SBC This Week

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss the recent news that baptisms and church attendance was up in Southern Baptist churches in 2024, how dozens of International Mission Board missionaries are giving thanks for cooperation as they approach retirement, Supreme Court cases that are hitting close to home, the retirement of Hispanic leader Bobby Sena and marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

In this episode, Brandon and Laura look back at how God worked on Easter Sunday and give a preview of Baptism Sunday, look at two religious liberty legal cases, discuss a NOBTS trustees report, celebrate Adam Groza's first year at Gateway and reflect on Southeastern Seminary's Keith Harper.

Brandon and Laura talk about the announced nomination of Clint Pressley for his second term as SBC president, entity trustee reports, the Serve Tour in Virginia Beach, and why Prestonwood's Jeremiah Johnston says the Resurrection needs to be emphasized.

This week on SBC This Week, we’ve got the latest updates as preparations ramp up for the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas — including hotel availability, volunteer opportunities, and the launch of this year’s app. We cover nomination news for SBC Recording Secretary, leadership transitions in West Virginia, and encouraging reports of financial stability and enrollment growth from Southwestern and Midwestern seminaries. Plus, we discuss recent legislative moves in Texas and Missouri to nullify NDAs in abuse cases, creative ways churches welcome guests, and five key religious liberty cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, we take a look at a unique musical project bringing a third-century Christian hymn back to life just in time for Easter.

Brandon Porter and Jonathan Howe share the preliminary 2025 SBC Annual Meeting schedule, provide details about the 2025 Crossover event and introduce a potential 2nd vice president candidate.

In this episode, D.J. introduces David Woo Joon Kim, whose journey of faith spans continents. Born in South Korea and raised in Guatemala, David was the first Korean student in the history of Guatemala. His parents, driven by a missional heart, planted a church where just two families began worshiping together—eventually growing into a church community. David’s life took a transformative turn at a high school retreat in Texas, where he met the Lord and answered the call to ministry. Now serving as the Senior Pastor of Good Community Church of Torrance and active in the Southern Baptist community, David shares his story of surrender, faith, and the daily pursuit of God’s will. Join us as he reflects on how small we are and how great our God is.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss SBC disaster relief efforts following a line of deadly storms, a timeline of recent SBC legal expenses, a Lifeway Research study that says half of protestant churches are growing and much more.

Episode Description: In this week’s episode, D.J. talks with Dr. Robert Smith Jr., a pastor, husband, father, professor, and, above all, a devoted follower of Christ. Dr. Smith shares how his students have become his congregation as he pours into the lives of others with wisdom, faith, and love. His mission is to offer his life as a sacrifice to God, influencing those who follow him as he follows Christ. He also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming message at the pastors’ conference, where he will speak on the transformative power of God’s Word. Join us as Dr. Smith shares his passion for preaching, encouraging others, and living out the gospel.

This episode is sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism - https://holyland.israel.travel - Brandon and Laura discuss the news that the DOJ closed their investigation into the SBC, the ERLC files a brief on a religious liberty case before the Supreme Court, Eric Ramsey is leaving the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, pastor may be able opt back into Social Security Security and Lifeway Research shares interesting trends in church growth.

In this week’s episode, D.J. introduces Juan Sánchez, Senior Pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church, theologian, author, and professor, as he explores the intersection of faith, theology, and everyday life. Juan talks about his experience sharing the gospel in the Spanish-speaking world and the opportunities that God placed him in. With a passion for biblical truth and a heart for discipleship, Juan is excited to unpack Scripture at the Pastors’ Conference. Tune in and be strengthened in your faith!

