ERLC Podcast

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss 2020 election updates, a shooting outside of the White House, a derecho in the midwest, coronavirus in kids, the housing market, and college football plans for the fall. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by the ERLC Staff with an explainer on How to make sure your kids are safe on the internet, Jason Thacker with an explainer on Elections in Belarus, an internet blackout, and human rights, and Michael Natelli with How churches can serve those facing eviction during the pandemic. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Matt Emerson for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Matt

Matt Emerson is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and a dean at Hobbs College. Matt earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and an M.Div. and Ph.D. in from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining the OBU faculty in 2015 he previously taught at California Baptist University. Matt has authored or co-authored over 20 publications. His research interests include the Old Testament’s use in the New Testament, early Christian interpretation, and theological method. He serves as co-Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Renewal, co-editor of the Journal of Baptist Studies, steering committee member of the Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar, and Senior Fellow for the Center of Ancient Christian Studies. He is also a member of a number of scholarly societies, and blogs at Biblical Reasoning. Matt and his wife, Alicia married in 2006 and have five daughters. You can connect with him on Twitter: @M_Y_Emerson

ERLC Content

• ERLC Staff with an Explainer: How to make sure your kids are safe on the internet
• Jason Thacker with Explainer: Elections in Belarus, an internet blackout, and human rights
• Michael Natelli with How churches can serve those facing eviction during the pandemic

Culture

1. The Biden-Harris ticket rollout
2. Biden campaign raises $26 million in first 24 hours
3. Trump whisked out of press briefing after shooting outside White House
4. Midwest Derecho strikes in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana
5. There has been a 90% increase in Covid-19 cases in US children in the last four weeks, report says
6. The pandemic real estate market
7. Nearly 150 Christians killed in sustained violence in Nigeria
8. The Mid-American Conference has canceled its football season this fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss a massive explosion in Beirut, North Carolina pausing reopening, Kenya canceling school, Hurricane Isaias, mail delays, Kanye West, and UConn canceling football. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Jason Thacker with "What a new AI system reveals about our hopes for technology," Josh Wester with "How can we find truth in a world of confusion? Resting in our reliable Savior," and Ashley Newell with "What your family can do to stand for orphans: Using our gifts for the good of others." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Dean Inserra for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Dean

Dean Inserra is the founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Dean was called to start a church in his hometown of Tallahassee when he was the Student Body President at Leon High School. He is passionate about reaching the city of Tallahassee with the Gospel, to see a worldwide impact made for Jesus. Dean graduated from Liberty University and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He holds a M.A. in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a D.Min from Southern Seminary. Dean is married to Krissie, and they have two sons, Tommy and Ty, and a daughter, Sally Ashlyn. Dean likes baseball, wrestling, and the Miami Hurricanes. He believes Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback, and that everyone who disagrees holds the right to be wrong. You can connect with him on Twitter: @deaninserra

ERLC Content

• Jason Thacker with What a new AI system reveals about our hopes for technology: Open AI’s GPT-3 and remembering to recognize our Creator
• Josh Wester with How can we find truth in a world of confusion? Resting in our reliable Savior
• Ashley Newell with What your family can do to stand for orphans: Using our gifts for the good of others

Culture

1. At least 135 killed, thousands injured after massive explosion rocks Beirut
2. Thousands march in Berlin to protest COVID-19 restrictions
3. North Carolina Will Pause Further Reopening Until September To Start The School Year
4. 260 employees in Georgia's largest school district have either tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed
5. Kenya’s Unusual Solution to the School Problem: Cancel the Year and Start Over
6. Isaias Live Updates: Tornadoes Are a Threat as Storm Charges North
7. Mail delay

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss the U.S. economy, the presidential election, Herman Cain, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, new Covid outbreaks, Regis Philbin, and mystery seeds. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including pieces by Cary Corley, Ericka Anderson, and Josh Wester. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Isaac, Gracie, Carson, and Lilly—our 2020 summer interns with the ERLC team in Nashville

About our 2020 Interns

• Isaac is from Houston, TX and attended Brown University, and now The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Gracie is from Canton, GA and attends Samford University 
• Carson is from Jackson, TN and attends Texas Christian University 
• Lilly is from Oklahoma City, OK and attends Oklahoma Baptist University

