SBC This Week

Missionary Sending Celebration, ERLC installs Evan Lenow, An interview with WMU President Carolyn Fountain

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter cover the recent International Mission Board and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Trustee Meetings, preview the Executive Committee meeting, talk about the findings of a new church worship survey, share an interview with Carolyn Fountain and hear an encouraging word about a church caring for its pastor as he battled cancer.

Remembering 9/11, ERLC hires policy leader Zack Pruitt, An interview with SEBTS President Scott Pace

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by remembering Southern Baptists who responded to the tragedy in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, they talk about the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's hiring of Zack Pruitt to serve as VP of public policy and general counsel for entity, they highlight two important policy cases affecting assisted suicide and AI-generated child pornography, and introduce new Southeastern Seminary President Scott Pace.

Generous Cooperative Program giving in August, Least evangelical places in America, An interview with Thomas Kidd

Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share an encouraging August Cooperative Program giving report, talk about a resource that helps reveal lostness across the United States, and discuss a Lifeway Research piece that says church attendance is up in many churches but newcomers aren't rising. Thomas Kidd joins them to discuss a new book on the exaggerated death of religion in America. PROGRAM NOTE: We apologize for some audio issues with Brandon Porter's audio. Thanks for grace. This week's episode is presented by Kids Outdoor Zone. Find out more at https://www.kidsoutdoorzone.com/

Ryan Blackwell installed to lead Lifeway, Pres. Willy Rice announces commission on women in pastoral roles, An interview with Jerome Coleman

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter tell you about a new commission named by SBC Pres. Willy Rice to bring clarity to women serving in pastoral roles, the installation of Ryan Blackwell to lead Lifeway, the International Mission Board's 2026 MedAdvance conference, Send Relief's response to devastation in Tibet and Nepal, and an interview with National African American Fellowship Pres. Jerome Coleman.

Johnny Hunt appeals case dismissal, Southern Baptist chaplain receives major promotion, An interview with Thomas Kidd

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about Johnny Hunt's appeal of the dismissal of his suit against the SBC, how disaster relief workers are helping those facing loss and devastation in Indiana and the Northwest, the promotion of a Southern Baptist chaplain to high rank in the U.S. Navy, and the future of religion in the U.S. in a discussion with Thomas Kidd.

Johhny Hunt case dismissed; Send Relief responds to Colombian earthquake devastation; New state exec in Alabama

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter discuss the dismissal of Johnny Hunt's case against the SBC, how Send Relief is responding to a major earthquake in Colombia, abortion-related ballot initiatives this fall, the case for church membership, the Kickoff Rally for the 2027 SBC Annual Meeting & Pastors' Conference, a new state leader in Alabama, and much more.

Responding to wildfires in the northwest, Guidestone warns of dangerous scam, July Cooperative Program giving trends up

Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about the devastation and relief efforts connected to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and how GuideStone is encouraging users to beware of a dangerous scam. They also discuss: - How Cooperative Program giving trended up in July - A Lifeway Research story on the positive effects of small group participation in spiritual growth - The time Christian comedian Jerry Clower was left speechless

Send Relief Sunday, Guidestone trustees raise Mission:Dignity honorarium, BGCT completes realigment

In this episode: - Send Relief Sunday is August - Guidestone trustees meet, increase Mission:Dignity honorarium - Fourth staff member arrested at Pawleys Island Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC - Lifeway's Black church week wraps up at Ridgecrest - College students complete 8 week summer internship with the International Mission Board - An interview with Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia on reaching Gen Alpha

ERLC presses Congress on Planned Parenthood funding, SWBTS related lawsuit settled, An interview with Lifeway Worship's Kirk Kirkland

A South Carolina abuse-related case shocks Myrtle Beach, SC, as multiple arrests are made, churches and state conventions work together to assist those dealing with flooding across the US, Congress allows funding to Planned Parenthood to resume, a Texas judge dismisses a religious liberty case against Second Houston, an interview with Lifeway Worship's Kirkland and much more in this episode.

Venezuelan earthquake relief, Remembering Lindsey Graham's Southern Baptist roots, An interview with Ryan Blackwell

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight Send Relief's work in Venezuela, remember South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's Southern Baptist roots, reflect on the reaction to the SBC resolution on antisemitism, hear from new Lifeway President Ryan Blackwell, and learn how a Sunday School student remembered his teacher, Annie Armstrong.

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Send Relief helps Venezuelans with hurricane recovery, Protecting missionaries in the age of AI, An interview with David Dockery

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk with Southwestern Seminary President David Dockery, remember how Southern Baptists celebrated the nation's 200th anniversary as we celebrate the 250th, hear about a new DOJ study on religious liberty and celebrate NC Baptists marking 1,000 homes that have been restored following Hurricane Helene.

Joni Eareckson Tada supports Southern Baptists' disability needs initiative, Thousands gathered in Orlando for SBC26, An interview with ERLC's Evan Lenow

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how disabilities ministry advocate Joni Eareckson Tada has shared support for the recent SBC disability ministry initiatives, give details on who attended SBC26, highlight DR work and recent storms in Illinois, talk with new ERLC President Evan Lenow and hear how Southern Baptists played an integral role influencing public policy during wartime.

Ethnic Research Network releases new resources, Reaction to the Truth and Unity Amendment, Interview with Danny Akin

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter give updates on SBC 26 Annual Meeting stories, talk with Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin, and remember Explo '72, a youth evangelism event, featuring Bill Bright, Billy Graham, Johnny Cash and more.

2026 SBC Annual Meeting recap

In this episode we share the highlights from the SBC Annual Meeting June 9-10 in Orlando.

2026 SBC Annual Meeting preview, CP giving up in May, Proposed resolutions released

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share a preview of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting, report on May 2026 Cooperative Program giving, discuss the proposed resolutions for the Annual Meeting, highlight the Disability Needs Task Force recommendation and share about Evan Lenow's preparation to lead the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

Annual Meeting issues and personalities, A new worship devotional, An interview with Clint Pressley

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share stories and themes as they head into the SBC Annual Meeting. They highlight a story on understanding the work of the Holy Spirit, discuss the need for digital decluttering, and Laura talks with SBC President Clint Pressley.

Interviews with Willy Rice and Josh Powell, Albert Mohler announces proposed amendment, Interview with EC President Jeff Iorg

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight recent interviews with known SBC presidential candidates Willy Rice and Josh Powell, detail Albert Mohler's proposed amendment to the SBC Constitution, learn about a new strategy from the International Mission Board, hear annual meeting plans from SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg and much more.

Interview with 2026 Presidential Nominee Willy Rice

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson interview Florida pastor Willy Rice, a potential for SBC president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting.

Interview with 2026 Presidential Nominee Josh Powell

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson interview South Carolina pastor Josh Powell, a potential nominee for president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting.

International Mission Board appoints 71 new missionaries, Annual Meeting previews, Interview with Paul Chitwood

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share about the recent International Mission Board meeting, share about two potential nominees for 2nd vice president at the SBC Annual Meeting, give an overview of the exhibit halls and meeting at the SBC Annual Meeting, highlight a World Cup evangelistic resource from the North American Mission Board, talk with IMB President Paul Chitwood and much more.