SBC This Week

In this episode, we learn about the nomination of Stephen Pace to be the next president of Southeastern Seminary, receive an update from the recent Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission trustees' meeting, reflect on the faithfulness of Steve Gaines, discuss an upswing in Bible sales, and hear an interview with scientist Stephen Meyer about his new film The Story of Everything.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight Church Planting Sunday and recent efforts to encourage African Americans to serve on the mission field, they discuss a religious liberty case between the city of Chicago and Moody Bible Institute, David Manner's retirement announcement at the Kansas0-Nebraska Baptist Convention (Church Forward) and they talk with a Kentucky pastor who is serving his church, lawmakers and legislative staff in Kentucky's General Assembly.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how Memphis pastor Steve Gaines has entered hospice care in the midst of a battle with cancer, the search committee for the Woman's President Union presidential candidate, the 2026 SBC Resolutions Committee, a story on sports gambling as March Madness gears up, an interview on marriage with Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and how the 1960's hit song Hey, Paula! has roots to a Baptist college in Texas.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson cover the recent war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, the theological considerations of just war, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering being underway, and Feb. 2026 Cooperative Program giving. Plus, a nostalgic look at SBC history with a fun story about 1963 bumper stickers.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about the recent Forces for Good Summit aimed at equipping leaders in sexual abuse prevention and response, the recent Lifeway trustees meeting, state-level legislation aimed at protecting religious freedoms and limiting gender transition surgeries, and how the International Mission Board led efforts to take the Gospel to the Winter Olympics.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson report on the SBC Executive Committee meeting Feb. 16-17 in Nashville as they recommended a CP allocation budget update, approved recommendations from the Disability Ministry Task Force, launched a new trustee training course, and heard the results of a recent survey on the Cooperative Program. They also share the names of three potential candidates to serve as SBC registration secretary and a talk about a new role for Vance Pitman at the North American Mission Board.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about how Southern Baptists are making an impact at the Olympics in Italy. They share details of the Lord's blessing on the church's work in unexpected places and reports on the North American Mission Board's growth from their recent trustee meeting. They also pay tribute to outspoken pastor Wiley Drake, a beloved figure at SBC Annual Meetings for decades, and discuss a unique way one Southern Baptist leader chose to honor his wife.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share about the IMB Sending Celebration and trustees' meeting, leadership processes at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and Truett McConnell University, and the announcement of Josh Powell's potential nomination for SBC president, and an interview with South Carolina pastor Hunter Clamp as he intentionally serves in a rural context.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss the deep impact of Winter Storm Fern and how Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has responded, the International Mission Board's Missions College, the North American Mission Board's women's evangelism conference in Puerto Rico, how believers stood against expanded gambling in West Memphis and they talk with Tara Dew about finding peace in Psalm 23.

This week, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk with the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's Miles Mullin about the Jan. 18 disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., related to immigration law enforcement in the Minneapolis area. They share how persecution continues in Nigeria, give updates from the Woman's Missionary Union board meeting, talk about the kickoff of a new seminary semester, and discuss how Southern Baptists' views on abortion have shifted since the 1970s.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson are back to talk about how Minneapolis churches are facing tensions around immigration and deportation, how two U.S. Supreme Court cases could great affect male and female athletics, a Lifeway Research report on how many churches opened and closed in 2024, SBC leadership transitions, an AI powered app from the North American Mission Board that trains people to share the Gospel and how generosity rings true for one Southern Baptist woman.

Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight the case against the SBC heard this week in Tennessee's Supreme Court, how Cooperative Program giving slightly declined in December 2025, the method the International Mission Board uses to assess unreached people groups, and how demand is up for Lifeway camps in 2026. Plus we hear from author and speaker Jen Wilkin on a new study in the book of Joshua and tips for studying the Bible in a new year.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson recap the top 10 stories across the SBC in 2025, talk with Southern Seminary's Thomas Schreiner about the Christmas story and share a heartwarming story about a family reunited after being torn apart.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how 1,000 pastors received a unique view of Israel, a summary of seminary graduations, a special grand marshal at a recent North Carolina Christmas parade and Southwestern Seminary's Joe Crider shares about the history of well-known Christmas carols.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson give convention related financial and legal updates, learn about the generosity of churchgoers during the Christmas season, talk about dealing with grief and hear about the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering from IMB President Paul Chitwood.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson celebrate thousands of salvations at a Harvest Crusade near the site of Charlie Kirk's assassination in Utah, discuss Lifeway Research's 2025 State of Theology reports, consider how churches can compassionately communicate their benevolence policy, get a report on Gateway Seminary's impact in the western U.S., reveal the latest ultrasound placement in the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's Across State Lines project and hear about a Southern Baptist leader who made a lasting impact on race relations.