ERLC Content

• Cary Corley with 5 principles for relationships in a contentious society: Lessons from counseling troubled marriages
• Ericka Andersen with How nonprofits allow us to care for the most vulnerable: Four organizations caring for immigrants well during COVID-19
• Josh Wester with 4 things Christians can do in a divisive political time

Culture

1. U.S. Economy Contracted at Record Rate Last Quarter; Jobless Claims Rise to 1.43 Million
2. Trump floats delaying Presidential Election, He Can't
3. Former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain dies of Covid-19
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg recovering after non-surgical procedure
5. Moore, others urge FDA to remove abortion pill from U.S. market
6. Dr. Ben Mitchell is retiring
7. COVID outbreak of more than 40 cases tied to revival at rural Alabama church
8. MLB Already Has a Coronavirus Outbreak.
9. Regis Philbin, Legendary Television Host, Dies at 88
10. Target joins Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day
11. Mystery seeds are showing up in mailboxes, sparking investigations

Lunchroom

• Lindsay: Recipe; John Powell’s story on people.com
• Brent:  Who Wants to be a Millionaire segment

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what is happening in China, California’s record breaking coronavirus week, the Bahamas, opening day for baseball, and a surprise Taylor Swift album. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Travis Wussow, Josh Wester, and Brent Leatherwood with an Explainer: How should Christians think about singing in church during COVID-19, Alex Ward with Why God’s Word is better than fiction with combatting sin, and Stacy Reaoch with What do our words say to a watching world? Glorifying God by respecting those with whom we disagree. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jason Thacker for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Jason

Jason Thacker serves as the Creative Director and as Chair of Research in Technology Ethics. In these roles, he develops content and resources in the area of technology ethics and oversees all creative projects including design, video, web, audio, and print media. Jason is the author of The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity with Zondervan. He is a graduate of The University of Tennessee and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Dorie and they have two sons. You can connect with him on Twitter: @jasonthacker

ERLC Content

• Travis Wussow, Josh Wester, and Brent Leatherwood with an Explainer: How should Christians think about singing in church during COVID-19?
• Alex Ward with Why God’s Word is better than fiction when combatting sin: Lord of the Rings, racism, and power of a Savior
• Stacy Reaoch with What do our words say to a watching world? Glorifying God by respecting those with whom we disagree

Culture

1. Chinese ambassador struggles to explain Xinjiang footage of blindfolded prisoners
2. U.S. orders China's Houston consulate to close
3. California breaks record with over 12,000 new coronavirus cases
4. The White House has a list of 11 cities in need of aggressive action to combat Covid-19
5. The Bahamas banned flights from the US and other hard-hit countries in effort to contain coronavirus spread
6. During Coronavirus Lockdowns, Some Doctors Wondered: Where Are the Preemies?
7. More needed to be done to disavow Margaret Sanger
8. The Baptist Record ceases printing, moves to free digital service
9. SBC President J.D. Greear says Summit RDU will not hold full-scale worsh

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what is happening in California, reports from Israeli schools, Kanye’s presidential race update, RNC convention plans, and the new Ford Bronco. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including pieces by Palmer Williams, Daniel Darling, and Gabriel Stovall. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Palmer Williams for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Palmer:

Palmer Williams is a founding partner of The Peacefield Group and specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, nonprofit operations, and government affairs. She has extensive experience advocating for human rights on the international stage, including at the United Nations. Additionally, she has worked with government agencies and faith-based organizations to launch statewide initiatives and grassroots organizing campaigns. Palmer and her husband Joseph live in Nashville with their three boys. You can connect with her on Twitter: @palmerwilliams 

ERLC Content:

• Palmer Williams with Tennessee governor signs comprehensive pro-life bill
• Daniel Darling with 4 ways we can apply Scripture to online engagement
• Gabriel Stovall with How you can serve your community during a pandemic: Send Relief encourages Southern Baptists to make a difference through compassionate care

Culture:

