Everyday Sunday School

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the book of Amos with Josh Elliff.

Josh Elliff serves as Lead Pastor of River Church in Loveland, Colorado, where he is devoted to preaching the Word of God, making disciples, and reaching the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. A fourth-generation pastor, Elliff brings more than two decades of ministry experience, having previously served in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In 2021, he and his wife, Jacqueline, moved with their three children to northern Colorado to plant a church. After completing the Send Network church planter assessment, the family launched River Church in Loveland in 2023. In partnership with Colorado Baptists, the North American Mission Board, and the Southern Baptist Convention, Elliff seeks to establish a multiplying church committed to following God, modeling authentic biblical community, loving people, and engaging those far from God with the gospel. Through his pastoral leadership and commitment to church planting, he desires to see lives transformed by Christ and the gospel advance throughout northern Colorado.

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the history of The Reformation with Dr. Malcolm Yarnell.

Dr. Malcolm B. Yarnell III serves as Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is devoted to theological scholarship, teaching, and equipping future generations of Christian leaders. He also serves as Editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology and Teaching Pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas. Previously, Yarnell served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as Associate Dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Seminary. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Theology from Duke University, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford. As an accomplished theologian and author, his research focuses on biblical, systematic, historical, and philosophical theology, with particular emphasis on Baptist theology, the Reformation, and the development of Christian doctrine. Through his scholarship, teaching, writing, and pastoral ministry, Dr. Yarnell seeks to strengthen the church, deepen believers’ understanding of God’s Word, and serve the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the story of Jonah with Andy John King.

Andy John King serves as Lead Pastor of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama, a role he assumed in 2020 following the retirement of longtime pastor Dr. Dusty McLemore. King joined the Lindsay Lane staff in 2010 as Student Pastor, later serving as Campus Pastor of Lindsay Lane East in Harvest, Alabama, where he helped lead the church’s expansion into the community. Before joining Lindsay Lane, he served in ministry at Southside Baptist Church in Decatur and Round Island Baptist Church in Athens. As Lead Pastor, King provides spiritual leadership to a growing church committed to making disciples who worship, grow, and serve together for the glory of God and the good of man. King remains committed to faithfully preaching God’s Word, shepherding the local church, and advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout North Alabama and beyond.

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the topic of Grandparenting with Dr. Rick Lance.

Dr. Rick Lance serves as Executive Director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, a role he has held since 1998, where he leads the State Board of Missions in assisting Alabama Baptists and more than 3,200 churches in Great Commission ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Speech from Samford University, a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministries from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and an Ed.D. in Pastoral Counseling and Preaching from New Orleans Seminary. Before serving with the State Board of Missions, Lance pastored churches including First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, First Baptist Church of Cullman, West End Baptist Church in Birmingham, and Valence Street Baptist Church in New Orleans. He has also served extensively in Southern Baptist life, including as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention from 1990–1992 and as a trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention Foreign Mission Board, now the International Mission Board. With more than 55 years of gospel ministry, Lance remains committed to serving the Lord, strengthening churches, and advancing the gospel through Great Commission ministry.

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the book of Song of Solomon with Dr. Rodney Shewbart.

Rodney Shewbart serves as Senior Pastor of Underwood Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama, where he is committed to faithful biblical preaching, discipleship, and equipping the church to fulfill its mission for Christ. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His doctoral project focused on developing an evangelistic, church-growth strategy through expository preaching. Before becoming Senior Pastor of Underwood Baptist Church, Shewbart served as the church’s interim pastor and previously ministered in the Shoals area, including service as Campus Pastor at Shoals Christian School and as an associate and youth pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Florence. With a deep passion for Scripture, evangelism, preaching, and pastoral ministry, Shewbart is committed to proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the local church, and equipping believers to faithfully follow Christ.

Today Stephanie Gilliam discusses the disciples on the road to Emmaus with Dr. Eddy Garner.

Dr. Eddy Garner has faithfully served the Shoals area through more than three decades of ministry. He spent 17 years as Baptist Campus Minister at the University of North Alabama, helping students grow in their faith and preparing many for lives of Christian service and ministry. In 2006, he became Director of Missions for the Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association, where he served for 17 years encouraging pastors, strengthening churches, and advancing missions across Northwest Alabama. Known for his humble spirit, personal encouragement, and love for people, Dr. Garner has impacted generations of students, pastors, and church leaders throughout the Shoals. 

Today, Stephanie Gilliam discusses the book of Ecclesiastes with Dr. Travis Farris.

Dr. Travis Farris serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky, where he is committed to faithful biblical preaching, discipleship, and equipping the church to fulfill its mission for Christ. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies with a minor in Greek from Clear Creek Bible College, a certificate in Applied Hermeneutics from Liberty University, a Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Georgia. Before coming to First Baptist Richmond, Dr. Farris served as Senior Pastor of Walnut Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky. He has also served the broader Kentucky Baptist community through leadership in the Kentucky Baptist Pastors’ Conference. With a deep passion for Scripture, preaching, and pastoral ministry, Dr. Farris is committed to proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the local church, and equipping believers and pastors to faithfully follow Christ.

Today Stephanie Gilliam discusses prayer with Dr. Robert Smith.

Dr. Robert Smith served for more than 25 years as Professor of Christian Preaching and Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, following his years as Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. An ordained Baptist minister, he also pastored New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 20 years while earning his PhD. An award-winning teacher, preacher, and author, Dr. Smith is widely recognized for his influential book Doctrine That Dances and for his lifelong commitment to Christ-centered preaching. Through decades of ministry, teaching, and speaking at more than 135 universities, colleges, and seminaries around the world, he has faithfully equipped pastors and encouraged generations of church leaders.

Today Stephanie Gilliam discusses the story of Paul on the Damascus Road with Jerry Wooley.

Jerry Wooley has faithfully served the local church through decades of ministry, leadership, and Bible teaching. He spent many years with LifeWay Christian Resources as a VBS Specialist, equipping churches across the country to reach children and families with the gospel through training, discipleship, and evangelism. Today, he serves as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he continues to teach God's Word and invest in the lives of believers. Known for his clear biblical teaching, passion for the local church, and heart for the next generation, Jerry has encouraged and equipped countless pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers throughout his years of service.

Today Stephanie Gilliam discusses Philip on the desert road from Acts chapter 8 with Dr. Sammy Gilbreath.

Dr. Sammy Gilbreath is a pastor, evangelist, and church leader from Florence, Alabama. For nearly 20 years, he served with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, helping pastors and churches fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism and outreach. Before joining the State Board of Missions, he pastored several churches across Alabama and other states, including Highland Baptist Church in Florence. Known for his passion for sharing the gospel and encouraging pastors, Dr. Gilbreath continues to invest in churches across Alabama through preaching, leadership, and evangelism ministry. He and his wife, Carol, have two children and four grandchildren.