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ERLC Podcast

ERLC

Insights into the moral, cultural, and ethical issues of our day.

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#423
Thursday · 26 min
Dr. Willy Rice on Leading the Southern Baptist Convention
This episode features Dr. Willy Rice, president of the Southern Baptist Convention. On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Dr. Rice about his recent election as the 66th president of the SBC, his vision for the convention, and how the ERLC can partner with and equip churches as they navigate complex cultural issues. In addition to serving as SBC president, Dr. Rice has been the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida since 2004 and has previously pastored churches in the Florida Panhandle and in Alabama. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#422
September 24 · 28 min
A Sneak Peek of the ERLC’s New Guide on Marriage and Family
This episode features the ERLC's new church guide, "What God Has Joined Together: A Practical Guide for Honoring God's Design for Marriage." On today's episode, you'll hear from ERLC Director of Research, Dr. RaShan Frost, as he speaks with Dr. Lilly Park, one of the principal advisors on the church guide, about how to approach marriage, singleness, and sexuality from a biblical perspective in today's culture. She also addresses how the church can help Christians, both single and married, navigate challenges stemming from cultural pressures and the effects of past sexual sin while finding hope and healing in Christ. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#421
September 17 · 28 min
Grace Jin Drexel on the Persecuted Church in China
Today's episode features Grace Jin Drexel, recipient of the ERLC's John Leland Religious Liberty Award. In October 2025, Grace's father, Pastor Jin, was arrested in his home as part of a nationwide crackdown in China on independent Christian churches. He and 17 other leaders from Zion Church were arrested and imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party. Following her father's arrest, Grace began publicly advocating for his release and for the release of other Christian leaders detained by the Chinese Communist Party. Her advocacy continued until her father was released on July 3, 2026. On today's episode, Dr. Evan Lenow talks with Grace about her continued work to see religious liberty restored for persecuted Christians in China, and how the American church can advocate for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#420
September 10 · 25 min
Scott Foshie on Advancing the Gospel in Illinois
On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow talks with Dr. Foshie about the encouraging work and unique challenges facing churches across Illinois. With more than 900 churches, Illinois Baptists are working together to advance the gospel to the 12.7 million people who call Illinois home, while also reaching people from more than 200 nations who live in the state. Dr. Foshie also shares how Southern Baptists in Illinois are advocating for preborn lives and mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, particularly in a state known as an abortion destination. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#419
September 3 · 33 min
Understanding the Brentwood Statement on AI and Christian Ministry
The Brentwood Statement is a collaborative statement from Southern Baptist leaders, led by Lifeway, designed to help guide Christian ministers as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI in ministry and everyday life. Dr. Jason Thacker, director of the ERLC's Research Institute and a senior fellow, served as the primary author of that statement. On today's episode, Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC's director of research, speaks with Dr. Thacker about how pastors and church leaders can approach artificial intelligence with wisdom and discernment. They also discuss how technology is shaping us and where Christians can exercise wisdom as they approach AI in their lives and ministries. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#418
August 27 · 21 min
Why Shaping the Culture Matters for Southern Baptists
As Matthew 5:13-16 tells us, we are to be salt and light in a dark world. In this new series, we want to encourage you with examples of Southern Baptists who are bringing the truth of God's Word to bear, not only in the halls of Congress, but in their local communities. By sharing these stories, we hope to spur you on to ask, "What can I do?" as you engage the culture with the hope of the gospel? On today's episode, you'll hear from Dr. Lenow, president of the ERLC, as he shares about what this looks like, why it matters in the context we live in today, and how each local church can influence their communities for the good and, ultimately, for Christ. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#417
August 20 · 24 min
How Mississippi Baptists are Shaping Culture
As a state convention of more than 2,000 churches, Mississippi Baptists are seeking to equip local churches to make disciples in Mississippi and around the world. From college campuses to prison systems to communities experiencing poverty, they are taking opportunities to share the hope of the gospel in every corner of Mississippi. On today’s episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Dr. Shawn Parker about the exciting work God is doing among Mississippi churches, as well as the challenges they continue to work through for the sake of the gospel. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#416
August 13 · 29 min
How Worship Shapes Christian Ethics
Several years ago, Dr. Mark Liederbach, senior professor of ethics, theology, and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dr. Evan Lenow, president of the ERLC, collaborated on a book titled “Ethics as Worship: The Pursuit of Moral Discipleship,” which released in 2021. On today's episode, ERLC Director of Research, Dr. RaShan Frost, speaks with Dr. Lenow and Dr. Liederbach about the process of writing this book together and their approach to teaching about a biblical view of ethics that places worship of God as the primary motivation and goal, and how that shapes the way we live. In addition to his role as senior professor at Southeastern, Dr. Liederbach also serves as dean of students and vice president for student services. He received his bachelor's degree from James Madison University, his M.Div. from Denver Seminary, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Now, let's turn to our conversation with Drs. Evan Lenow and Mark Liederbach. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#415
