated a church, wounded countless people, and embodied this exact hypocrisy Jesus condemned. Main Idea: Hypocrisy in spiritual leaders makes people question everything — the church, the message, even Jesus Himself.   But Jesus is not soft on hypocrisy. He hates it.   He exposes it, condemns it, and warns His followers to stay alert to it. 2. Using God to Get Better Treatment & Better Stuff (vv. 38–39) Scripture: “They like to… be greeted with respect… and have the most important seats… and the places of honor at banquets.” — Mark 12:38–39 Commentary (David Guzik): “They taught that teachers were to be respected almost as much as God… The greatest act someone could do was to give money to a teacher… Of course, it was the teachers themselves who taught this.” What's happening here? These leaders used Scripture as a tool to extract honor, wealth, and privilege for themselves. They weren't shepherds — they were spiritual opportunists. Modern Examples: Coleton highlights real stories we all see far too often: Pastors who demand honorific treatment.   Churches where members must publicly declare their tithes.   Preachers who use the pulpit to justify private jets or lavish lifestyles.   Leaders who shame people into financial giving.   He tells of a man who built a multi-million-dollar home for a pastor and said simply, “This is why I don't trust the church.”   He didn't know Scripture — he just knew something felt wrong. Main Idea: When spiritual authority becomes a platform for personal gain, the world sees right through it — and they should.   Jesus Himself calls out this manipulation long before modern critics ever did. 3. Using Power to Prey on the Weak (v. 40) Scripture: “They devour widows' houses…” — Mark 12:40 Commentary (David L. McKenna): “Scribes served as consultants in estate planning for widows… They convinced lonely and susceptible women that their money should be given to the scribe… There is no better way to assure the confidence of widows than by a show of spirituality….” What Jesus is condemning: Religious leaders using spiritual authority to exploit and financially drain vulnerable people — particularly widows. Modern Examples (summarized): Coleton cites a heartbreaking list: Southern Baptist Convention's report documenting 700 abusers in a decade and systemic cover-ups.   Prosperity preachers promising healing in exchange for “seed money.”   Stories of people dying from illness after being taught to give instead of seek treatment.   “Miracle cash cards,” “resurrection seeds,” “holy water,” and other manipulative schemes. Coleton notes how reading these cases was “brutal.”   Comments under these articles echoed the same cry: “This is why I want nothing to do with God or the church.” Main Idea: Spiritual abuse is real. It is evil. And Jesus does not tolerate it.   Jesus says those who do this will receive greater condemnation — a warning stronger than any critique we could offer. A Turning Point: Why These Failings Should Draw You Closer to Jesus Coleton makes a stunning and deeply pastoral turn: If church corruption disgusts you, you have more in common with Jesus than you think.   Jesus agrees with you.   Jesus condemns what you condemn — and even more strongly. He uses the opening verses of the text (Mark 12:35–37) to show that Jesus distance Himself from corrupt religious leaders by proving they don't truly understand Scripture nor the identity of the Messiah. “David himself calls him ‘Lord.' How then can he be his son?” — Mark 12:37 Jesus is saying:   “They don't know Me. So don't confuse them with Me.” Their failures do not represent Him. What This Means for Us — Applications 1. Fight the Temptation to Look Good on the Outside We all want to hide flaws, curate an image, and appear righteous.   But image-based faith is like Banksy's graffiti-cleaner artwork — adding paint on top of paint, looking busy but doing nothing real. 2. Watch Out — Guard Your Heart Church hurt is real, but Jesus warns:   “Watch out.”   Don't let the sins of others lead you to cynicism, bitterness, or disobedience.   Be discerning — not hardened. 3. Know Jesus So Well You Can Spot Counterfeits Coleton shares an Anne Graham Lotz story:   A Scotland Yard expert studied real money so intensely that counterfeits were obvious. Likewise:  Know the real Jesus deeply, so when someone distorts Him, you can see it — and not walk away from Him because of someone else's misrepresentation. Closing Gospel Picture — Jesus Is Not Like Them Coleton ends with three contrasts showing why Jesus is worth drawing near to: Jesus didn't just appear righteous; He was righteous — and took our place on a cross.   Jesus didn't use His position to gain luxury; He gave up heaven's throne to rescue us.   Jesus didn't abuse power; He submitted to humiliation so that we could experience God's blessing.   Jesus is nothing like the corrupt leaders who misuse His name.   So draw near to Him.