This episode is sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism - https://holyland.israel.travel/In this episode of SBC This Week, hosts Laura Erlanson and Jonathan Howe discuss various topics related to the Southern Baptist Convention, including insights from a recent survey about the annual meeting, the Week of Prayer for North American Missions, leadership transitions in state executives, updates on the Department of Justice investigation, and new initiatives from Guidestone. They also cover financial updates regarding the Cooperative Program, Brad Graves' prayer in the U.S. Senate, and the implications of an executive order on IVF. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Sanchez amendment and survey results regarding annual meeting preferences. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the SBC Pastors' Conference and Annual Meeting, exploring attendance statistics, financial considerations, and the preferences for future meeting locations. Insights reveal a split in the perceived importance of the Pastors' Conference, with discussions on how to enhance the value of the Annual Meeting through more engagement opportunities and training sessions. Financial barriers, particularly related to hotel costs, are highlighted as significant factors affecting attendance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of selecting suitable cities for future meetings, emphasizing the need for affordable accommodations and accessibility. Overall, the discussion reflects on the evolving needs and preferences of Southern Baptists in relation to their annual gatherings.

In this episode, D.J. introduces Aaron Harvie, the Senior Pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Aaron, a husband and father of five, grew up in a Christian-based home and gave his life to Christ at age 10. While attending college, he felt called to ministry while being deeply impacted by a small Southern Baptist church in Southern California, where he was mentored by godly men who exemplified the Christian faith. As a church planting catalyst, Aaron planted a church before stepping into his role at Highview Baptist. In this conversation, he shares his passion for his preaching passage at the Pastors’ Conference and his gratitude for being part of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Lance Caddell is named new state executive for the Northwest Baptist Convention, Nate Adams announces his retirement as state executive in Illinois, Brandon and Laura talk about how a Pew research study says the decline in Christianity among American might be leveling off and they discuss a new ERLC resource on how to discuss the downfalls of gambling.

In this episode, D.J. introduces Joshua Powell, lead pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church and a third-generation Southern Baptist pastor. Joshua shares his journey—from growing up as a pastor’s kid to serving as a missionary in India and now leading in South Carolina. He talks about his passion for encouraging younger pastors and his excitement to preach from 2 Timothy at the conference. Tune in to hear his heart for ministry and leadership!

The SBC Executive Committee met in Nashville this week. We have comprehensive coverage from the meetings. Plus we talk about the ERLC's initiative to defund Planned Parenthood and a Lifeway Research study on how the church prays for believers in persecution. Brandon and Laura cover all of this and a history moment you don't want to miss.

SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg spoke to the Executive Committee February 17, 2025 in Nashville. He spoke about the ongoing work of sexual abuse response and prevention in the SBC, a new Business and Financial Plan for the SBC and a strategy for dealing with the convention’s financial woes. We bring you his address in a special edition of the podcast.

In this episode of From Lostness to Leadership, host D.J. Horton talks with Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss his profound journey to faith. Jamie shares how his own brokenness led him to Christ and the pivotal mentors who walked alongside him—teaching him how to preach, pray, and engage with Scripture. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about God’s grace, discipleship, and the path from lostness to leadership.

In this episode, Brandon and Laura share the recent appointment of a Texas pastor to lead HUD, give details on the NAMB trustees meeting, discuss a feature on SBC President Clint Pressley, give thanks for the life of California Baptist Fermin Whittaker and remember a busy day in 1961.

John Mark Harrison, Pastor of First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, Tennessee, originally set out to be a football coach—but God had other plans. While in college, he felt a clear calling to ministry, leading him to start as a student pastor. Through faithful obedience, he followed God’s direction every step of the way, eventually becoming the pastor of First Baptist Concord.In this episode, Pastor John Mark shares his journey of stepping into God’s calling, his move to Concord, and his passion for preaching God’s Word every Sunday. Tune in to hear more about Pastor John’s story and why he’s excited to preach at the conference!

In this episode, Laura and Brandon highlight the International Mission Board's sending ceremony and trustees meeting, talk about the retirement of Send Relief's Bryant Wright and the passing of SEBTS professor Jim Shaddix, January's Cooperative Program giving and interview Jeff Dalrymple, the new director for sexual abuse response and prevention at the SBC Executive Committee.