August 6 · 30 min
Understanding our Calling as Dual Citizens (Part 2)
Our nation's 250th anniversary was a momentous occasion. To celebrate America's founding and Christianity's influence throughout her history, we hosted an event on Monday night of this year's SBC Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote and a panel based on the ERLC's newest collection of essays titled "One Nation Under God: Reflections on 250 Years of Faith and Democracy". On today's episode, you'll hear the second part of our panel discussion at SBC26 featuring ERLC Director of Research Dr. RaShan Frost, and ERLC research fellows, including Nathan Finn of Greenville University, Dustin Bruce of Boyce College, Daniel Darling of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Adam Groza of Gateway Seminary. Together, they'll reflect from a Baptist perspective on how our citizenship in the Kingdom of God shapes our lives as American citizens and how Christians can live faithfully in our nation for the sake of the gospel. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#414
July 23 · 27 min
Understanding our Calling as Dual Citizens (Part 1)
On Monday night of this year's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, the ERLC hosted a packed dinner event in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. During the event, the room was greeted by Dr. Evan Lenow during his second week as ERLC president, in addition to hearing a keynote address and a panel. On today's episode, you'll hear from keynote speaker, ERLC Director of Research Dr. RaShan Frost, as he explores the responsibility we have to live as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God while also living as faithful citizens in the United States. You'll also hear the first part of our panel discussion at SBC26 featuring Dr. Frost and ERLC research fellows, including Nathan Finn of Greenville University, Dustin Bruce of Boyce College, Daniel Darling of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Adam Groza of Gateway Seminary. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#413
July 9 · 24 min
Don Currence on Christians serving in the public square
Don Currence has become a staple at SBC annual meetings over the years in his service as registration secretary and assisting his predecessor. Don has a unique insight into ministry and public service. In addition to his responsibilities within the SBC, Don has also served as mayor of Ozark, Missouri since 2023 and as the administrative pastor at First Baptist Church of Ozark since 1993. He also volunteers his time as an Ozark Police Department chaplain and the interim fire district chaplain. On today's episode, you'll hear from ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow as he speaks with Don about his role in the public square and how his faith shapes his public service. He'll also share why it matters for Christians to serve their communities, and he'll offer encouragement for believers who are seeking to live out their convictions in their culture. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#412
June 25 · 27 min
The story behind a pregnancy resource center's Supreme Court win
This summer's Supreme Court case, First Choice Women's Resource Centers, Inc. v. Davenport was about the state of New Jersey issuing a subpoena for the personal information of First Choice donors all in an attempt to intimidate the supporters' pro-life mission. On April 29, the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous victory for First Choice, upholding the ruling that First Choice could protect its First Amendment rights in federal court. On today's episode, Rachel Wiles, director of the ERLC's Psalm 139 Project, speaks with Aimee about the Supreme Court case and the unique challenges of serving women and families in a state with one of the highest rates of abortion in the country. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#411
June 11 · 23 min
Dr. Hollingsworth on what he learned leading the ERLC
Dr. Hollingsworth joined the ERLC as the entity's interim president on October 1, 2025 and concluded his tenure on May 31, 2026. On today's episode, you'll hear from Dr. Hollingsworth as he reflects on his time leading the ERLC and the firsthand impact he has seen the ERLC's work have on assisting churches in how to address cultural issues from a biblical perspective. He also shares what he learned from working alongside pastors, state convention leaders, and policymakers to advocate for the priorities and convictions Southern Baptists care deeply about regarding issues in the public square. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#410
May 28 · 20 min
NC Baptists and ERLC place 100th ultrasound machine
North Carolina Baptists have been a longtime partner in advocating for the lives of our smallest neighbors, pre-born children. They have generously donated nearly 10% of the ultrasound machines that the ERLC'S Psalm 139 Project has placed in pregnancy resource centers. On today's episode, ERLC President-Elect, Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Todd Unzicker about this ongoing partnership to save lives. On May 8, North Carolina Baptists joined the ERLC in a milestone dedication by placing the Psalm 139 Project's 100th ultrasound machine at Mercy House Pregnancy Resource Center in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#409
May 14 · 21 min
Dr. Nathan Lorick on Equipping SBC Churches in Texas
As the executive director for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Dr. Nathan Lorick has a passion to see the Lord work in his state. The SBTC's mission is to mobilize its 2,880 churches to multiply disciple making movements in Texas and around the world. In the past year, the convention has planted 68 churches and projects even more in the year ahead. In addition to planting churches in their own state, they're committed to building partnerships across the country and around the world for the sake of the gospel. The SBTC is committed to assisting churches in dealing with issues like protecting the sanctity of life, gender and sexuality, and more. Just last year, the SBTC was involved in the Supreme Court case Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton, which contested a Texas state law that required age verification to protect children from sexually explicit content. By God's grace, the Texas law was upheld in a six three ruling communicating that states have authority in such decisions. On today's episode, Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, ERLC interim President, chats with Nathan Lorick about the opportunities and challenges they're facing in equipping Texas pastors to minister well in their communities. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#408
