The SBC Executive Committee met in Nashville this week. We have comprehensive coverage from the meetings. Plus we talk about the ERLC's initiative to defund Planned Parenthood and a Lifeway Research study on how the church prays for believers in persecution. Brandon and Laura cover all of this and a history moment you don't want to miss.

SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg spoke to the Executive Committee February 17, 2025 in Nashville. He spoke about the ongoing work of sexual abuse response and prevention in the SBC, a new Business and Financial Plan for the SBC and a strategy for dealing with the convention’s financial woes. We bring you his address in a special edition of the podcast.

In this episode of From Lostness to Leadership, host D.J. Horton talks with Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss his profound journey to faith. Jamie shares how his own brokenness led him to Christ and the pivotal mentors who walked alongside him—teaching him how to preach, pray, and engage with Scripture. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about God’s grace, discipleship, and the path from lostness to leadership.

In this episode, Brandon and Laura share the recent appointment of a Texas pastor to lead HUD, give details on the NAMB trustees meeting, discuss a feature on SBC President Clint Pressley, give thanks for the life of California Baptist Fermin Whittaker and remember a busy day in 1961. 

John Mark Harrison, Pastor of First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, Tennessee, originally set out to be a football coach—but God had other plans. While in college, he felt a clear calling to ministry, leading him to start as a student pastor. Through faithful obedience, he followed God’s direction every step of the way, eventually becoming the pastor of First Baptist Concord.

In this episode, Pastor John Mark shares his journey of stepping into God’s calling, his move to Concord, and his passion for preaching God’s Word every Sunday. Tune in to hear more about Pastor John’s story and why he’s excited to preach at the conference!

In this episode, Laura and Brandon highlight the International Mission Board's sending ceremony and trustees meeting, talk about the retirement of Send Relief's Bryant Wright and the passing of SEBTS professor Jim Shaddix, January's Cooperative Program giving and interview Jeff Dalrymple, the new director for sexual abuse response and prevention at the SBC Executive Committee.

In this episode, D.J. Horton sits down with Donna Gaines as she prepares to lead prayer at the upcoming pastors’ conference. A devoted wife, mother, and sister in the Lord, Donna has been an integral part of the Southern Baptist family alongside her husband, Steve Gaines. As they transition into retirement after years of faithful leadership, she shares her journey of life in ministry as a pastor’s wife. From being raised with parents in the mission field to meeting Steve in college, Donna talks about how God quickly confirmed His calling for her role in ministry. She offers wisdom on the incredible calling of women in the church and the unique joys and challenges of ministry life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, family, and God’s purpose for women in the church.

In this episode Brandon and Laura discuss how Pres. Trump's executive orders impact Southern Baptists; they talk about generosity to the tune of $20 million for storm relief in NC; Lifeway's first trustee meeting of 2025 and more.

Pastor Caleb Turner, Senior Pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, shares his inspiring journey into ministry, recounts his transition into pastoral leadership following his father, and reflects on the Scripture he’s been assigned for the conference’s opening message. In this episode, Caleb emphasizes the importance of faith and mentorship while exploring the value of community, diversity, and generational leadership in pastoral ministry, encouraging listeners to attend and be uplifted. 

Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States this week and a Southern Baptist pastor played a key role on inauguration day, churches celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a rare snowstorm blankets the deep south, Lifeway introduces to help people with dyslexia, and Brandon and Laura talk about the upswing in college athletes speaking about their faith in Christ.