On this episode of The Ricecast, Pastors Willy Rice and Dan Pigsley talk about the Thanksgiving, The Florida Baptist Convention, Pastor's Come Before Winter Sermon, The SBC Presidency, and The Seven Pillars of Renewal needed for the Southern Baptist Convention. On October 31, 2025, Pastor Willy Rice announced his intention to allow his name to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2026. In doing so, he has begun outlining the “Pillars of Renewal” that will shape his vision and focus for this season of renewal within the SBC.Learn More at www.baptistrenewal.usSupport the showFind us at! Calvary.us

On this episode of The Ricecast, Pastors Willy Rice and Dan Pigsley talk about the cold weather, The Florida Baptist Convention, Missions Month, The SBC Presidency, and The Seven Pillars of Renewal needed for the Southern Baptist Convention. On October 31, 2025, Pastor Willy Rice announced his intention to allow his name to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2026. In doing so, he has begun outlining the “Pillars of Renewal” that will shape his vision and focus for this season of renewal within the SBC.Learn More at www.baptistrenewal.usSupport the showFind us at! Calvary.us

On this episode of The Ricecast, Pastors Willy Rice and Dan Pigsley talk about College Football (GO GATORS), CCHS Volleyball State Championship, The SBC Presidency, and The Seven Pillars of Renewal needed for the Southern Baptist Convention. On October 31, 2025, Pastor Willy Rice announced his intention to allow his name to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2026. In doing so, he has begun outlining the “Pillars of Renewal” that will shape his vision and focus for this season of renewal within the SBC.Learn More at www.baptistrenewal.usSupport the showFind us at! Calvary.us

The episode delves into the often-contentious relationship between conservative Christianity, particularly as represented by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and the scientific community. Through the insights of Dr. Benjamin Phillips and Dr. David Perry, we explore how individuals can perceive God through the lens of scientific inquiry, specifically in fields such as chemistry and ecology. The discussion reveals that the doctrines of creation and the understanding of God's presence in the natural world can coexist harmoniously with scientific exploration and understanding. We examine the misconceptions that many hold regarding the tension between faith and science, demonstrating that a more nuanced perspective can lead to greater unity within the church and a fuller appreciation of God's handiwork in creation. Ultimately, this conversation invites listeners to reconsider their views on the interplay of faith and science, promoting a more integrated approach to understanding both realms.The inaugural episode of the miniseries "The Whole Church Science Fair" features a profound dialogue between hosts Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell and esteemed guests Dr. Benjamin Phillips, the Dean of Christian Studies at Charleston Southern University, and Dr. David Perry, an Associate Professor of Chemistry. This episode delves into the intricate relationship between conservative Christianity, particularly as represented by the Southern Baptist Convention, and the scientific community. It challenges the prevailing notion that these two realms are perpetually at odds, particularly concerning issues such as creationism and evolution. The guests articulate how the doctrines of creation can coexist with scientific inquiry, particularly in chemistry and ecology, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge as a means of understanding God's handiwork in the natural world. They explore how scientific endeavors can illuminate the divine attributes of God, fostering a dialogue that seeks to bridge the gaps between faith and science, ultimately advocating for a more harmonious relationship between the two.Takeaways: In the inaugural episode of our miniseries "The Whole Church Science Fair", we engage with Dr. Benjamin Phillips and Dr. David Perry to explore the intersection of conservative Christianity and scientific inquiry, specifically within the context of the Southern Baptist Convention. The dialogue reveals a common misconception that conservative churches, particularly the Southern Baptist Convention, are inherently antagonistic towards the scientific community, largely due to historical tensions surrounding issues such as evolution and creationism. We discuss how the study of chemistry can illuminate the grandeur of God's creation, emphasizing that scientific discovery can enhance our understanding of divine work rather than diminish it. Dr. Perry articulates a stewardship ethic concerning ecological work, asserting that humanity's role in creation is to cultivate and enhance the natural world rather than exploit it, reflecting the biblical mandate found in Genesis. The episode challenges listeners to consider how a deeper engagement with both scripture and scientific principles can foster unity within the church, particularly amidst differing interpretations of controversial topics such as the age of the earth and human origins. By understanding diverse historical interpretations of Genesis, listeners may find common ground with fellow believers, promoting a spirit of cooperation rather than division in discussions surrounding faith and science. .Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network:https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm.You can leave a donation, buy podcast merchandise, check out previous series that...

