Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share an encouraging August Cooperative Program giving report, talk about a resource that helps reveal lostness across the United States, and discuss a Lifeway Research piece that says church attendance is up in many churches but newcomers aren't rising. Thomas Kidd joins them to discuss a new book on the exaggerated death of religion in America.

PROGRAM NOTE: We apologize for some audio issues with Brandon Porter's audio. Thanks for grace.

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter tell you about a new commission named by SBC Pres. Willy Rice to bring clarity to women serving in pastoral roles, the installation of Ryan Blackwell to lead Lifeway, the International Mission Board's 2026 MedAdvance conference, Send Relief's response to devastation in Tibet and Nepal, and an interview with National African American Fellowship Pres. Jerome Coleman.

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about Johnny Hunt's appeal of the dismissal of his suit against the SBC, how disaster relief workers are helping those facing loss and devastation in Indiana and the Northwest, the promotion of a Southern Baptist chaplain to high rank in the U.S. Navy, and the future of religion in the U.S. in a discussion with Thomas Kidd.

In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter discuss the dismissal of Johnny Hunt's case against the SBC, how Send Relief is responding to a major earthquake in Colombia, abortion-related ballot initiatives this fall, the case for church membership, the Kickoff Rally for the 2027 SBC Annual Meeting & Pastors' Conference, a new state leader in Alabama, and much more.

Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about the devastation and relief efforts connected to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and how GuideStone is encouraging users to beware of a dangerous scam. They also discuss:
- How Cooperative Program giving trended up in July
- A Lifeway Research story on the positive effects of small group participation in spiritual growth
- The time Christian comedian Jerry Clower was left speechless
  

In this episode:
- Send Relief Sunday is August
- Guidestone trustees meet, increase Mission:Dignity honorarium
- Fourth staff member arrested at Pawleys Island Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Lifeway's Black church week wraps up at Ridgecrest
- College students complete 8 week summer internship with the International Mission Board
- An interview with Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia on reaching Gen Alpha

A South Carolina abuse-related case shocks Myrtle Beach, SC, as multiple arrests are made, churches and state conventions work together to assist those dealing with flooding across the US, Congress allows funding to Planned Parenthood to resume, a Texas judge dismisses a religious liberty case against Second Houston, an interview with Lifeway Worship's Kirkland and much more in this episode.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight Send Relief's work in Venezuela, remember South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's Southern Baptist roots, reflect on the reaction to the SBC resolution on antisemitism, hear from new Lifeway President Ryan Blackwell, and learn how a Sunday School student remembered his teacher, Annie Armstrong.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk with Southwestern Seminary President David Dockery, remember how Southern Baptists celebrated the nation's 200th anniversary as we celebrate the 250th, hear about a new DOJ study on religious liberty and celebrate NC Baptists marking 1,000 homes that have been restored following Hurricane Helene.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how disabilities ministry advocate Joni Eareckson Tada has shared support for the recent SBC disability ministry initiatives, give details on who attended SBC26, highlight DR work and recent storms in Illinois, talk with new ERLC President Evan Lenow and hear how Southern Baptists played an integral role influencing public policy during wartime.