On this episode, Brent Leatherwood and Lindsay Nicolet discuss the SBC Executive Committee meeting and several noteworthy developments, including the “Ministry Check” website and six churches deemed not in friendly cooperation with the SBC. They also reflected on the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. 

Culture

• BP: Blalock gives update on task force work and Ministry Check site
• BP: SBC EC removes six churches, including Saddleback
• Bart Barber’s tweet thread 
• NPR: After a year of war in Ukraine, no end in sight to the misery
• BP: SBC supporting Ukraine as war enters second year
• ERLC article: How Southern Baptists are involved in Ukraine relief

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• 2023 Public Policy Agenda | The first session of the 118th Congress is now underway, and it begins as the nation is grappling with war around the world, inflation at home, and deep division across our nation. This also begins a new era of divided government with a Democratic president, a narrow Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, and a slim Republican majority in the House. This dynamic ensures legislating and governing will be a difficult task. We recently released the 2023 ERLC Public Policy agenda which includes our priorities for religious liberty, sanctity of life, marriage and family, and human dignity. Download the full agenda and learn how your Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is advocating for issues important to Southern Baptists at ERLC.com/policy.
• Email updates | Now that 2023 is fully underway, we want to make sure you are kept up to date about the important work we are doing on behalf of Southern Baptists. Whether it’s our 2023 Public Policy Agenda or another ultrasound machine placement, we want to make sure you know how we are serving our churches and acting as missionaries to the public square. As we move forward in 2023, know that first in our hearts and at the top of our minds are our churches. And we are taking those next steps with a Mark 10:44 mindset: to be a servant of all. The best way to learn more is by joining us at ERLC.com/updates. Signing up for email updates allows you to hear directly from us about our work and ways we are serving you on the issues that matter most to Southern Baptists. You’ll learn about our work on your behalf in our nation’s capital, about exciting new partnerships with our state conventions and the ways we are working across the convention with our sister entities. Become an email subscriber at ERLC.com/updates. 

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

On this episode, Brent Leatherwood interviews Ed Litton and Fred Luter about racial reconciliation and the SBC. These two men have started an important racial reconciliation effort called The Unify Project, and in this interview, they tell us about it and spur us on to be ambassadors of reconciliation within the communities where the Lord has placed us.  

Culture

• Unify Project

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• 2023 Public Policy Agenda | The first session of the 118th Congress is now underway, and it begins as the nation is grappling with war around the world, inflation at home, and deep division across our nation. This also begins a new era of divided government with a Democratic president, a narrow Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, and a slim Republican majority in the House. This dynamic ensures legislating and governing will be a difficult task. We recently released the 2023 ERLC Public Policy agenda which includes our priorities for religious liberty, sanctity of life, marriage and family, and human dignity. Download the full agenda and learn how your Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is advocating for issues important to Southern Baptists at ERLC.com/policy.
• Email updates | Now that 2023 is fully underway, we want to make sure you are kept up to date about the important work we are doing on behalf of Southern Baptists. Whether it’s our 2023 Public Policy Agenda or another ultrasound machine placement, we want to make sure you know how we are serving our churches and acting as missionaries to the public square. As we move forward in 2023, know that first in our hearts and at the top of our minds are our churches. And we are taking those next steps with a Mark 10:44 mindset: to be a servant of all. The best way to learn more is by joining us at ERLC.com/updates. Signing up for email updates allows you to hear directly from us about our work and ways we are serving you on the issues that matter most to Southern Baptists. You’ll learn about our work on your behalf in our nation’s capital, about exciting new partnerships with our state conventions and the ways we are working across the convention with our sister entities. Become an email subscriber at ERLC.com/updates. 

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

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay talk about racial unity in the SBC. They also disucss a recap of the State of the Union address, the devastating earthquake in Turkey, and J.D. Greear’s article responding to comments Andy Stanley made about homosexuality. 

ERLC Content

• Micah Gaston with Four Reasons Why I Am Committed to A Racially Reconciling Church
• Racial Unity in the SBC: A Converrsation with Fred Luter and Ed Litton

Culture

• The Dispatch: State of the Union recap
• NBC News: Death toll soars past 16,000 in Turkey earthquake
• BP: Send Relief responding to massive earthquake
  • SEND Relief
• TGC: J.D. Greear’s article responding to Andy Stanley
  • Discipling your church for a world in sexual crisis 