J.D. Greear and Joel Rosenberg on Revelation and the Church/Inside the Epicenter Explores Biblical Promises and Modern Realities/Replacement Theology, Israel, and the ChurchWelcome to Inside the Epicenter! In this episode, host Joel Rosenberg welcomes J.D. Greear, influential pastor and former Southern Baptist Convention president, to discuss whether God is finished with Israel and what that means for the church today. Together, they dive into the theological debate around replacement theology and explore how the Bible points to a future for ethnic Israel, especially through the lens of Revelation. J.D. shares his approach to teaching prophecy and the importance of loving both Israel and her neighbors, including Muslims, while Joel presses on how these beliefs shape ministry, missions, and compassion in a time of conflict. With practical insights for pastors, young evangelicals, and anyone wrestling with these big questions, this episode sheds fresh light on prophecy, mission, and the church’s role in blessing the Epicenter. Stay tuned for engaging perspectives and stories you won’t want to miss! (00:02) "Educating Christians to Bless Israel"(05:35) "JD's Winsome Scriptural Approach"(11:35) Israel, Church, and Biblical Covenants(17:00) "Unashamed Gospel and Jewish Focus"(22:50) Future Role of Ethnic Israel(29:41) Biblical Perspective on Critical Theory(32:17) "Being Beloved in Community"(37:35) Blessings, Israel, and Politics(46:16) "Expanding God's Work in Media"(51:19) Literal vs. Metaphorical Revelation Interpretation(54:17) Young Pastor's Biblical View on Israel(59:28) "Growing Ministry, Blessing the Church"(01:07:11) "Subscribe and Share Podcast" Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.comMake a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua FundStock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5 Verse of the Day: Genesis 12:1-3 - Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and pin you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Pray for the refreshment of the pastors and the ministry leaders who have been serving so faithfully in very hard times, and they're exhausted and they're going through grief.Pray for us as we minister to the ministers, and that God open financial doors. Related Episodes:Hamas Is Now Slaughtering Gazans — How Should Trump and Evangelicals Respond? #324Tal Heinrich - Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Middle East #323Strength for Women & Families in a Time of War #322Ambassador Yechiel Leiter - Historic Gaza Hostage Deal #321 Donate a generous monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and Her Neighbors now and for the long haul. Become an Epicenter Ally today! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One cannot BE a conservative.  One can only aspire to conservatism.  So says John Wilsey in his new book Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer.  Perhaps Roger Scruton's How to be a Conservative was a worthy endeavor but too audacious of a title.   John Wilsey joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis to flesh out the aspirational nature of conservatism and how it grounds the individual.  They explore the religious roots of American conservatism and the challenges of bringing up a new generation of conservatives without the giants of the past conservatives had to look to for inspiration and encouragement.   About John Wilsey John D. Wilsey is Professor of Church History and Philosophy and Chair of the Church History Department at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Senior Fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, an initiative of the First Liberty Institute. He is also a research fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and a research fellow with the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the recipient of research fellowships from the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, and the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal. He lives with his family in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Why are fewer young people stepping into ministry today? Why does it feel like pastors are burning out, retiring, or walking away with no one to take their place? In this episode of the March or Die Show, Jeremy Stalnecker and Sean Kennard sit down with Bart Barber, Pastor of First Baptist Farmersville, Texas and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, to talk honestly about the crisis in pastoral leadership and biblical leadership in general. Hit Subscribe, share this episode with your community, and drop a comment on what landed hardest for you. Want more reinforcement? Subscribe to our newsletter, The Forward Edge, to go beyond the podcast and dig deeper into these topics and more: https://marchordie.substack.com! Join us daily for encouragement and biblical truth with the Mighty Oaks Daily Devotional, you can sign up for reminders: https://mightyoaksprograms.org/daily-devotional Follow March or Die:https://instagram.com/MarchOrDie https://Facebook.com/MarchOrDieShow https://TikTok.com/March_or_Die Follow Jeremy:https://instagram.com/jeremystalnecker https://jeremystalnecker.com Follow Sean:https://instagram.com/seantopgunkennard https://youtube.com/@SeanTopGunKennard Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Danny welcomes to the show his friend Pastor David Burton who has faithfully served the Lord in ministry for over 50 years! David has served in various capacities, including as the Director of Evangelism for the Southern Baptist Convention for over 25 years, and now serves as the president of his own ministry based in Florida. He shares a lot about what he has learned about sharing the Gospel with people in various conexts, including in his motorcycle ministry!