1. California rolls back reopening plans as new outbreaks force major reversal
2. Gateway buildings close under renewed lockdowns; Spurgeon College announces bachelor's program updates
3. Students say they'll sacrifice fun if they can return to campus
4. Israeli Data Show School Openings Were a Disaster That Wiped Out Lockdown Gains
5. Facebook will launch a new section to debunk coronavirus myths
6. Why Kanye West Is Reportedly Dropping Out of The Presidential Race
7. RNC restricts convention attendance as Florida coronavirus cases climb
8. Tennessee enacts strong pro-life law; court battle begins
9. Fertility rate: 'Jaw-dropping' global crash in children being born
10. Ford unveils new line of iconic Broncos

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss this week’s Supreme Court rulings, foreign students being forced to leave the U.S., Kanye West, plans for New York City schools, Charlie Daniels and Ivy League canceling fall sports. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?, Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemic, and Josh Wester with Why Christian should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Travis Wussow for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Travis:

Travis Wussow serves as the Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel. Travis led the ERLC’s first international office located in the Middle East prior to joining the Washington DC office. He received a B.B.A. in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. He and his wife, Katie, have two daughters. You can connect with her on Twitter: @traviswussow.  

ERLC Content:

• RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?
• Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemic
• Josh Wester with Why Christians should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution: Opposing polyamory for the good of society

Culture

1. Supreme Court ministerial exception affirmed
2. Supreme Court rules employers with religious objections can be exempt from ACA's birth control mandate
3. SCOTUS: Congress can't get Trump tax records, but grand jury subpoena may
4. Foreign students could be forced to leave U.S. if colleges move online
5. Harvard and MIT sue Trump administration over rule barring foreign students from online classes
6. Kanye West announces he is running for president in the 2020 US election
7. BBC More than three million people in the US have now tested positive for Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.
8. CNN: Tom Hanks: Wear a mask
9. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tests positive for coronavirus
10. New York City schools will not fully reopen in fall
11. RIP Charlie Daniels.
12. The Ivy League becomes the

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Cooperative Program giving, the Mississippi State flag change, Coronavirus cases hitting a new threshold, Whataburger, and SCOTUS cases. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Victor Vieth with “4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuse,” Jamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with “The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differences,” and Alex Ward with a resource list to learn more about America’s founding. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Katie McCoy for a conversation about life and ministry.

Katie serves as Assistant Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies at Scarborough College. Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Union University (TN) and with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Women’s Studies from SWBTS. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in May 2016. Katie has a passion for connecting global women’s issues with a biblical perspective on women’s value. Her dissertation is on Old Testament law about women, what they reveal about women’s dignity, and the Church’s social responsibility to women worldwide. As a teacher, Katie hopes to engage her students to think critically and to equip them to communicate biblical truth with grace and strength. She is a self-professed political news junkie and considers herself an adopted Texan. You can connect with her on Twitter: @blondeorthodoxy.

• Victor Vieth with 4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuse
• Jamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differences
• Alex Ward with Learn more about America’s founding from these resources

1. Cooperative Program giving highest in three months, down only 1.47% for year
2. High court affirms religious access to state programs
3. Mississippi State Flag Change
4. Changing the state flag is not about forgetting Mississippi’s past. It’s about acknowledging it.
5. Many Students Will Be in Classrooms Only Part of the Week This Fall
6. Biden blows by Trump in cash race
7. Fauci warns U.S. could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases per day
8. U.S. daily coronavirus cases top 50,000 for first time

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, are joined by Meagan Smith. They discuss Coronavirus back in the news with rising cases in many states, North Carolina pausing their reopening plan, and Apple telling you how long to wash your hands. They also discuss the Mississippi state flag, Bostock fallout, a Saharan dust storm, and the oldest living dog.

Lindsay gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Missie Branch with “Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliation,” Katie Blackburn with “Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situations,” and Catherine Parks with “How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock ruling.”

Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Andrew Walker for a conversation about life and ministry.

Andrew T. Walker is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Associate Dean in the School of Theology. He also serves as Executive Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. He is a Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination’s entity tasked with equipping Christians and local churches to address ethical issues facing society and the church. He is also the Executive Editor of Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology, a publication of The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and three daughters. He’s an avid distance runner and enjoys music, movies, and reading in his free time. You can connect with him on Twitter: @andrewtwalk.

