SBC This Week

On this week’s podcast we cover the IMB hosting a Sending Celebration in Tennessee, the ERLC sending a policy request letter to the Trump transition team, a roundup of state convention meetings, a new Christmas devotional from Albert Mohler and more.

Coverage of the presidential election, abortion-related ballot initiatives and ERLC President Brent Leatherwood’s reaction, October Cooperative Program giving totals, a spotlight on Southern Baptists’ outreach through radio in the 20th Century and more in this week’s episode.

In this week’s episode we talk about a ballot measure in Missouri that could make it the most pro-abortion state in the country, local pastors and church leaders raising up future pastors, we’re joined by April Bunn from IMB to talk about praying for believers in persecution and much more.

Southwestern's trustee report showed a dramatic increase in financial stability and enrollment for the seminary. Also, Shane Pruitt joined Brandon for an interview about Student Baptist Sunday in the SBC. Also, Jonathan and Laura discuss new research from Barna and Lifeway.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering set record totals. In this episode, Brandon and Laura talk with the IMB’s Paul Chitwood and NAMB’s Kevin Ezell. Plus, we hear SBC entity trustee reports including the creation of the Jeff Iorg School of Christian Leadership at Gateway Seminary and the renaming of Southeastern’s undergraduate school to Judson College.

Southern Baptists are continuing to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Helene as they prepare to help residents of central and southern Florida in response to Hurricane Milton. The IMB launches a two-year missions’ programs for people 55+ and Southwestern Seminary introduces a new website filled with helpful resources. Brandon and Laura cover all this and more in this episode.

Southern Baptist churches and disaster relief workers respond to overwhelming needs across the Southeast due to Hurricane Helene, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission speaks to the president and Congressional leaders about the escalation in the Middle East and Southern Baptists give more than $191 million through the Cooperative Program in the 2023-24 fiscal. Brandon and Laura talk about this and more in this episode.

Folks in the deep south are dealing with the flooding and heavy winds from Hurricane Helene as Southern Baptist disaster relief workers find ways to bring hope and help. The IMB announces a historic total for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and celebrates 57 new missionaries in a sending celebration in Lottie’s hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. And, Steve Gaines announces a ministry transition plan.

The September 2024 EC meeting was packed full of business as well as the installation service for new EC president Jeff Iorg. Also, in celebration of episode 500 of the podcast, founding hosts Jonathan Howe and Amy Whitfield joined Brandon and Laura to look back on the history of the show, some of the more interesting moments, and how the podcast may have shaped the SBC over the past nine years.

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana and brought with it category 2 winds and a lot of rain. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has already begun its response in South Louisiana. Also, the ERLC held their semi annual board meeting in Nashville and released a new statement of support for the staff and leadership.

China announced that it is shutting down international adoptions—a move that was devastating to hundreds of families across the US in line for adoptions. Also, CP giving returned to the positive this past month with more than $16.5 million given in August.

The Lifeway trustees met last week for the semi-annual meeting and update. They approved a budget in excess of $310 million and revenues have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Also, Send Network held a gathering of church planters from around the country.

More than 200 pastors and leaders gathered on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to kickoff preparation and planning for the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting and Pastors' Conference.

The annual collegiate week in the SBC took place in Oklahoma and saw thousands of collegians attend. Also, SBDR is still active in six states responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts are in full swing to respond to damage and flooding following Hurricane Debby's arrival on the Florida coast and continued stay in the Carolinas. Also, this weekend is SBC Serve Sunday across the Convention.

The International Mission Board has been active with outreach activities and strategies at the Olympics in Paris. Also, Oklahoma state exec Todd Fisher is in critical care after a serious automobile accident.

Last week saw a turbulent 24 hours for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission leadership, a massive church fires, and a major shakeup in the presidential race and much more. Also, Jonathan Howe steps in as co-host this week for Brandon Porter.

Minh Ha Nguyen, the director of the Southern Baptist Ethnic Research Network, passed away tragically this week in a drowning accident off the coast of North Carolina. Also, Lifeway Research released new data on sentiment related to the Cooperative Program.

Former SBC This Week host Jonathan Howe joins the show to talk about what's next for the podcast, and we cover how Southern Baptists are responding in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

Mark Hancock, the CEO of Trail Life, stops by to discuss the program as well as why the being in the outdoors is a great way to disciple young men.