9.3.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Trump Eyes National Guard For Chicago, Epstein Files Chaos, Baptist Power Play, Clarke vs. MillsThe convict-in-chief is considering whether to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago or a city with a governor who, he says, would welcome them, like New Orleans.Jeffrey Epstein survivors and several lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill, demanding the full release of his case files. The leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention is overwhelmingly white and male. Texas pastor Reverend William Dwight McKissic will be here to discuss the conservative movement to "Make Baptists Great Again." Congresswoman Yvette Clarke calls out Representative Cory Mills over allegations of harassment. We'll show you her introducing a resolution to censure him.And in our Tech Talk segment: Across the country, more families are choosing homeschooling. We'll speak with the founders of Cocoa Classroom, who are helping reshape education for Black families.#BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbaseThis Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing.Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV.The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert D. Martin comes out of the Christian establishment from places I do not generally have access to, including being on the Board of the Liberty University School of Business, an officer of the Southern Baptist Convention, and working with powerful politicians and financiers. We ended up talking in depth before and after the show on our feelings about God in our lives. Rod is one of the most informed and articulate people I have met on global affairs from a historical and current events viewpoint. He will definitely add to your knowledge about what is going on in the clash between good and evil in the world today. Rod has many insights into the nature of human evil and how it is embedded in our institutions. However, he also expresses hope and details some reasons for hope in the beginning of a rebirth of Christianity in America, especially among younger people.   Rod speaks with amazing clarity and conviction about the most important issues of our day, making this one of my best hours of listening to another person's ideas.   Rod D. Martin, Founder and CEO of Martin Capital and The Rod Martin Report, is an investor, technology entrepreneur, and futurist from Destin, Florida. Fox Business calls him a “tech guru,” Gawker once labeled him a “brilliant nonconformist,” while Britain's Guardian describes him as a “philosopher capitalist.” BlazeTV has named him “one of America's leading public intellectuals.”   Rod was part of PayPal's pre-IPO startup team, serving as special counsel to founder and CEO Peter Thiel and as policy director to former Governor Mike Huckabee. He is active in a variety of charitable and educational endeavors, including service on the Board of Directors of the Center for Security Policy, on the Board of Advisors at the Liberty University School of Business, and as co-founder of the Conservative Baptist Network.     ______   Learn more about Dr. Peter Breggin's work: https://breggin.com/   See more from Dr. Breggin's long history of being a reformer in psychiatry: https://breggin.com/Psychiatry-as-an-Instrument-of-Social-and-Political-Control   Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal, the how-to manual @ https://breggin.com/a-guide-for-prescribers-therapists-patients-and-their-families/   Get a copy of Dr. Breggin's latest book: WHO ARE THE “THEY” - THESE GLOBAL PREDATORS? WHAT ARE THEIR MOTIVES AND THEIR PLANS FOR US? HOW CAN WE DEFEND AGAINST THEM? Covid-19 and the Global Predators: We are the Prey Get a copy: https://www.wearetheprey.com/   “No other book so comprehensively covers the details of COVID-19 criminal conduct as well as its origins in a network of global predators seeking wealth and power at the expense of human freedom and prosperity, under cover of false public health policies.”   ~ Robert F Kennedy, Jr Author of #1 bestseller The Real Anthony Fauci and Founder, Chairman and Chief Legal Counsel for Children's Health Defense.  

About Daniel Daniel is a speaker, author and the Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is husband to Heather and daddy to two. About the Episode Join Becky Davidson as she sits down with Daniel Ritchie, a motivational speaker and author, to explore his incredible journey of overcoming adversity. Born without arms, Daniel shares his birth story, the challenges he faced growing up, and how his faith played a pivotal role in his life. Discover how Daniel's unique perspective on disability and faith inspires others to find purpose and joy in their own stories. Related Links Story of Daniel's Life Extraordinary Legacy Small Group study X - @DanielRitchie   Author of "My Affliction for His Glory" and "Endure." Visit danielritchie.com for more insights and resources.   Moment of Reflection: “Where in my parenting journey have I seen unexpected beauty grow out of hardship?”