• Missie Branch with Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliation
• Katie Blackburn with Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situations
• Catherine Parks with How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock ruling

1. U.S. reports highest number of new coronavirus cases since May 1
2. More young people across the South are testing positive for coronavirus, officials warn
3. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine for travelers from US hotspots
4. WatchOS 7 includes a new Apple Watch hand-washing feature for COVID-19 protection
5. Mississippi Baptists ask Legislature to remove Confederate symbol from state flag
6. Ligon Duncan: ‘Mississippi, Take Down That Flag’
7. Bostock Is as Bad as You Think

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, are joined by Chelsea Sobolik and Jeff Pickering from the ERLC D.C. office. They discuss the Supreme Court rulings this week, Southeastern Seminary’s tuition reduction, updates on COVID-19, Ivy League schools not requiring SAT or ACT scores next year, Twitter’s new update, and Starbucks closing stores. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Ashli Arbo with “6 legal issues to consider when reopening your church,” Lindsay Nicolet with “Raising a family, lamenting, and trusting in God amid racial injustice: An interview with Jimmy McNeal,” and Josh Wester on “What J.K. Rowling can teach us about standing firm among the crowds: Social Media, the secual revolution, and the Christian’s faithfulness to Scripture.” Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jeff Pickering for a conversation about life and ministry.

About Jeff: Jeff Pickering serves as Policy Communications Director in the Washington, D.C., office. In this role, he hosts the weekly Capitol Conversations podcast, develops communications strategy, and connects journalists with the organization’s policy work. He also serves as the mentor and director of the DC internship program. Jeff previously served in both local church ministry and government affairs in his home state of Texas, where he graduated from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Chelsea have a son.

About Chelsea: Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as a Policy Director in the Washington, D.C. office. Previously, she worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea is the author of Longing for Motherhood – Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Michael.

• Ashli Arbo with 6 legal issues to consider when reopening your church
• Lindsay Nicolet with Raising a family, lamenting, and trusting in God amid racial injustice: An interview with Jimmy McNeal
• Josh Wester with What J.K. Rowling can teach us about standing firm among the crowds: Social media, the sexual revolution, and the Christian’s faithfulness to Scripture

1. A Supreme Court surprise
2. Explainer: What you need to know about the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court case
3. SEBTS trustees cut tuition, salaries in COVID-19 economic downturn
4. Red Cross to begin testing donor blood for Covid-19 antibodies
5. Bald men may be hit harder by coronavirus, scientists fear
6. <

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss the United States hitting 2 million cases of Covid-19 and reaching its first recession since 2009, Disneyland reopening date, Church of the Highlands, retiring the SBC gavel, a virtual IMB missionary sending, and buried treasure. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Conrad Close and Jason Thacker with "5 things you need to know about TikTok," Casey B. Hough with "How to have hope in hard time," Lindsay Nicolet with "How can marriages thrive in the midst of suffering?," and Josh Wester with "3 ways Christian should think about racial justice in America." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jimmy McNeal for a conversation about life and ministry.

Jimmy McNeal serves as one of the worship leaders at Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas. When he grew up in Waxahachie, Texas, Jimmy had no clue this would be the road that God would take him on. Jimmy had big dreams of using the money he would make as an NFL linebacker to fund his career as an R&B artist. His first shot at fame came with his appearance on American Idol. Although he was cut shortly after becoming a top 40 finalist, Jimmy knew that God was preparing him for something different. Jimmy lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Staci, and their son, Jackson. Twitter: @JimmyMcSings

• Conrad Close and Jason Thacker with 5 things you need to know about TikTok
• Casey B. Hough with How to have hope in hard times
• Lindsay Nicolet with How can marriages thrive in the midst of suffering? A Q&A with Jeff and Sarah Walton
• Josh Wester with 3 ways Christians should think about racial justice in America

1. The United States has surpassed 2 million cases of Covid-19
2. New Coronavirus Hot Spots Emerge Across South And In California, As Northeast Slows
3. New Zealand is now free of coronavirus
4. The United Nations just cancelled their General Assembly in September for the first time in 75 years
5. The Latest: US judge upholds Nevada cap on church services
6. US has officially entered first recession since 2009
7. Pastors comfort mourners, exhort churches at George Floyd funeral
8. Disneyland sets its reopening date

Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.