SBC This Week

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Last week saw a turbulent 24 hours for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission leadership, a massive church fires, and a major shakeup in the presidential race and much more. Also, Jonathan Howe steps in as co-host this week for Brandon Porter.

Minh Ha Nguyen, the director of the Southern Baptist Ethnic Research Network, passed away tragically this week in a drowning accident off the coast of North Carolina. Also, Lifeway Research released new data on sentiment related to the Cooperative Program.

Former SBC This Week host Jonathan Howe joins the show to talk about what's next for the podcast, and we cover how Southern Baptists are responding in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

Mark Hancock, the CEO of Trail Life, stops by to discuss the program as well as why the being in the outdoors is a great way to disciple young men.

SBC Recording Secretary stops by the show to discuss the recent resolution on religious liberty. Also, wildfires in New Mexico have Southern Baptist Disaster Relief forces on duty.

Brandon and Laura take a look back at everything that happened in Indianapolis including the failure of the "Law Amendment" and the election of Clint Pressley as the new SBC president.

The 2024 Annual Meeting is upon us and there are a few last minute news items as well as a recap of the Cooperation Group's work and a celebration for Jamie Dew at NOBTS.

Proposed resolutions for the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting have been released to the public for review. Also, Jared Wellman and Andrew Walker stop by to discuss the Cooperation Group report and recommendations.

Former Southwestern professor and administrator Matt Queen has been indicted on one count of falsifying records in the federal investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention. Also, there was a shakeup in the race for SBC 1VP.

A statue of Billy Graham was unveiled in the nation's capitol, and the IMB commissioned dozens of new missionaries to the nations. Also, Jay Adkins stops by the pod to give insight into the GCR Task Force report.

The 2023 SBC Annual Church Profile has been released and the results are encouraging. They show a 26% spike in baptisms and increases in both worship attendance and small group Bible study attendance.

The Cooperation Group has released their report with various recommendations geared toward potential governing document changes. Also, there's another candidate for SBC 2VP.

Longtime Southern Baptist missions leader Clyde Meador passed away at age 79 following a battle with cancer. Also, SBC President Bart Barber has named the 2023 Committee on Committees and the Committee on Nominations has released their initial report.

Adam Groza was unanimously elected as president of Gateway Seminary. Also, it was announced that Dan Spencer, pastor at First Baptist Sevierville, TN, will be nominated for SBC president this summer at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting.

Churches across the Convention celebrated Baptism Sunday with hundreds and hundreds of baptisms right before the solar eclipse provided outreach opportunities aplenty for many churches in the path of totality.

Adam Groza will be nominated to succeed Jeff Iorg as the next president of Gateway Seminary later this month. Also, Florida state exec Tommy Green announced he will retire at the end of 2024.

It's Eastertide and churches across the world are celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Also, the ERLC was in the headlines this week with their stances on the new budget and an event announcement for the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting that features former vice president Mike Pence.

Jeff Iorg, the current president of Gateway Seminary, was unanimously elected to lead the SBC Executive Committee during a special called EC meeting in Dallas. Also, Charles Smith was named the new president at the University of Mobile.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has taken the center stage in ethics and politics discussions over the last month. The ERLC has recently released an explainer to help Southern Baptists in the national conversation.

It's Annie Armstrong Easter Offering season, and we have great news about that and CP giving from February. Also, SBC President Bart Barber has announced the Committee on Resolutions for the SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.

Outgoing president of Gateway Seminary, Jeff Iorg, has been identified as the nominee for the president/CEO role at the SBC Executive Committee. The EC will meet March 21 to vote on Iorg.

The EC met in Nashville and heard updates from the ARITF, SBC President Bart Barber, and the President Search Team. As a result, there is the potential for a special called meeting in March to elect a new EC president.

IMB held a commissioning service in Phoenix and sent 62 new missionaries to the nations. Also, Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, went to be with the Lord.

CP giving results were posted and the YTD total is tracking below budget still. Also, Georgia pastor Brad Whitt will be nominated for the presidency of the 2025 SBC Pastors' Conference in June.

Oklahoma pastor Mike Keahbone has been announced as a candidate for the SBC presidency at this summer's SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. Also, Lifeway held its winter trustee meeting.

Georgia Baptist state executive director Thomas Hammond pulled his name from consideration for the presidency of the SBC Executive Committee. Also, The Road to Indy has started with the Annual Meeting on the horizon.

Winter weather affected much of the country this past week and Southern Baptists were ready to serve those affected by the frigid temperatures and record snowfall. Also, Southern Baptists joined others in standing against abortion.

The SBC Executive Committee's president search team has announced they plan to bring forward a candidate for the entity's vacant presidency at its scheduled February meeting. Also, GuideStone announced it will be the benefits provider for the Global United Methodist denomination.

Legendary Southern Baptist evangelist Junior Hill passed away January 3 leaving behind a legacy of Kingdom work. Also, December CP receipts came in above budget to close out the year.

In this final episode of 2023, Brandon Porter recaps the biggest stories of the year and sits down with SBC President Bart Barber for a mid-year update on the Convention.

