In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson look back at the first seven months of 2025 to highlight seven areas of interest across the Southern Baptist Convention. From legal and financial updates to missions and church planting, they discuss the stories that have shaped 2025.
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter discuss the life and legacy of John MacArthur, Bellevue Baptist Church's calling Ben Mandrell as senior pastor and how Lifeway will make a leadership transition, continued flood recovery in Texas, the implications of pastors taking on politics, the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial and how a Texas pastor was kidnapped and driven at gunpoint to the Mexican border.
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talked about the sorrow and devastation due to the floods in Kerrville, Texas, Ben Mandrell being named the pastoral candidate at Bellevue Baptist in Cordova, Tenn., SBC President Clint Pressley opening the U.S. Senate in prayer, the clarifying of the Johnson Amendment and an interview with Jen Wilkin and Scott McConnell on deep discipleship.
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about several Supreme Court decisions made this week, how a Gallup poll reveals how local church attendance affects one's views on abortion, an update on accreditation sanctions at Southwestern Seminary, the Don Currence bobblehead and a new book from Guidestone's Hance Dilbeck.
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson recap a Supreme Court case dealing with gender transition treatments, the release of audio from the Great Commission Resurgence task force, highlights from the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting, Mission:Dignity Sunday and how a stolen camera was carefully recovered.
In this episoode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share the Cooperative Program giving from May, discuss the proposed SBC Business and Financial Plan to be presented at the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting, an update from Truett McConnell University, and an interview with SBC President Clint Pressley.
In this episode, DJ sits down with Josh, the Director of Church Engagement at Focus on the Family, to talk about the heart behind their ministry and how they’re serving pastors across the country. Josh shares what Focus on the Family is doing to support church leaders, including a special opportunity just for pastors attending the upcoming pastors conference—a free weekend retreat! If you’re attending the SBC Pastors’ Conference, don’t miss your chance to meet the Focus on The Family team at the...
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight the eight resolutions by the SBC Resolutions Committee, the possible move of the 2027 SBC Annual Meeting, the official release of a book celebrating 100 years of the Cooperative Program, Lifeway's Black Church Conference coming in July, Pastor's mental health and when women became messengers to the SBC annual meeting.
In this episode, D.J. introduces worship leaders and founders of The Worship Initiative, Shane and Shane. Together, they dive into their powerful stories of salvation and how a simple “yes” to God set them on the path to starting their band. As the conversation unfolds, Shane and Shane highlight the important relationship between pastors and worship leaders, emphasizing the value of unity and mutual support. Tune in to this podcast to discover how collaboration between these roles can strengthen...
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson recap this week's International Mission Board trustee meeting, the storm recovery in Kentucky and Missouri, what 11 former SBC presidents are saying about the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, a sexual abuse prevention event at the SBC Annual and heartwarming Memorial Day stories.
In this episode, D.J. sits down with Pastor Nathan Lino to talk about the condition of the heart and what it means to truly trust the Lord. Nathan shares his personal journey and opens up about how the Lord used difficult circumstances to grow his faith and reshape his priorities. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about surrender, trust, and making your relationship with God the center of it all.
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about the Cooperative Program Centennial Celebration in Memphis this week, the release of the 2025 Book of Reports, the celebration of CP100 in Dallas; the many salvations from the Serve Tour in Evansville and an evangelistic ministry at horse racing tracks.
In this episode, D.J. converses with Dr. Dwayne Milioni, Lead Pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, NC, and Associate Professor of Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Celebrating 25 years of pastoral leadership, Dr. Milioni shares his journey from growing up in a Christian home to becoming a passionate mentor for the next generation of preachers. With over 20 church plants and 100 international workers sent out under his leadership, and as founder of the Pillar Church Planti...
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss the recent news that baptisms and church attendance was up in Southern Baptist churches in 2024, how dozens of International Mission Board missionaries are giving thanks for cooperation as they approach retirement, Supreme Court cases that are hitting close to home, the retirement of Hispanic leader Bobby Sena and marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
In this episode, Brandon and Laura look back at how God worked on Easter Sunday and give a preview of Baptism Sunday, look at two religious liberty legal cases, discuss a NOBTS trustees report, celebrate Adam Groza's first year at Gateway and reflect on Southeastern Seminary's Keith Harper.
Brandon and Laura talk about the announced nomination of Clint Pressley for his second term as SBC president, entity trustee reports, the Serve Tour in Virginia Beach, and why Prestonwood's Jeremiah Johnston says the Resurrection needs to be emphasized.
This week on SBC This Week , we’ve got the latest updates as preparations ramp up for the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas — including hotel availability, volunteer opportunities, and the launch of this year’s app. We cover nomination news for SBC Recording Secretary, leadership transitions in West Virginia, and encouraging reports of financial stability and enrollment growth from Southwestern and Midwestern seminaries. Plus, we discuss recent legislative moves in Texas and Missouri to nullify ...
Brandon Porter and Jonathan Howe share the preliminary 2025 SBC Annual Meeting schedule, provide details about the 2025 Crossover event and introduce a potential 2nd vice president candidate.
In this episode, D.J. introduces David Woo Joon Kim, whose journey of faith spans continents. Born in South Korea and raised in Guatemala, David was the first Korean student in the history of Guatemala. His parents, driven by a missional heart, planted a church where just two families began worshiping together—eventually growing into a church community. David’s life took a transformative turn at a high school retreat in Texas, where he met the Lord and answered the call to ministry. Now serving ...
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 wi...
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 fait...
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 fin...
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 s...
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.
