In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Curtis Laney on the essential role of prayer in the life of the church and its leaders. Together, they explore the difference between simply praying about ministry responsibilities and praying through them, highlighting the importance of depending on God in every aspect of leadership and decision-making.

Curtis also shares practical insights on how churches can cultivate a genuine culture of prayer that extends beyond programs and becomes a defining characteristic of congregational life. The conversation addresses the balance between faithful planning and waiting on God's direction, as well as the role of praying in the Spirit in the context of spiritual awakening and revival. This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and believers who desire to see prayer become a deeper and more central part of their walk with Christ and the life of their church.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Curtis Laney to discuss the vital role of prayer in the life of a leader. Drawing from his own ministry experience, Curtis shares how prayer shapes the decisions he makes, sustains him through the demands of leadership, and keeps his focus on God's direction rather than his own abilities.

Together, they explore the challenges of maintaining a consistent prayer life amid busy schedules and ministry responsibilities. Curtis also reflects on ways he has seen prayer transform circumstances and change his own heart in the midst of difficult situations. The conversation concludes with practical insight on leading others in corporate prayer in a way that is authentic, engaging, and centered on seeking God rather than simply following a routine. This episode offers encouragement and wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and believers who desire to grow deeper in their dependence on God through prayer.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Eddie Powers on revival and spiritual awakening. Together, they examine patterns seen throughout past awakenings and discuss what the modern church often overlooks or resists when seeking spiritual renewal.

Eddie shares insight into how pastors and church leaders can faithfully prepare for revival without attempting to manufacture emotional experiences or control the work of the Holy Spirit. The conversation also explores how leaders can discern genuine movements of God from emotionalism or crowd dynamics, and what it practically looks like for churches to posture themselves in prayer, repentance, and obedience. This episode challenges listeners to consider how a true awakening could reshape priorities, ministry structures, and the spiritual life of the church today.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Eddie Powers to discuss revival, spiritual awakening, and the spiritual condition of the church today. Together, they explore the difference between revival and spiritual awakening and why that distinction matters for both individuals and congregations.

Drawing from history and biblical principles, Eddie shares the consistent marks of genuine revival and contrasts them with emotional or manufactured moments that can often be mistaken for spiritual movement. The conversation also addresses some of the greatest barriers preventing revival in the church today, both personally and corporately, and highlights the central role prayer plays in seeking God’s work among His people. This episode offers thoughtful encouragement for believers and churches longing to see authentic spiritual renewal.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with George Campbell, focusing on the practical and pastoral side of choir ministry. They discuss how to faithfully shepherd one of the largest volunteer groups in the church and the responsibility that comes with leading a choir well.

Together, they explore the balance between performance and participation in corporate worship, and how churches can maintain a strong emphasis on congregational singing and musical discipleship—even in contexts where traditional choirs may not return. George also shares wisdom for worship leaders, offering key convictions and lessons learned from years of ministry. This episode provides practical guidance and encouragement for pastors and worship leaders seeking to lead their churches in Christ-centered, participatory worship.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Leadership Lab Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with George Campbell to discuss the role of choir ministry in biblical worship. Drawing from Scripture, they explore the origins of organized choral worship and what it reveals about God's design for corporate worship in the church.

George shares how choirs serve not only as a musical element but also as a model and catalyst for congregational singing. Together, they highlight the often overlooked teaching and discipleship role of choir. The conversation also reflects on the impact of COVID has on choir ministries and the challenges many churches faced during that season. This episode offers biblical insight and practical encouragement for churches seeking to think more intentionally about worship and the role of the choir.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues his conversation with Dr. Shad Hicks, focusing on what it looks like to build a healthy church culture rooted in Scripture. Together, they discuss the difference between simply running discipleship programs and cultivating a true culture of discipleship within the life of the church.

Dr. Hicks also addresses the importance of having a right understanding of conversion and how pastors can shepherd their congregations with both clarity and care. The conversation explores what it means to be a mission-shaped church beyond financial support, as well as how to lead worship in a way that remains anchored in Scripture rather than personal preference. This episode offers practical and theological insight for pastors and church leaders seeking to build churches marked by faithfulness, intentional discipleship, and gospel-centered mission.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook sits down with Dr. Shad Hicks to discuss what it truly means for a church to be healthy. Rather than measuring success by numbers or cultural influence, the conversation centers on faithfulness to Scripture and commitment to the mission of the gospel.

Dr. Hicks shares insight into the importance of expositional preaching and what it looks like in the weekly rhythm of pastoral preparation. Together, they also explore the role of biblical literacy in the life of the church, the meaning and importance of church membership, and the often difficult but necessary practice of corrective church discipline. This episode offers thoughtful encouragement and practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders seeking to lead with conviction, clarity, and faithfulness to God’s Word.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook continues the conversation with Sherri McAteer and Quinn Medlin, focusing on the importance of caring for mental and emotional health within the church. Sherri shares insight on how pastors and ministry leaders can better care for their own well-being while faithfully serving others.

Together, they discuss warning signs that someone may be in a serious crisis, including depression and burnout, and how the church can respond with wisdom and compassion. The conversation also addresses the difficult reality of hurt within the church and how to walk with people through those experiences in a biblical and caring way. This episode offers practical encouragement for pastors and leaders seeking to shepherd their people well while remaining healthy themselves.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

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In this episode of the Union Baptist Association Podcast, Eric Cook is joined by Sherri McAteer and Quinn Medlin for a conversation on biblical counseling and how the church can better support students. Sherri shares from her experience as a counselor, explaining what biblical counseling is and how it differs from secular approaches.

Together, they discuss the spiritual and emotional challenges facing high school and college students today, including anxiety and cultural pressures. The conversation also explores practical ways churches can come alongside students with care, truth, and compassion while remaining grounded in Scripture. This episode offers valuable insight for pastors, leaders, and churches seeking to faithfully care for the next generation.

The Union Baptist Association exists to encourage, equip, and connect churches as we work together to advance the gospel.

Learn more about the Union Baptist Association at http://unionbaptist.com/

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