Tornadoes in the Middle Tennessee area killed six and left a path of destruction affecting neighborhoods, business, schools and churches. Also, a Missouri church was ransacked by vandals and police have no leads.

This past week was the IMB Week of Prayer for International Missions in support of the 2023 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Also, there were several updates from Convention task forces this week including the ARITF.

The search team tasked with finding the next SBC Executive Committee president released a significant update this week about their timeline. Also, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter passed away this week.

IMB held a sending celebration this week in which they sent nearly 50 missionaries to the nations. Also, Aaron Meraz stops by the podcast to talk about the great work of Mission:Dignity.

IMB held a sending celebration this week in which they sent nearly 50 missionaries to the nations. Also, Aaron Meraz stops by the podcast to talk about the great work of Mission:Dignity.

A Randy Adams-led coalition has filed an amicus brief against NAMB in Will McRaney's lawsuit appeal. Also, North Carolina pastor Clint Pressley has announced his openness to being nominated for SBC president.

The IMB got a massive gift—the second largest single gift ever—to kick off the 2024 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering season. Also, the North Carolina state government granted $5 million to North Carolina Baptists on Mission for disaster relief.

Mike Johnson (R, La.) was elected Speaker of the House this week, and he's a member of a Louisiana Baptist church. Interestingly enough, he replaced a California Southern Baptist, Kevin McCarthy, in the role. Also, an amicus brief filed by several entities in a Kentucky Supreme Court case has raised concern among many Southern Baptists.

The eyes of the world are focused on Israel's war with Hamas, and Southern Baptists are responding to the humanitarian needs that have resulted from the conflict. Also, several Southern Baptist seminary trustee board met this week—including SBTS who honored Dr. Albert Mohler for his 30 years as president.

Following the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, several evangelical leaders released a statement of support for Israel and a call for peace in the region. Dan Darling stopped by the show to discuss the statement with Brandon and Laura.

Giving totals for the year are out and while both Cooperative Program giving and the Lottie Moon Christmas offering both topped $190 million, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering set a new record with more than $70.2 million given to support missions and church planting across North America.

The International Mission Board met this week and commissioned a set of new missionaries. Also, there was a big announcement about the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, and Jay Adkins stopped by the show to talk with Brandon and Laura about the task force he is leading.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson are hosting again this week and there's a lot of news in the SBC to cover. The EC was forced to cut staff and CP is below budget heading into the last month of the fiscal year. Also, Jared Wellman joins the program to discuss the new Cooperation Group.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson are hosting again this week and there's a lot of news in the SBC to cover. The EC was forced to cut staff and CP is below budget heading into the last month of the fiscal year. Also, Jared Wellman joins the program to discuss the new Cooperation Group.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson are back this week and have an update on Southern Baptist work in response to the destructions left by Hurricane Idalia.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson are back this week and have an update from the ARITF and a full report from Lifeway's trustee meeting. George Schroeder also joins for an interview about the new BP Sports podcast—Gridiron & The Gospel.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson fill in this week and cover the news of the week including some developments at Southwestern as well some new leadership on the Credentials Committee.

The SBC Executive Committee announced that Willie McLaurin resigned from the interim president position after it was discovered that he had falsified his educational credentials and accomplishments. VP for Communications, Jonathan Howe, has been named the new interim president.

SBC President Bart Barber named Josh Wester as the new chairman of the ARITF, and Jared Wellman was announced as the chairman of a to-be-appointed Cooperation Group that will look at cooperation in the SBC as well as the relationship of Article III of the SBC Constitution and Bylaw VIII.

Rickey Hill and Jeff Celentano joined the show to talk about the upcoming film 'The Hill' based on Rickey's life. Also, GuideStone held their summer trustee meeting this week.

Josh Benton joined the show to discuss Send Relief and Global Hunger Relief Sunday that is coming up at the end of August. Also, Charleston Southern has a new president.

Ben Mandrell joined the show to discuss Lifeway's reversal of their announced closing of LifewayWorship.com. Also, state convention season kicked off with the BGCT gathering in McAllen, and women in ministry was a topic of discussion.

The National African American Fellowship has called for a time of prayer and dialogue related to the recent passage of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding the use of the title "pastor" in non-senior pastor roles. Also, there was some big CP news this week.

We will pick up with the regular format next week when Amy returns from vacation, but today we have included a recent CP stage discussion on ministry collaboration.

Lachune Boyd is moving to the next round of America's Got Talent after a stunning rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow" this past week.

Southwestern Seminary's sixth president, Russell Dilday, passed away at the age of 92. Also, Wyoming has a new state exec, and a Baptist college in Arkansas received a massive gift toward the construction of a new student wellness center.

It was a busy week at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Amy and Jonathan recap the elections, amendments, resolutions, and even a change to the Baptist Faith & Message.

The 2023 SBC Annual Meeting is just around the corner. Join us as we discuss everything you need to know as we head to New Orleans.

