In this episode of OTXNT, Andrew and Ben sit down for a full post‑SBC debrief following the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention. They walk through the major votes, the surprising moments, and the broader denominational trends shaping the future of Baptist life.The conversation highlights the Truth & Unity Amendment, which passed with 74% support, addressing the question of women serving in pastoral roles and preaching to gathered congregations. Andrew and Ben unpack what the amendment actually says, why it matters, and what still needs to happen at next year’s convention in Indianapolis.They also discuss the election of Willie Rice as SBC president, the convention’s renewed emphasis on disability ministry, and the encouraging unity shown during the IMB report. From there, the discussion widens to examine how other denominations — including the PCUSA — have moved toward affirming polyamory among clergy, and what these shifts reveal about theological drift when cultural accommodation replaces biblical authority.Along the way, Andrew and Ben share updates on VBS, summer ministry rhythms, teaching responsibilities, and the practical challenges of church leadership. The episode closes with reflections on maintaining convictional clarity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Recognized on the Feedspot Top Tucson Podcasts List:⁠https://podcast.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/⁠

Meet the HostsDr. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) – Dean of Arizona Campuses, Wayland Baptist University; Pastor, North Swan Baptist Church, Tucson, AZBaptist on the Bible Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@andrewcartermarquezphd ⁠(youtube.com in Bing)⁠

Dr. Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) – Pastor, Oak Valley Baptist Church, Franklin, TNTheological Sidebars Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars ⁠(youtube.com in Bing)⁠

Follow and share to support more conversations on biblical theology, evangelical perspectives, and church leadership.

In this episode of OTXNT, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate examine Dr. Albert Mohler Jr.’s announcement of the proposed “Truth and Unity Amendment” to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Constitution. The amendment—often discussed in terms of truth, clarity, and cooperation—will be presented at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.Andrew and Ben unpack the key elements of the proposal, including its aim to strengthen constitutional standards for church cooperation by explicitly addressing churches that affirm or appoint women to pastoral roles, including preaching. Supporters argue that this clarity is needed to prevent recurring disputes and to maintain long‑term theological consistency within the SBC. The conversation also situates the amendment within recent convention history, including the failure of similar measures such as the Law Amendment.Drawing from Scripture, Baptist polity, and the broader history of denominational decision‑making, Andrew and Ben explore the theological, ecclesiological, and practical implications of the proposal. What does this amendment seek to resolve? How might it shape future cooperation among SBC churches? And how should believers think biblically and charitably about issues that generate both conviction and controversy?This episode offers a grounded, thoughtful, and biblically centered perspective on a topic that will shape ongoing conversations within the SBC. Andrew and Ben encourage listeners to engage these matters with clarity, humility, and a commitment to the authority of Scripture.

Recognized on the Feedspot Top Tucson Podcasts List:https://podcast.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/

Meet the HostsDr. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) – Dean of Arizona Campuses, Wayland Baptist University; Pastor, North Swan Baptist Church, Tucson, AZBaptist on the Bible Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@andrewcartermarquezphd (youtube.com in Bing)

Dr. Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) – Pastor, Oak Valley Baptist Church, Franklin, TNTheological Sidebars Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars (youtube.com in Bing)

Follow and share to support more conversations on biblical theology, evangelical perspectives, and church leadership.

In this episode of OTXNT, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate tackle the growing buzz around UFO disclosure, recent claims of secret government meetings with pastors, and the renewed cultural fascination with extraterrestrial life. Andrew and Ben examine a Missouri congressman’s widely circulated comments—later clarified—and discuss why Christians should approach these stories with discernment rather than fear or speculation.Drawing from Scripture, church history, and respected Christian thinkers such as Hugh Ross, Michael Heiser, and C.S. Lewis, they explore the theological questions raised by unexplained aerial phenomena. Are these sightings natural, technological, spiritual, or something else entirely? What does the Bible say about humanity’s place in creation? And how should believers respond when sensational claims collide with biblical truth?This conversation offers a grounded, thoughtful, and biblically centered perspective on a topic often dominated by conspiracy theories and clickbait. Andrew and Ben remind listeners that while the unknown can be intriguing, Christians must remain anchored in Scripture and avoid distractions that pull focus away from Christ.📈 Recognized on the Feedspot Top Tucson Podcasts List!https://podcast.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/🎙️ Meet the Hosts ▶️ Dr. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) Dean of Arizona Campuses – Wayland Baptist University; Pastor – North Swan Baptist Church, Tucson, AZListen to the Baptist on the Bible Podcast: YouTube - ⁠(1) Andrew Carter Marquez, Ph.D. - YouTube⁠

▶️ Dr. Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies)Pastor – Oak Valley Baptist Church, Franklin, TN. Listen to the Theological Sidebars Podcast: YouTube - ⁠⁠(1) Theological Sidebars - YouTube⁠⁠

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more engaging conversations on biblical theology, evangelical perspectives, and church leadership.

