SBU's Director of Development, Brad Sullard, joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about his ministry career that led him back to SBU in his current role. His work consists of engaging with alumni and donors, but not just to get them to give back to the university. He spends a lot of his time listening and building connections to strengthen affections for SBU and share the amazing things happening on our campus. Brad's love for SBU and his heart for people will be an encouragement to you. Enjoy!

Takeaways

In this follow-up to their episode about Taylor Swift and the entertainment we choose to pursue, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt explore themes surrounding the importance of discernment in media consumption, the role of reading in personal development, and the impact of cultural influences on Christian values. They discuss the necessity of being aware of what shapes our thoughts and beliefs, particularly in the context of popular figures and media. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strong biblical foundation to navigate these challenges and the call to discipleship in a complex world.

Chapters

02:06 Exploring Current Reads and Their Impact

Chase Sears joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard in a deep conversation about Chase's journey of faith, the importance of community in spiritual growth, and his experiences in seminary under influential pastors. They discuss the significance of biblical exposition in preaching, the themes of Chase's upcoming chapel message, and the reliability of the Bible. The conversation highlights the lasting impact of friendships formed in faith and the role of mentorship in shaping one's spiritual journey.

Chapters

00:00 Friendship and Community in Ministry

Summary

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome Paityn Walker, the new beach volleyball coach at SBU. They discuss Paityn's journey to SBU, the role of faith in sports, and the challenges of building a beach volleyball program in the Midwest. The conversation also touches on the impact of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus and the importance of developing a supportive community for student-athletes.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathan Woodyard engage in a cultural conversation centered around the influence of pop culture, particularly focusing on Taylor Swift as a cultural icon. They discuss the implications of consuming entertainment as Christians, the importance of discernment in media choices, and how these choices reflect on one's faith and values. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to evaluate the content they engage with and to foster discussions about the impact of popular culture on their lives and beliefs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cultural Conversations

13:50 Taylor Swift: A Cultural Icon

22:01 Discerning Entertainment Choices

29:48 The Role of Christians in Culture

Takeaways

* Taylor Swift represents a significant cultural influence today.

* Christians should engage with culture thoughtfully and discerningly.

* Not all entertainment is beneficial for spiritual growth.

* The lyrics and themes in music can shape our worldview.

* Discussions about media consumption should involve the whole family.

* It's important to evaluate the actions of professing Christians in the public eye.

* All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.

* Parents should guide their children in understanding media messages.

* Engaging with culture does not mean compromising one's faith.

* Christians should strive for maturity in their faith and cultural engagement.

Keywords: Taylor Swift, Christian music, cultural discernment, entertainment, worldview, Christian values, pop culture, music analysis, parenting, media consumption

Jamie Woodyard sits down with Brandt Merritt and his brother, Jonathon Woodyard, to talk about his call to ministry while growing up, how adoption has impacted his family, and what it can be like praying for the salvation of family members. 

SBU Provost Dr. Tracy Manly joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt in a detailed conversation about SBU academic programs and the things about them that set them apart from other universities. Listen to learn more about the General Education curriculum at SBU, including its A rating and the integration of faith within education. They explore the Discover Core Curriculum, which aims to provide students with a holistic education, and the innovative academic programs, including the 4+1 programs and online learning opportunities, designed to meet the needs of modern students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the General Education Curriculum

Freshmen Maysie Snider and Joy Partin join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about their social media account they launched this semester, "What the Meal Plan?", through which they talk about all things food and in particular food on SBU's campus. Maysie and Joy also share some of their favorite memories from their first few weeks as Bearcats, and we discuss their journey that brought them to Bolivar. Enjoy this fun episode with a first-person look at the student experience!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

Chandler Snyder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss Chandler's experiences in the mission field and their shared backgrounds in higher education. They delve into Chandler's journey of faith, his missionary calling, and the challenges faced while serving in Madagascar and South Africa. The discussion transitions to Chandler's current role in higher education leadership, emphasizing the ongoing need for missionaries and the importance of preparing the next generation to engage in the mission of God.

Chapters

05:58 Passion for Kentucky Basketball

SBU leaders Dr. Rick Melson, Dr. Jonathon Woodyard, Brandt Merritt, and Taylor Wehrle have a panel discussion in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death and other recent political violence. The panel talks about the importance of processing emotions like anger and sadness, while also emphasizing the hope that Christians have in the resurrection. They encourage a proactive approach to engaging with the world, advocating for truth and love in discourse, and the need for courage in the face of adversity.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Praise