ERLC 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.