ERLC Podcast

On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Zack Pruitt, the ERLC’s vice president of public policy and general counsel.  Zack shares about his new role and how he'll contribute to the ERLC's mission to assist churches by providing practical resources and advocating for Southern Baptist convictions. Zack began his role at the ERLC on September 14th of this year. 

Prior to joining the ERLC, he served as senior counsel and director of U.S. government relations for Alliance Defending Freedom, the world's largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and God's design for marriage and family.  

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This episode features a conversation about the newly released book, "Faith and Freedom: Six Theological Reflections on Religious Liberty."

On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with the book's editor, Dr. Jennifer Patterson, and one of the book's contributors, Dr. Jonathan Leeman. In their conversation, they discuss how religious liberty has been understood across different evangelical traditions, as well as the biblical and doctrinal arguments for protecting this First Freedom. 

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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.

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.