In this episode, D.J. Horton sits down with Donna Gaines as she prepares to lead prayer at the upcoming pastors’ conference. A devoted wife, mother, and sister in the Lord, Donna has been an integral part of the Southern Baptist family alongside her husband, Steve Gaines. As they transition into retirement after years of faithful leadership, she shares her journey of life in ministry as a pastor’s wife. From being raised with parents in the mission field to meeting Steve in college, Donna talks about how God quickly confirmed His calling for her role in ministry. She offers wisdom on the incredible calling of women in the church and the unique joys and challenges of ministry life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, family, and God’s purpose for women in the church.

In this episode Brandon and Laura discuss how Pres. Trump's executive orders impact Southern Baptists; they talk about generosity to the tune of $20 million for storm relief in NC; Lifeway's first trustee meeting of 2025 and more.

Pastor Caleb Turner, Senior Pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, shares his inspiring journey into ministry, recounts his transition into pastoral leadership following his father, and reflects on the Scripture he’s been assigned for the conference’s opening message. In this episode, Caleb emphasizes the importance of faith and mentorship while exploring the value of community, diversity, and generational leadership in pastoral ministry, encouraging listeners to attend and be uplifted.

Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States this week and a Southern Baptist pastor played a key role on inauguration day, churches celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a rare snowstorm blankets the deep south, Lifeway introduces to help people with dyslexia, and Brandon and Laura talk about the upswing in college athletes speaking about their faith in Christ.

Join SBC President Clint Pressley as he shares reflections on his first year of leadership, his vision for the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting, and his partnership with D.J. Horton, the 2025 Pastors’ Conference President. Hear Clint’s testimony, the rewards of serving as SBC President, and valuable insights from his leadership journey, offering encouragement to pastors and celebrating the impact of Southern Baptists.

At least 24 people have been killed and thousands of structures destroyed as California wildfires wreak havoc on the Los Angeles area, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is in its initial phase of response, also in this episode, Laura and Brandon discuss the ERLC's 2025 public policy agenda, WMU's recent meeting outlining Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offering goals, Gateway Seminary's new strategy in San Francisco and much more.

Brandon and Laura talk about the devastating wildfires in California and how churches care for their neighbors; December 2024 Cooperative Program totals are in, Baptist representation in Congress is up, and we hear a clip from an interview between former Pres. Jimmy Carter and Southern Seminary Pres. Albert Mohler and more.

Southern Baptist churches responded quickly to the New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans, Laura and Brandon how they care for those affected by the tragedy. They also take a look back at 2024 and hear from GuideStone's Mark Dance on planning for a new start.

President-elect Trump apparently softens his position on restricting chemical abortions; The ERLC applauds the Senate as they approve National Defense Authorization Acts; the most important Baptist Press stories of 2024 and the year's most popular.

In this episode, Laura and Brandon discuss how churches are promoting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the filling of the Jim Shaddix Chair of Expository Preaching at Southeastern Seminary, how New Orleans Seminary is marking 10 years of their Museum of the Bible and Archaeology, EC President Jeff Iorg talks to us about his first six months on the job and we learn about an interesting connection between the JFK assassination and a Southern Baptist church.

It's the kickoff to the 2024 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering season, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is active an important Supreme Court case, a Lifeway Research study reports on church attendance during the Christmas season and Brandon and Laura share tips from an article on sharing the Gospel during Christmastime.

