SBC This Week

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss SBC disaster relief efforts following a line of deadly storms, a timeline of recent SBC legal expenses, a Lifeway Research study that says half of protestant churches are growing and much more.

Episode Description: In this week’s episode, D.J. talks with Dr. Robert Smith Jr., a pastor, husband, father, professor, and, above all, a devoted follower of Christ. Dr. Smith shares how his students have become his congregation as he pours into the lives of others with wisdom, faith, and love. His mission is to offer his life as a sacrifice to God, influencing those who follow him as he follows Christ. He also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming message at the pastors’ conference, where he will speak on the transformative power of God’s Word. Join us as Dr. Smith shares his passion for preaching, encouraging others, and living out the gospel.

This episode is sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism - https://holyland.israel.travel - Brandon and Laura discuss the news that the DOJ closed their investigation into the SBC, the ERLC files a brief on a religious liberty case before the Supreme Court, Eric Ramsey is leaving the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, pastor may be able opt back into Social Security Security and Lifeway Research shares interesting trends in church growth.

In this week’s episode, D.J. introduces Juan Sánchez, Senior Pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church, theologian, author, and professor, as he explores the intersection of faith, theology, and everyday life. Juan talks about his experience sharing the gospel in the Spanish-speaking world and the opportunities that God placed him in. With a passion for biblical truth and a heart for discipleship, Juan is excited to unpack Scripture at the Pastors’ Conference. Tune in and be strengthened in your faith!

This episode is sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism - https://holyland.israel.travel/

In this episode of SBC This Week, hosts Laura Erlanson and Jonathan Howe discuss various topics related to the Southern Baptist Convention, including insights from a recent survey about the annual meeting, the Week of Prayer for North American Missions, leadership transitions in state executives, updates on the Department of Justice investigation, and new initiatives from Guidestone. They also cover financial updates regarding the Cooperative Program, Brad Graves' prayer in the U.S. Senate, and the implications of an executive order on IVF. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Sanchez amendment and survey results regarding annual meeting preferences. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the SBC Pastors' Conference and Annual Meeting, exploring attendance statistics, financial considerations, and the preferences for future meeting locations. Insights reveal a split in the perceived importance of the Pastors' Conference, with discussions on how to enhance the value of the Annual Meeting through more engagement opportunities and training sessions. Financial barriers, particularly related to hotel costs, are highlighted as significant factors affecting attendance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of selecting suitable cities for future meetings, emphasizing the need for affordable accommodations and accessibility. Overall, the discussion reflects on the evolving needs and preferences of Southern Baptists in relation to their annual gatherings.

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.