In this episode of OTXNT, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate respond to recent claims from Joe Smith of Meizon Church that Paul was wrong in his teachings on marriage, sexuality, and slavery—and that Christians need not care about the apostle’s perspective. Andrew and Ben examine these arguments, explore the implications for apostolic authority, and explain why the church must remain grounded in Scripture. Without the authority of the Bible, Christians lose any foundation for resisting cultural relativism.Reaction Video Link: https://x.com/Protestia/status/2047998124711354782📈 Recognized on the Feedspot Top Tucson Podcasts List! https://podcast.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/🎙️ Meet the HostsDr. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies)Dean of Arizona Campuses – Wayland Baptist UniversityPastor – North Swan Baptist Church, Tucson, AZ▶️ Listen to the Baptist on the Bible Podcast: YouTube - (1) Andrew Carter Marquez, Ph.D. - YouTubeDr. Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies)Pastor – Oak Valley Baptist Church, Franklin, TN▶️ Listen to the Theological Sidebars Podcast: YouTube - (1) Theological Sidebars - YouTube🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more engaging conversations on biblical theology, evangelical perspectives, and church leadership.

In this episode of OTXNT, Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate react to a UCC Bishop's call for a 3rd Testament to abrogate uncomfortable passaged in the Bible. Christians conform their beliefs and practices to the Scripture. They cannot bend the Bible to appease modern sensibilities.

📈 Recognized on the Feedspot Top Tucson Podcasts List! https://podcast.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/

🎙️ Meet the Hosts

Dr. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies)

Dean of Arizona Campuses – Wayland Baptist University

Pastor – North Swan Baptist Church, Tucson, AZ

▶️ Listen to the Baptist on the Bible Podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6GPetXuW2skkfspybhRjPw

Dr. Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies)

Pastor – Oak Valley Baptist Church, Franklin, TN

▶️ Listen to the Theological Sidebars Podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uer7OJDKXTbBWtSInAAhN

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more engaging conversations on Biblical theology, evangelical perspectives, and church leadership.

The SBC 2022 Annual Meeting concluded last week. Let's recap some of the high and low moments. What will the future of the SBC look like? 

OTXNT stands for Old Testament-Christ-New Testament. On OTXNT, Ben Pate, Ph.D. (Old Testament) and Andrew Marquez, Ph.D. (New Testament) provide Biblical instruction (teaching, and preaching) and evaluate present events and practices in light of Scripture. Andrew Carter Marquez (Baptist on the Bible) is Dean of Arizona Campuses for Wayland Baptist University and Executive Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. Ben Pate (Theological Sidebars) is the pastor of Royal Palms Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ. He is also adjunct faculty for Grand Canyon University.

Dr. Pate and Dr. Marquez discuss the news of the SBC Executive Committee affirming the recommendation that Saddleback Church is deemed “not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention.” Looking at social media, it is clear that Baptists are all over the place on what they think about the news and the issue surrounding it. In light of this article, Ben and Andrew continue the discussion on Women in Ministry (see part 1). In this episode they discuss 1 Corinthians 14 and what it means for a church's worship service and practice. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) is Dean of Arizona Campuses for Wayland Baptist University and Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. For Dr. Marquez' podcast (Baptist on the Bible) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/6GPetXuW2skkfspybhRjPwBen Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) is the pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN. For Dr. Pate's podcast (Theological Sidebars) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uer7OJDKXTbBWtSInAAhN

What will be taking place at the SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans next week? Ben and Andrew discuss the appeal that Rick Warren will be making to the annual meeting on the behalf of Saddleback. What are the reasons he gives for why Saddleback should be let back into the SBC? Do his arguments hold weight? Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) is Dean of Arizona Campuses for Wayland Baptist University and Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. For Dr. Marquez' podcast (Baptist on the Bible) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/6GPetXuW2skkfspybhRjPwBen Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) is the pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN. For Dr. Pate's podcast (Theological Sidebars) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uer7OJDKXTbBWtSInAAhN

What happened at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans? Andrew and Ben talk about things that happened on the ground. Some things were a surprise, but the meeting definitely had some BIG outcomes. Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) is Dean of Arizona Campuses for Wayland Baptist University and Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. For Dr. Marquez' podcast (Baptist on the Bible) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/6GPetXuW2skkfspybhRjPwBen Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) is the pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN. For Dr. Pate's podcast (Theological Sidebars) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uer7OJDKXTbBWtSInAAhN

Andrew and Ben's share some thoughts on things coming up at the SBC annual meeting in 2024https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/sbcs-cooperation-group-releases-recommendations/ Check out the Feedspot ranking of the Baptist on the Bible Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/tucson_podcasts/Andrew Carter Marquez (PhD, Biblical Studies) is Dean of Arizona Campuses for Wayland Baptist University and Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. For Dr. Marquez' podcast (Baptist on the Bible) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/6GPetXuW2skkfspybhRjPwBen Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies) is the pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN. For Dr. Pate's podcast (Theological Sidebars) visit - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uer7OJDKXTbBWtSInAAhN