Southwestern Seminary held a special called meeting on May 30 to address recent allegations of financial impropriety. Also, Lifeway recently celebrated the opening of its new "teaming space" in the Nashville area.

Southwestern Seminary will hold a special called meeting on May 30 to address recent allegations of financial impropriety. Also, the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force released an important update on the coming ministry check website.

The North American Mission Board responded to the claims in the ongoing lawsuit by Will McRaney. NAMB released its perspective on the claims for the first time since the legal battle began more than five years ago. Also, IMB has 92 missionaries waiting to be celebrated at the SBC Annual Meeting.

The Florida Baptist Convention was the victim of financial fraud due to spoofing communications between Send Network Florida and NAMB. Also, a faithful disaster relief worker in Illinois was killed when a tree fell on him.

Jared Wellman was brought forward as the recommended candidate to lead the SBC Executive Committee by the president search team, however the EC declined the recommendation. As a result a new search team has been named, and the process has been restarted. Also, CP numbers are in for April and giving is still above budget.

Mike Stone announced he will once again run for the SBC presidency, and Oklahoma pastor Stephen Rummage will be nominated for the SBC Pastors' Conference presidency. Also, The Mayor, Don Currence, will be renominated for the office of SBC Registration Secretary.

Charles Stanley, the legendary pastor and TV preacher, died this past week at age 90. Also in the news, Southwestern has a new president and chancellor as David Dockery has been named the 10th president of the seminary with O.S. Hawkins joining him in the chancellor role.

A shooting at a Louisville bank took the lives of five people including the son-in-law of former SBTS president Roy Honeycutt. Also, pre-registration for the SBC Annual Meeting crossed 5,000.

The SBC Executive Committee's search for a new president may be close to an end. A special meeting has been called May 1 in Dallas. Also, the Roe v. Patterson case was dismissed from federal court this week.

SBC president Bart Barber has named South Carolina pastor David Sons as the chairman of the Committee on Resolutions for the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting to be held in New Orleans this June.

Longtime pastor and former SBC President Johnny Hunt has filed suit against the SBC, the SBC Executive Committee (EC) and Guidepost Solutions. The suit seeks unspecified damages related to allegations of defamation and the invasion of privacy based on accusations made against Hunt in the 2022 Guidepost report stemming from an investigation into the alleged mishandling of sexual abuse by the SBC EC.

A North Carolina church is under repair after an unconscious driver crashed his car into its worship center. Also, this week, John Mark Yeats was announced as the new president at Corban College.

John Yeats announced this week that he will leave his position as the executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention at the end of the year. Also, in Maryland/Delaware, Tom Stolle was unanimously elected as the new state exec.

Tony Wolfe was revealed this week as the candidate to succeed Gary Hollingsworth as the executive director-treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and California Baptist University announced a record-breaking $28.5 million gift to rename their events center.

This week's EC meeting was one fort the history books. Amy and Jonathan unpack the decisions made and what those decisions mean for the future of the SBC and provide a look back at the history of Article III of the SBC Constitution and how we got here.

Asbury University in Kentucky is experiencing a move of the Holy Spirit. Also, nomination have begun for the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting. We have two announcements including one for president.

NAMB held their winter trustee meeting in Miami while IMB held theirs in Virginia a week prior. Also, CP giving has bounced above budget for the year after a slow start last fall.

The ERLC has a new chief of staff, and he is no stranger to Southern Baptists. Also, Midwestern Seminary announced a massive gift to spur missionary training and sending from the school.

The ERLC has a new chief of staff, and he is no stranger to Southern Baptists. Also, Midwestern Seminary announced a massive gift to spur missionary training and sending from the school.

A plane crash in Georgia and another in Texas claimed the lives of Southern Baptist church leaders and pastors this week. Also, the WMU was able to hold an in-person board meeting for the first time in three years.

The ERLC has helped launch a new life initiative with a host of partners to help fight abortion in America. Also, Send Relief work continues across Ukraine.

Chris Martin, the executive director of the Hawaii-Pacific Baptist Convention is headed back to the mainland to take a job with the IMB. Also, Bobbye Rankin, wife of former IMB president Jerry Rankin, passed away this week at the age of 78.

Amy and Jonathan take a look ahead into the future and ask their questions for 2023.

Amy and Jonathan take a look back at the year in Southern Baptist life and answer their questions for the year. Amy also shares her most fascinating Southern Baptists of 2022.

Five Southern Baptist seminaries hosted graduation as more than 1,000 graduates received degrees this fall. Also, the BCMD announced the launch of an African American leadership institute in early 2023.

IMB president Paul Chitwood joins the show to discuss Ukraine, Send Relief, a record LMCO year, the missionary pipeline and so much more on this week's episode. Also, Amy Grant was honored this week alongside Bono, Gladys Knight, and George Clooney.

SBC President Bart Barber issued a statement on the "restoration" of Johnny Hunt to ministry calling the move "repugnant." Also, former SBTS professor David Sills has filed a defamation lawsuit against 11 defendants as a result of being named in the Sexual Abuse Task Force report this past May.