In this episode of SBC This Week, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about recent leadership changes at Lifeway Worship, the retirement announcement of New Orleans pastor Fred Luter, recent public policy initiatives by the ERLC, the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo, pro-life initiatives, the opening of IMB Missions College registration, the ETC celebration of the anniversary of the Nicene Creed, disaster relief efforts in Jamaica, and the significance of state conventions and the Cooperative Program.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson discuss Send Relief’s aid to Jamaica following a devastating hurricane, how churches are evaluating their discipleship efforts, a flurry of state convention meetings, a Veterans Day interview with a retired military leader, and a history moment focusing on a prisoner of war who turned to his faith in the midst of hardship.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how Send Relief is helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, they discuss Lifeway Research's finding based on the 2025 Annual Church Profile, IMB's Sending Celebration in Texas, Willy Rice's announcement as a potential candidate for SBC president at the 2026 Annual Meeting, the opening of registration for Crossover Orlando, the nomination portal are open for the lead post at Lifeway and Southeastern Seminary and how a Southern Baptist musician impacted the White House and and the nation in 1980. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about the life and legacy of SBC Executive Committee President Emeritus Morris H. Chapman, discuss SWBTS and MBTS trustee meeting reports, learn about the Bivocational and Small Church Pastor Leadership Network, the the need for disaster relief in Alaska.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how Southern Baptists gave more than $270 million in missions offerings in 2024-25, learn about Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin's retirement plans, talk about change at Southern Seminary, a Gateway Seminary extension in Hawaii and how the North American Mission Board wants to address significant lostness in Montreal.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about Southern Baptists give more than $186 million through the Cooperative Program in 2024-25, how messengers can reserve a hotel room for the SBC26 in Orlando, how churches are evaluating disciple making, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary trustee meeting and a conversation with Taffey Hall on 100 years of Southern Baptist cooperation.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight an upcoming Supreme Court case considering religious liberty and Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, the release of the 2025 SBC Annual, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission releases a prayer guide as they search for a new president, state conventions kick off in New York and Alaska, an interview on artificial intelligence with the ERLC's RaShan Frost and remembering the Southern Baptist influence at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tenn.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson celebrate this week's Sending Celebration, recap the Executive Committee and International Mission Board meetings, talk about the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's ultrasound placement in Alaska, remember the devastation and recovery surrounding Hurricane Helene and learn how a Southern Baptist statesman from Arkansas impacted Washington, D.C.

In this week's episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about this week's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission trustees' meeting, talk with trustee chair Scott Foshie, look back at the Great Commission Resurgence 15 years later, introduce the state executive director in West Virginia, learn about a unique trip to the mission field and cool off in the library at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share about the ruling in the appeals case between Will McRaney and the North American Mission Board, how Southern Baptists were impacted by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Southern Baptists of Texas' Disaster Relief is recognized in Washington, DC, the Southern Baptist Foundation unveils a new fund, Laura talks with Hobby Lobby founder David Green and in our history moment we hear about a missionary who spent some time in jail.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share Cooperative Program giving in August and discuss recent trends, they tell how the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is asking the VA to avoid funding abortions, how California Southern Baptists are speaking out about the importance of state and national work and they remember the legendary hymn writer B.B. McKinney.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the massive response from Southern Baptists; they talk about Lifeway's fall trustees' meeting; the passing of former Foreign Mission Board President Keith Parks, the NAMB church replanter of the year and a mental health training event hosted by the Woman's Missionary Union.

In the episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight Global Hunger Sunday, a revamped abuse prevention and response helpline, Mark Dance's move to lead Arkansas Baptists, ways college students partnered with the International Mission Board this summer, how God is moving in New England and this week's history moment is about O.S. Hawkins' important pastoral ministry decision in 1993.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about the formation of the ERLC president search committee; the theme for the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting and Pastors' Conference; how the International Mission Board is helping to mobilize the next generation; a Bible study rooted in a story of suffering and how a church cleverly used a community magazine to communicate with members and reach prospects.

In this week's episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about the dip in Cooperative Program giving in July, a new podcast series on the Cooperative Program, a win for religious liberty, how two churches are forming a unique partnership, how Southwestern Seminary is finding solid ground and an Army veteran's return to Nagasaki, Japan 25 years after the nuclear blast ending World Word II.

In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson cover Brent Leatherwood's resignation from the lead spot at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the 250th anniversary of chaplains in the U.S. military, how a seminary professor's departure sparked a discussion on the "Great Traditions" of the Christian faith and a wisdom-filled interview with youth ministry consultant Jody Livingston

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 their booth.

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 both individual ministries and the church body as a whole.

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 Planting Network, his impact spans the globe. Tune in to hear about his heart for ministry, the importance of training future leaders, and the joy of family that fuels it all.

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 NDAs in abuse cases, creative ways churches welcome guests, and five key religious liberty cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, we take a look at a unique musical project bringing a third-century Christian hymn back to life just in time for Easter.