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ERLC Podcast

ERLC

Insights into the moral, cultural, and ethical issues of our day.

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#418
Thursday · 21 min
Why Shaping the Culture Matters for Southern Baptists
As Matthew 5:13-16 tells us, we are to be salt and light in a dark world. In this new series, we want to encourage you with examples of Southern Baptists who are bringing the truth of God's Word to bear, not only in the halls of Congress, but in their local communities. By sharing these stories, we hope to spur you on to ask, "What can I do?" as you engage the culture with the hope of the gospel? On today's episode, you'll hear from Dr. Lenow, president of the ERLC, as he shares about what this looks like, why it matters in the context we live in today, and how each local church can influence their communities for the good and, ultimately, for Christ. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#417
August 20 · 24 min
How Mississippi Baptists are Shaping Culture
As a state convention of more than 2,000 churches, Mississippi Baptists are seeking to equip local churches to make disciples in Mississippi and around the world. From college campuses to prison systems to communities experiencing poverty, they are taking opportunities to share the hope of the gospel in every corner of Mississippi. On today’s episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Dr. Shawn Parker about the exciting work God is doing among Mississippi churches, as well as the challenges they continue to work through for the sake of the gospel. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#416
August 13 · 29 min
How Worship Shapes Christian Ethics
Several years ago, Dr. Mark Liederbach, senior professor of ethics, theology, and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dr. Evan Lenow, president of the ERLC, collaborated on a book titled “Ethics as Worship: The Pursuit of Moral Discipleship,” which released in 2021. On today's episode, ERLC Director of Research, Dr. RaShan Frost, speaks with Dr. Lenow and Dr. Liederbach about the process of writing this book together and their approach to teaching about a biblical view of ethics that places worship of God as the primary motivation and goal, and how that shapes the way we live. In addition to his role as senior professor at Southeastern, Dr. Liederbach also serves as dean of students and vice president for student services. He received his bachelor's degree from James Madison University, his M.Div. from Denver Seminary, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Now, let's turn to our conversation with Drs. Evan Lenow and Mark Liederbach. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#415
August 6 · 30 min
Understanding our Calling as Dual Citizens (Part 2)
Our nation's 250th anniversary was a momentous occasion. To celebrate America's founding and Christianity's influence throughout her history, we hosted an event on Monday night of this year's SBC Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote and a panel based on the ERLC's newest collection of essays titled "One Nation Under God: Reflections on 250 Years of Faith and Democracy". On today's episode, you'll hear the second part of our panel discussion at SBC26 featuring ERLC Director of Research Dr. RaShan Frost, and ERLC research fellows, including Nathan Finn of Greenville University, Dustin Bruce of Boyce College, Daniel Darling of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Adam Groza of Gateway Seminary. Together, they'll reflect from a Baptist perspective on how our citizenship in the Kingdom of God shapes our lives as American citizens and how Christians can live faithfully in our nation for the sake of the gospel. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#414
July 23 · 27 min
Understanding our Calling as Dual Citizens (Part 1)
On Monday night of this year's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, the ERLC hosted a packed dinner event in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. During the event, the room was greeted by Dr. Evan Lenow during his second week as ERLC president, in addition to hearing a keynote address and a panel. On today's episode, you'll hear from keynote speaker, ERLC Director of Research Dr. RaShan Frost, as he explores the responsibility we have to live as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God while also living as faithful citizens in the United States. You'll also hear the first part of our panel discussion at SBC26 featuring Dr. Frost and ERLC research fellows, including Nathan Finn of Greenville University, Dustin Bruce of Boyce College, Daniel Darling of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Adam Groza of Gateway Seminary. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#413
July 9 · 24 min
Don Currence on Christians serving in the public square
Don Currence has become a staple at SBC annual meetings over the years in his service as registration secretary and assisting his predecessor. Don has a unique insight into ministry and public service. In addition to his responsibilities within the SBC, Don has also served as mayor of Ozark, Missouri since 2023 and as the administrative pastor at First Baptist Church of Ozark since 1993. He also volunteers his time as an Ozark Police Department chaplain and the interim fire district chaplain. On today's episode, you'll hear from ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow as he speaks with Don about his role in the public square and how his faith shapes his public service. He'll also share why it matters for Christians to serve their communities, and he'll offer encouragement for believers who are seeking to live out their convictions in their culture. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#412
June 25 · 27 min
The story behind a pregnancy resource center's Supreme Court win
This summer's Supreme Court case, First Choice Women's Resource Centers, Inc. v. Davenport was about the state of New Jersey issuing a subpoena for the personal information of First Choice donors all in an attempt to intimidate the supporters' pro-life mission. On April 29, the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous victory for First Choice, upholding the ruling that First Choice could protect its First Amendment rights in federal court. On today's episode, Rachel Wiles, director of the ERLC's Psalm 139 Project, speaks with Aimee about the Supreme Court case and the unique challenges of serving women and families in a state with one of the highest rates of abortion in the country. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#411
June 11 · 23 min
Dr. Hollingsworth on what he learned leading the ERLC
Dr. Hollingsworth joined the ERLC as the entity's interim president on October 1, 2025 and concluded his tenure on May 31, 2026. On today's episode, you'll hear from Dr. Hollingsworth as he reflects on his time leading the ERLC and the firsthand impact he has seen the ERLC's work have on assisting churches in how to address cultural issues from a biblical perspective. He also shares what he learned from working alongside pastors, state convention leaders, and policymakers to advocate for the priorities and convictions Southern Baptists care deeply about regarding issues in the public square. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#410
May 28 · 20 min
NC Baptists and ERLC place 100th ultrasound machine
