Not Alone

Joel Schofield joins us again to talk about what healthy ministry really looks like and how churches on both sides of the Atlantic can stand together. An encouraging conversation about faithfulness, partnership, and the surprising ways the gospel is moving in the UK.

Brandon Pickett talks with Joel Schofield about the UK now being an unreached people group (below 2% Christian), the severe pastoral shortage, and the UK Fellowship Network’s work to build healthy churches, mission, and leadership.

When the unthinkable happens in an instant, how do you keep going? On this episode of the Not Alone podcast, Andy and Linda Barrick share the story of a devastating night that changed their family forever—and how their faith in Jesus became a platform to share the gospel.

Their journey reveals the sustaining power of prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of deep brokenness, and the unexpected ways God can use pain for His glory.

Visit hopeoutloud.com to learn more or invite them to your church.

The Not Alone podcast is a production of the SBC of Virginia.

Brandon Pickett talks with Michael Morisi of the Family Foundation about two proposed Virginia constitutional amendments on the November ballot—one on marriage and one on abortion. They unpack the deceptive wording, what the amendments would actually allow, and why churches and Christians should speak up and vote no. Resources: stand4lifeandmarriage.org and familyfoundation.org.

In this episode of the Not Alone Podcast, Brandon Pickett welcomes Niky Brooks, the new children's ministry director at SBCV. With her rich background in children's ministry and a passion for service, Niky offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ministry for children.

Dr. Stephen Müller, Dean of the School of Music at Liberty University, joins Not Alone to talk about forming musicians who serve the church with skill, humility, and a heart for the gospel. From the classroom to Sunday morning, he shares how Liberty is training the next generation of worship leaders, educators, and artists to be Champions for Christ—and why local churches don’t have to do this work alone.

Annette Reeder shares practical principles for health and wellness rooted in biblical teachings. Discover how churches can become centers of health and healing through simple, biblically-based nutrition strategies.

Let’s be honest—most church leaders don’t enter ministry because they love spreadsheets and budgets. But we know that healthy ministries require healthy stewardship. Eddie Urbine joins the podcast to share simple but essential principles for managing church finances with wisdom, transparency, and integrity. From creating sustainable budgets to building trust through accountability, this episode is packed with helpful advice. Whether you’re a pastor, finance volunteer, or church administrator, this conversation offers real-world insight to help your ministry thrive.

What happens when artificial intelligence meets ministry? In this fascinating and surprisingly practical conversation, Garth Henson breaks down the myths, opportunities, and ethical questions surrounding AI in the church. From sermon prep and scheduling to discipleship and digital outreach, discover how ministries can use technology wisely without losing the human side of ministry. Also, they talk about the upcoming Worship and Technology Conference and what we can expect from the AI masterclass!

Church planting isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement. In this conversation, SBC of Virginia leaders Josh Turner and Colby Garman unpack how residency programs are developing leaders, how partnerships are accelerating growth, and how churches of every size can play a role. If you care about leadership development, multiplication, and reaching diverse communities, this episode will give you a clear path forward.