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• 2023 Public Policy Agenda | The first session of the 118th Congress is now underway, and it begins as the nation is grappling with war around the world, inflation at home, and deep division across our nation. This also begins a new era of divided government with a Democratic president, a narrow Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, and a slim Republican majority in the House. This dynamic ensures legislating and governing will be a difficult task. We recently released the 2023 ERLC Public Policy agenda which includes our priorities for religious liberty, sanctity of life, marriage and family, and human dignity. Download the full agenda and learn how your Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is advocating for issues important to Southern Baptists at ERLC.com/policy.
• Email updates | Now that 2023 is fully underway, we want to make sure you are kept up to date about the important work we are doing on behalf of Southern Baptists. Whether it’s our 2023 Public Policy Agenda or another ultrasound machine placement, we want to make sure you know how we are serving our churches and acting as missionaries to the public square. As we move forward in 2023, know that first in our hearts and at the top of our minds are our churches. And we are taking those next steps with a Mark 10:44 mindset: to be a servant of all. The best way to

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

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay talk to Hannah Daniel about the ERLC’s advocacy priorities for 2023. These priorities are in the important areas of religious liberty, marriage and family, sanctity of life, and human dignity. 

• Jordan Wootten with Can Christians make it in American Politics? 
• Hannah Daniel with What the ERLC is advocating for in 2023: A look into this year’s Public Policy Agenda

• ERLC’s 2023 Public Policy Agenda

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

• Internships | While it may seem early, now is the time when many college students begin planning for their Summer 2023 internships. You likely already know this if you have a college student in your life—whether it's in your own household, or your church ministry. At the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, we believe strongly in investing in the next generation. Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. Interns come alongside ERLC staff to equip church leaders to address complex ethical issues in their communities, local churches, and represent Southern Baptists to the United States government. They help write policy briefs, draft correspondence to congressional staff, assist with communication strategy, provide research on ethical debates, meet with state and federal Christian officials working in the public square, and so much more. In sum, ERLC Interns do much more than simple errands and coffee runs. If you know of a college student looking for an internship for summer 2023, or you are a college student in need of an internship, visit ERLC.com/interns to apply. That’s ERLC.com/interns

• Psalm 139 | Thousands of women are now traveling to states where abortion is still legal. Abortion providers like Planned Parenthood are targeting these states by placing mobile abortion centers near the border to take advantage of vulnerable women. The need for lifesaving ultrasound machines is greater than ever. That's where the Psalm 139 Project comes in. As an initiative of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the Psalm 139 Project works on behalf of Southern Baptists to place ultrasound machines in pro-life clinics across the country. Will you help us save vulnerable lives in 2023 and beyond? When you partner with the Psalm 139 Project, 100% of your gift goes directly to placing ultrasound machines and training PRC staff and volunteers. All of our administrative costs are covered by the ongoing generosity of Southern Baptists through the Cooperative Program. That’s what makes us unique — and that’s why partnering with us will make a real, tangible difference. Learn more and partner with us at ERLC.com/psalm139. That’s ERLC.com/psalm139.

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

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss this year’s March for Life, George Santos’ deception, and the classified documents debacle. 

ERLC Content

• Jordan Wootten with Explainer: Open Doors releases 2023 World Watch List
• Anna Claire Flowers with 3 lessons from the March for Life 2023

Culture

• NY Times: First March for Life After Roe, Sets Stage for New Ideas
• USA Today: George Santos scammed voters. Congress has a moral duty to remove him.
• Axios: Classified documents discovered at Pence’s home
• Axios: Fire mansion in Tennessee

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• Dobbs Resource Page | The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected, as we also roll our sleeves up to save preborn lives, serve vulnerable mothers, and support families in our communities. To get more resources on this case, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.
• Sexual Ethics Resource Page | Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted territory. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful articles, videos, and explainers that will equip you to navigate these important issues with truth and grace. Get these free resources at ERLC.com/sexualethics.

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

In this episode, Brent interviews Jon Nelson, a pastor in Missouri, about racial unity and the SBC. Lindsay also reviews a few pieces of ERLC content focused on life in light of the 2023 March for Life.  

ERLC Content

• Kadin Christian with Helping single moms choose life and education: An interview about The MOMentum Network
• Ashlyn Portero with 5 small pro-life steps churches can take

Culture

• Baptist Press: Jon Nelson: from atheist to 1st black Mo. Baptist VP
• March for Life 2023

