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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.