Part 2 | In 2024, Mercy Hill Church became the #1 missionary sending church in the Southern Baptist Convention. This doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen without intentionality. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Pastor Andrew talks with our Missions Director, Landon about Mercy Hill's 2-year training process that has sent out 212 people (71 international) to unreached people groups. Learn practical strategies for missions mobilization, church planting systems, and how to transition from church growth to global sending. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and missions committees wanting to build sustainable missionary training programs.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠

In 2024, Mercy Hill Church became the #1 missionary sending church in the Southern Baptist Convention. This doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen without intentionality. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Pastor Andrew talks with our Missions Director, Landon about Mercy Hill's 2-year training process that has sent out 212 people (71 international) to unreached people groups. Learn practical strategies for missions mobilization, church planting systems, and how to transition from church growth to global sending. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and missions committees wanting to build sustainable missionary training programs.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

On today's program, a former employee sues Liberty University, claiming she was given heavier work loads, less pay, and was passed over for promotions. In the end, she claims she was fired for being a whistleblower. We'll have details. Plus, email scams are targeting churches…in some cases, scammers pose as pastors seeking donations. How can churches and members protect themselves? We take a look. Also, the Southern Baptist Convention launches a new abuse helpline. We'll also have a remembrance of Dr. James Dobson, who died on Thursday. First, a lawsuit leveled against Grand Canyon Education has been dropped. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Daniel Ritchie, Yonat Shimron, Isaac Wood, Jessica Eturralde, Laura Erlanson, and Aaron Earls. A special thanks to Lifeway Research and Baptist Press for contributing material for this week's podcast.   MANUSCRIPT:   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Christina: And I'm Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden this week, and we'd like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today's program, a former employee sues Liberty University, claiming she was given heavier work loads, less pay, and was passed over for promotions. In the end, she claims she was fired for being a whistleblower. We'll have details. Plus, email scams are targeting churches…in some cases, scammers pose as pastors seeking donations. How can churches and members protect themselves? We take a look. And, the Southern Baptist Convention launches a new abuse helpline. We'll also have a remembrance of Dr. James Dobson, who died on Thursday. Christina: But first, a lawsuit leveled against Grand Canyon Education has been dropped. Warren: The Federal Trade Commission first brought the lawsuit during the Biden Administration, claiming Grand Canyon Education—which is the for-profit marketing arm of Grand Canyon University—misled prospective students about how much it would cost to complete their doctoral programs. Christina: Also, in November, Grand Canyon secured another victory after the court found that the Education Department had used the wrong standard when it denied the university's application for nonprofit status in 2019. All that led to last week, when the Federal Trade Commission formally dismissed their case. Warren: That's right. In a statement, the F-T-C said the case presented “consumers very little upside relative to the cost of pursuing it to completion, especially given the developments chronicled above.” They said it would be “imprudent to continue expending Commission resources on a lost cause.” Christina: Grand Canyon Education praised the decision. Warren: They did. Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller—who is also president of Grand Canyon Education—says the accusations against them have always been false. Christina: Still, Grand Canyon University isn't out of the woods yet. A civil case brought by former doctoral students is still ongoing in federal court. Warren: In June 2024, Tanner Smith and Qimin Wang are two plaintiffs—both former students who claim they were lied to about the cost of the doctoral programs. They say they were both required to take continuation courses that added over $8,000 to the cost of their degree programs. Christina: Our next story takes us to Liberty University, who is facing a discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit from a former employee. Warren: Erika Woolfolk, a black woman, worked as a civil rights investigator in Liberty's Office of Equity and Compliance for Title IX. She is a graduate of the school and worked there from 2014 to 2024. She filed a lawsuit on August 12,

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.