April 30 · 21 min
Meet ERLC President-elect Dr. Evan Lenow
On April 13th, we were excited to announce that Dr. Evan Lenow was unanimously elected by the ERLC’s Board of Trustees to fill the role as the Commission’s next president. On today’s episode, Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC director of research, speaks with Dr. Lenow about his vision for the ERLC as he steps into his new role on June 1 and how his Southern Baptist background has shaped him personally and professionally. They’ll also discuss Dr. Lenow’s passion for building relationships across the convention and equipping churches to address complex, cultural issues from a biblical worldview. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#407
April 16 · 30 min
America’s 250th: Reflections on Faithful Christian Citizenship
This July marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we approach the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, we’re developing resources to help you equip your congregation to live out their faith in the public square—engaging in cultural issues with a faithful gospel witness. On today’s episode, you’ll hear from Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC director of research, as he speaks with Dr. Nathan Finn and Dan Darling. In light of this significant milestone in America’s history, they’ll discuss what healthy, Christian patriotism looks like and how to cultivate a steadfast, public witness in our current context. Dr. Nathan Finn serves as senior fellow at the ERLC and a professor of faith and culture and executive director of the Institute for Transformation Leadership at North Greenville University. He is also a bivocational teaching pastor at Taylors First Baptist Church. Dan Darling serves as a research fellow for the ERLC. He also serves as director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Darling is a bestselling author of several books, including "A Defense of Christian Patriotism" and his upcoming book to be released this May, "Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life." Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#406
April 2 · 30 min
What you should know about physician-assisted suicide
As Southern Baptists, we believe in the sanctity of all lives, from conception to the natural end of life. But in recent years, we’ve seen the value of human life increasingly challenged through legislation, both domestically and internationally, that seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking developments related to end-of-life issues. In Canada, the country has formally recommended expanding medical assistance in dying to include mature minors. In the U.K., Parliament has advanced multiple bills that would legalize the practice. And just this past year, three U.S. states have moved to legalize physician-assisted suicide, bringing the total to 14 states (including D.C.) that have legalized the practice. On today’s episode, you’ll hear from Katy Roberts, senior policy manager for the ERLC, as she speaks with ERLC Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, about the moral, ethical, and legislative concerns around physician assisted suicide. Prior to joining the ERLC, Katy worked on Capitol Hill in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, and previously worked in clinical healthcare—experience that informs her policy work today. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#405
March 19 · 31 min
How churches can address assisted reproductive technologies
More and more pastors and ministry leaders are walking alongside couples facing infertility and the difficult questions surrounding assisted reproductive technologies. For many couples, the good longing for a child is accompanied by deep grief, complex decisions, and quiet heartache. Often, these struggles remain largely unseen within the life of the church. To equip churches, the ERLC recently released a new resource, "Desiring Children: A Practical Guide to Addressing Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Church". On today’s episode, we’ll be discussing the ethical and moral considerations around assisted reproductive technologies and how church leaders can counsel couples on this issue with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Jason and Evan also share several scenarios from the guide that reflect the kinds of questions pastors and ministry leaders are increasingly hearing from couples in their churches. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#404
March 5 · 45 min
A pro-life response to chemical abortion
Chemical abortion, or what many refer to as the abortion pill is now the most common method of ending a pregnancy in the United States. Yet the legal landscape surrounding its approval, safety standards, and reporting requirements is riddled with gaps, inconsistencies, and misconceptions. The medical realities behind how these drugs work—and what happens when they don’t—are rarely discussed honestly, leading many women down a dangerous road that can result in life-threatening issues. On this episode of the ERLC Podcast, Rachel Wiles, deputy chief of staff at the ERLC and director of the Psalm 139 Project, talks with Dr. Donna Harrison, director of research for the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Erica O’Connell, legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom’s Center for Public Policy. They’ll help Southern Baptists better understand what’s at stake surrounding chemical abortion. Together, they’ll unpack the safety concerns tied to abortion pills, the myths that continue to circulate, and the ways coercion quietly shapes far too many women’s decisions about terminating life in the womb. They’all also discuss the legal landscape since Roe v. Wade was overturned and how the church can care for women, defend the vulnerable, and pursue a future where every life is protected and cherished. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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