In this episode, D.J. introduces Aaron Harvie, the Senior Pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Aaron, a husband and father of five, grew up in a Christian-based home and gave his life to Christ at age 10. While attending college, he felt called to ministry while being deeply impacted by a small Southern Baptist church in Southern California, where he was mentored by godly men who exemplified the Christian faith. As a church planting catalyst, Aaron planted a church before stepping into his role at Highview Baptist. In this conversation, he shares his passion for his preaching passage at the Pastors’ Conference and his gratitude for being part of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Lance Caddell is named new state executive for the Northwest Baptist Convention, Nate Adams announces his retirement as state executive in Illinois, Brandon and Laura talk about how a Pew research study says the decline in Christianity among American might be leveling off and they discuss a new ERLC resource on how to discuss the downfalls of gambling.

In this episode, D.J. introduces Joshua Powell, lead pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church and a third-generation Southern Baptist pastor. Joshua shares his journey—from growing up as a pastor’s kid to serving as a missionary in India and now leading in South Carolina. He talks about his passion for encouraging younger pastors and his excitement to preach from 2 Timothy at the conference. Tune in to hear his heart for ministry and leadership!

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.