On today's program, a third prosecutor has been appointed in the trial of Anglican Church in North America Bishop Stewart Ruch after the first two resigned. The Bishop is on trial with the denomination for welcoming abusers into the church, and minimizing the needs of abuse survivors. A North Carolina church was the victim of an online scam that stole nearly $800 thousand from their new building fund. That was two years ago—we'll look at where the church is now. Plus, Brent Leatherwood resigns from the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, just one year after being fired…then unfired. Leatherwood led the agency for four contentious years. We'll have details. First, the defense attorney in a lawsuit involving T.D. Jakes has been sanctioned by the court for using artificial intelligence in the preparation of court documents. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Kathryn Post, Daniel Ritchie, Bob Smietana, Katie Ruth Bowes, and Isaac Wood. A special thanks to the Biblical Recorder and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT:    FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Christina: And I'm Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden this week, and we'd like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today's program, a third prosecutor has been appointed in the trial of Anglican Church in North America Bishop Stewart Ruch after the first two resigned. The Bishop is on trial with the denomination for welcoming abusers into the church, and minimizing the needs of abuse survivors. And, a North Carolina church was the victim of an online scam that stole nearly $800 thousand from their new building fund. That was two years ago—we'll look at where the church is now. Plus, Brent Leatherwood resigns from the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, just one year after being fired…then unfired. Leatherwood led the agency for four contentious years. We'll have details. Christina: But first, the defense attorney in a lawsuit involving T.D. Jakes has been sanctioned by the court for using artificial intelligence in the preparation of court documents. Warren: The attorney is Tyrone Blackburn, and he was defending Duane Youngblood in a defamation lawsuit filed by TD Jakes. Blackburn has been sanctioned by a federal court because he presented documents that contained material fabricated by artificial intelligence. U.S. District Court Judge William Stickman ordered Blackburn to pay over $76-thousand in fees to cover expenses Jakes had to pay to defend himself against the “AI-generated hallucinations and other misrepresentations in Defendant's motion to dismiss briefing.” Christina: Last year, Duane Youngblood accused Jakes of attempted sexual assault. Jakes has maintained his innocence and filed a defamation lawsuit against Youngblood in November 2024. Jakes noted that Youngblood is on parole after felony convictions for sexual assault and corruption of minors. Warren: According to a statement provided to Dallas Morning News, Blackburn said he purchased an A-I program because he doesn't employ paralegals and most of his current clients are pro bono. The A-I program generated its own legal prompts and motions, and contained false quotes and case law. Before he could fix the A-I generated errors, Youngblood asked him to leave the case. Christina: But the judge essentially told him that wasn't an excuse—that he was fully responsible for the accuracy of his legal briefs, regardless of who—or what—contributed to it. It was Blackburn's signature on the document. Warren: Right.

 A whites-only community has launched in Arkansas under the legal guise of a “private membership association.” The founders claim it's about preserving culture, but Skye and Phil aren't buying it. Then, Brent Leatherwood, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, has resigned after years of pressure from hardline conservatives. What does his departure reveal about the denomination's political realignment? And, this week's guest is Brandon O'Brien, author of The Strategically Small Church. As American Christianity grapples with shrinking attendance and fading influence, O'Brien offers a compelling vision for why small congregations might be not just inevitable, but essential. Also Phil learns way too much about penguin poop.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/135810167/   0:00 - Show Starts   3:30 - Theme Song   3:50 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   4:45 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   6:15 - Penguin Poop Saves the World?   15:50 - Whites-Only Community in Arkansas?   28:47 - SBC Commission President Steps Down!   43:48 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST   44:55 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month   46:05 - Sponsor - Church at the Crossroads - How should churches respond to the crisis in Gaza? Join a conference to break the silence. Go to https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com and use code HOLYPOST for 20% off!   47:21 - Interview   51:09 - Appetite for Small Churches?   59:00 - Beholden to Budget   1:09:15 - Unanxious   1:20:46 - End Credits   Links from News Segment: All White Community in Arkansas: https://news.sky.com/story/inside-the-whites-only-settlement-in-arkansas-the-group-building-a-fortress-for-the-white-race-13399875   Brent Leatherwood Steps Down:  https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/07/erlc-brent-leatherwood-resign-sbc-southern-baptist-politics/   Other Resources: The Strategically Small Church: Intimate, Authentic, and Effective by Brandon J. O'Brien: https://a.co/d/fgdjXcQ   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

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.

In this episode, Dinesh considers the latest terrorist attack in Denver as the starting point for a larger question, “Is Islam compatible with Western democracy?” William Wolfe, founder of the Center for Baptist Leadership, joins Dinesh to document George Soros influence over the supposedly-conservative Southern Baptist Convention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Segment 1: • The Southern Baptist Convention heads to Dallas—and tensions are rising. • Debates over the ERLC's purpose and women's roles in the church resurface. • Millions of dollars are at stake—are they fueling mission or bureaucracy? Segment 2: • Todd questions if the SBC is investing more in politics than people. • Al Mohler even questions the ERLC's effectiveness—so what now? • What if those dollars were redirected to direct gospel work? Segment 3: • The SBC wants unity—but disagreements over essentials threaten that goal. • True unity can't be built on compromise—it must be rooted in truth. • The Lord's Table reminds us: sin is deep, but grace is deeper. Segment 4: • As the SBC meets, deeper questions loom: Are we majoring in minors? • MacArthur and Sproul once showed how to disagree without dividing. • Maybe it's time to refocus on the gospel and rediscover love for God. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!