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• Internships | While it may seem early, now is the time when many college students begin planning for their Summer 2023 internships. You likely already know this if you have a college student in your life—whether it's in your own household, or your church ministry. At the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, we believe strongly in investing in the next generation. Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. Interns come alongside ERLC staff to equip church leaders to address complex ethical issues in their communities, local churches, and represent Southern Baptists to the United States government. They help write policy briefs, draft correspondence to congressional staff, assist with communication strategy, provide research on ethical debates, meet with state and federal Christian officials working in the public square, and so much more. In sum, ERLC Interns do much more than simple errands and coffee runs. If you know of a college student looking for an internship for summer 2023, or you are a college student in need of an internship, visit ERLC.com/interns to apply. That’s ERLC.com/interns
• Psalm 139 | Thousands of women are now traveling to states where abortion is still legal. Abortion providers like Planned Parenthood are targeting these states by placing mobile abortion centers near the border to take advantage of vulnerable women. The need for lifesaving ultrasound machines is greater than ever. That's where the Psalm 139 Project comes in. As an initiative of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the Psalm 139 Project works on behalf of Southern Baptists to place ultrasound machines in pro-life clinics across the country. Will you help us save vulnerable lives in 2023 and beyond? When you partner with the Psalm 139 Project, 100% of your gift goes directly to placing ultrasound machines and training PRC staff and volunteers. All of our administrative costs are covered by the ongoing generosity of Southern Baptists through the Cooperative Program. That’s what makes us unique — and that’s why partnering with us will make a real, tangible difference. Learn more and partner with us at ERLC.com/psalm139. That’s ERLC.com/psalm139.

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

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss the South Carolina Supreme Court striking down the state’s 6-week abortion ban. They also talk about the pro-life organization and the March for Life happening next week.

ERLC Content

• Jason Thacker with Two ways to make digital activism better: Real-world relationships bring about change
• Katelyn Walls Shelton with Abortion is not healthcare: The historical and biblical understanding of a doctor’s obligation

Culture

• Washington Post: South Carolina Supreme Court strikes down 6-week abortion law
• Baptist Press: Stand for Life Launches from ERLC
• March for Life 2023

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• Dobbs Resource Page | The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected, as we also roll our sleeves up to save preborn lives, serve vulnerable mothers, and support families in our communities. To get more resources on this case, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.
• Sexual Ethics Resource Page | Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted territory. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful articles, videos, and explainers that will equip you to navigate these important issues with truth and grace. Get these free resources at ERLC.com/sexualethics.

Subscribe

iTunes

Google Play

Stitcher

Tune in

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

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss the latest development with abortion pills, the ongoing deliberations regarding speaker of the House, and Damar Hamlin’s terrifying collapse on the football field. They also talk about the latest issue of Light magazine. 

ERLC Content

• Latest issue of Light magazine: Pursuing a culture of life: The pro-life movement after the demise of Roe v. Wade

Culture

• WSJ: Abortion pills to be more widely available 
  • Jason Thacker with Explainer: The FDA expands abortion pill access in local pharmacies
  • Chelsey Youman with The twin frontiers of abortion in a post-Dobbs world: The abortion pill and abortion trafficking
• NBC News: House Deliberations for Speaker Ongoing
• At the end: Damar Hamlin (Toy drive soared to $3 million)

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• Dobbs Resource Page | The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected, as we also roll our sleeves up to save preborn lives, serve vulnerable mothers, and support families in our communities. To get more resources on this case, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.
• Sexual Ethics Resource Page | Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted territory. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful articles, videos, and explainers that will equip you to navigate these important issues with truth and grace. Get these free resources at ERLC.com/sexualethics.

Subscribe

iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in

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

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss their end of year focus on the Psalm 139 Project. They also talk about the status of immigration reform in the United States and an update on the Respect for Marriage Act. 

ERLC Content

• Carlotta White with How ultrasounds help moms choose life: Opening a window into the womb
• Hannah Daniel with What a visit to the border taught me about Advent

Culture

• CBS News: Last minute deal for immigration reforms fails
• Most recent SBC resolution on immigration (2018)
• Baptist Messenger: President Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act amid religious liberty concerns
• Explainer: Why the ERLC Still Opposes the Respect for Marriage Act

Connect with us on Twitter

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

Sponsors

• Dobbs Resource Page | The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected, as we also roll our sleeves up to save preborn lives, serve vulnerable mothers, and support families in our communities. To get more resources on this case, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.
• Sexual Ethics Resource Page | Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted territory. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful articles, videos, and explainers that will equip you to navigate these important issues with truth and grace. Get these free resources at ERLC.com/sexualethics.

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

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent talk with their former ERLC colleague, Dan Darling. He is now the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and assistant professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College.

• Land Center for Cultural Engagement 
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• DanielDarling.com
• Reagan Presidential Library
• Lincoln Presidential Library
• Truman Presidential Library

• A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers
• Mark of the Christian by Francis Shaffer
• Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts
• Reagan: An American Journey by Bob Spitz
• My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir by Justice Clarence Thomas
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

• @ERLC
• @LeatherwoodTN
• @LindsNicolet

• Dobbs Resource Page | The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected, as we also roll our sleeves up to save preborn lives, serve vulnerable mothers, and support families in our communities. To get more resources on this case, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.
• Sexual Ethics Resource Page | Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted territory. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful art

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