President-elect Trump selects a former Southern Baptist pastor and chaplain to lead the Veteran's Administration, IMB invites churches to connect with missionaries, NAMB hosts a refreshing gathering with Puerto Rican pastors and Brandon and Laura consider the importance of giving thanks.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #508 On this week’s podcast we cover the IMB hosting a Sending Celebration in Tennessee, the ERLC sending a policy request letter to the Trump transition team, a roundup of state convention meetings, a new Christmas devotional from Albert Mohler and more.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #507 Coverage of the presidential election, abortion-related ballot initiatives and ERLC President Brent Leatherwood’s reaction, October Cooperative Program giving totals, a spotlight on Southern Baptists’ outreach through radio in the 20th Century and more in this week’s episode.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #506 In this week’s episode we talk about a ballot measure in Missouri that could make it the most pro-abortion state in the country, local pastors and church leaders raising up future pastors, we’re joined by April Bunn from IMB to talk about praying for believers in persecution and much more.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #505 Southwestern’s trustee report showed a dramatic increase in financial stability and enrollment for the seminary. Also, Shane Pruitt joined Brandon for an interview about Student Baptist Sunday in the SBC. Also, Jonathan and Laura discuss new research from Barna and Lifeway.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #504 The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering set record totals. In this episode, Brandon and Laura talk with the IMB’s Paul Chitwood and NAMB’s Kevin Ezell. Plus, we hear SBC entity trustee reports including the creation of the Jeff Iorg School of Christian Leadership at Gateway Seminary and the renaming of Southeastern’s undergraduate school to Judson College.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #503 Southern Baptists are continuing to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Helene as they prepare to help residents of central and southern Florida in response to Hurricane Milton. The IMB launches a two-year missions’ programs for people 55+ and Southwestern Seminary introduces a new website filled with helpful resources. Brandon and Laura cover all this and more in this episode.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #502 Southern Baptist churches and disaster relief workers respond to overwhelming needs across the Southeast due to Hurricane Helene, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission speaks to the president and Congressional leaders about the escalation in the Middle East and Southern Baptists give more than $191 million through the Cooperative Program in the 2023-24 fiscal. Brandon and Laura talk about this and more in this episode.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #501 Folks in the deep south are dealing with the flooding and heavy winds from Hurricane Helene as Southern Baptist disaster relief workers find ways to bring hope and help. The IMB announces a historic total for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and celebrates 57 new missionaries in a sending celebration in Lottie’s hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. And, Steve Gaines announces a ministry transition plan.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #500 The September 2024 EC meeting was packed full of business as well as the installation service for new EC president Jeff Iorg. Also, in celebration of episode 500 of the podcast, founding hosts Jonathan Howe and Amy Whitfield joined Brandon and Laura to look back on the history of the show, some of the more interesting moments, and how the podcast may have shaped the SBC over the past nine years.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #499 Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana and brought with it category 2 winds and a lot of rain. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has already begun its response in South Louisiana. Also, the ERLC held their semi annual board meeting in Nashville and released a new statement of support for the staff and leadership.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #498 China announced that it is shutting down international adoptions—a move that was devastating to hundreds of families across the US in line for adoptions. Also, CP giving returned to the positive this past month with more than $16.5 million given in August.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #497 The Lifeway trustees met last week for the semi-annual meeting and update. They approved a budget in excess of $310 million and revenues have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Also, Send Network held a gathering of church planters from around the country.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #496 More than 200 pastors and leaders gathered on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to kickoff preparation and planning for the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting and Pastors’ Conference.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #495 The annual collegiate week in the SBC took place in Oklahoma and saw thousands of collegians attend. Also, SBDR is still active in six states responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #494 Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts are in full swing to respond to damage and flooding following Hurricane Debby’s arrival on the Florida coast and continued stay in the Carolinas. Also, this weekend is SBC Serve Sunday across the Convention.

Download this episode Subscribe: iTunes • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • RSS • Spotify Episode #493 The International Mission Board has been active with outreach activities and strategies at the Olympics in Paris. Also, Oklahoma state exec Todd Fisher is in critical care after a serious automobile accident. News Links https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/imb-using-virtual-reality-at-olympics-to-provide-immersive-introduction-to-jesus/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/todd-fisher-recovering-after-automobile-accident/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/cp-giving-through-july-a-little-more-than-2-below-need/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/sbc-digest-erlcs-leatherwood-sends-letter-to-ioc-erlc-releases-ministry-faq/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/sbc-digest-brent-leatherwood-met-with-benjamin-netanyahu-before-address-to-congress-send-reliefs-backpack-sunday-to-boost-local-church-outreach-efforts-imb-medical-missionaries-use-custom/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/sbc-digest-erlcs-leatherwood-sends-letter-to-ioc-erlc-releases-ministry-faq/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/global-health-strategies-create-gospel-access-through-cpr-certification/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/longtime-southwestern-employee-and-wife-killed-in-car-wreck/