North Carolina Baptists have been a longtime partner in advocating for the lives of our smallest neighbors, pre-born children. They have generously donated nearly 10% of the ultrasound machines that the ERLC'S Psalm 139 Project has placed in pregnancy resource centers. On today's episode, ERLC President-Elect, Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Todd Unzicker about this ongoing partnership to save lives. On May 8, North Carolina Baptists joined the ERLC in a milestone dedication by placing the Psalm 139 Project's 100th ultrasound machine at Mercy House Pregnancy Resource Center in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#409
May 14 · 21 min
Dr. Nathan Lorick on Equipping SBC Churches in Texas
As the executive director for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Dr. Nathan Lorick has a passion to see the Lord work in his state. The SBTC's mission is to mobilize its 2,880 churches to multiply disciple making movements in Texas and around the world. In the past year, the convention has planted 68 churches and projects even more in the year ahead. In addition to planting churches in their own state, they're committed to building partnerships across the country and around the world for the sake of the gospel. The SBTC is committed to assisting churches in dealing with issues like protecting the sanctity of life, gender and sexuality, and more. Just last year, the SBTC was involved in the Supreme Court case Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton, which contested a Texas state law that required age verification to protect children from sexually explicit content. By God's grace, the Texas law was upheld in a six three ruling communicating that states have authority in such decisions. On today's episode, Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, ERLC interim President, chats with Nathan Lorick about the opportunities and challenges they're facing in equipping Texas pastors to minister well in their communities. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#408
April 30 · 21 min
Meet ERLC President-elect Dr. Evan Lenow
On April 13th, we were excited to announce that Dr. Evan Lenow was unanimously elected by the ERLC’s Board of Trustees to fill the role as the Commission’s next president. On today’s episode, Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC director of research, speaks with Dr. Lenow about his vision for the ERLC as he steps into his new role on June 1 and how his Southern Baptist background has shaped him personally and professionally. They’ll also discuss Dr. Lenow’s passion for building relationships across the convention and equipping churches to address complex, cultural issues from a biblical worldview. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#407
April 16 · 30 min
America’s 250th: Reflections on Faithful Christian Citizenship
This July marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we approach the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, we’re developing resources to help you equip your congregation to live out their faith in the public square—engaging in cultural issues with a faithful gospel witness. On today’s episode, you’ll hear from Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC director of research, as he speaks with Dr. Nathan Finn and Dan Darling. In light of this significant milestone in America’s history, they’ll discuss what healthy, Christian patriotism looks like and how to cultivate a steadfast, public witness in our current context. Dr. Nathan Finn serves as senior fellow at the ERLC and a professor of faith and culture and executive director of the Institute for Transformation Leadership at North Greenville University. He is also a bivocational teaching pastor at Taylors First Baptist Church. Dan Darling serves as a research fellow for the ERLC. He also serves as director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Darling is a bestselling author of several books, including "A Defense of Christian Patriotism" and his upcoming book to be released this May, "Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life." Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#406
April 2 · 30 min
What you should know about physician-assisted suicide
As Southern Baptists, we believe in the sanctity of all lives, from conception to the natural end of life. But in recent years, we’ve seen the value of human life increasingly challenged through legislation, both domestically and internationally, that seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking developments related to end-of-life issues. In Canada, the country has formally recommended expanding medical assistance in dying to include mature minors. In the U.K., Parliament has advanced multiple bills that would legalize the practice. And just this past year, three U.S. states have moved to legalize physician-assisted suicide, bringing the total to 14 states (including D.C.) that have legalized the practice. On today’s episode, you’ll hear from Katy Roberts, senior policy manager for the ERLC, as she speaks with ERLC Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, about the moral, ethical, and legislative concerns around physician assisted suicide. Prior to joining the ERLC, Katy worked on Capitol Hill in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, and previously worked in clinical healthcare—experience that informs her policy work today. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#405
March 19 · 31 min
How churches can address assisted reproductive technologies
More and more pastors and ministry leaders are walking alongside couples facing infertility and the difficult questions surrounding assisted reproductive technologies. For many couples, the good longing for a child is accompanied by deep grief, complex decisions, and quiet heartache. Often, these struggles remain largely unseen within the life of the church. To equip churches, the ERLC recently released a new resource, "Desiring Children: A Practical Guide to Addressing Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Church". On today’s episode, we’ll be discussing the ethical and moral considerations around assisted reproductive technologies and how church leaders can counsel couples on this issue with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Jason and Evan also share several scenarios from the guide that reflect the kinds of questions pastors and ministry leaders are increasingly hearing from couples in their churches. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#404
March 5 · 45 min
A pro-life response to chemical abortion
Chemical abortion, or what many refer to as the abortion pill is now the most common method of ending a pregnancy in the United States. Yet the legal landscape surrounding its approval, safety standards, and reporting requirements is riddled with gaps, inconsistencies, and misconceptions. The medical realities behind how these drugs work—and what happens when they don’t—are rarely discussed honestly, leading many women down a dangerous road that can result in life-threatening issues. On this episode of the ERLC Podcast, Rachel Wiles, deputy chief of staff at the ERLC and director of the Psalm 139 Project, talks with Dr. Donna Harrison, director of research for the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Erica O’Connell, legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom’s Center for Public Policy. They’ll help Southern Baptists better understand what’s at stake surrounding chemical abortion. Together, they’ll unpack the safety concerns tied to abortion pills, the myths that continue to circulate, and the ways coercion quietly shapes far too many women’s decisions about terminating life in the womb. They’all also discuss the legal landscape since Roe v. Wade was overturned and how the church can care for women, defend the vulnerable, and pursue a future where every life is protected and cherished. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#403
February 19 · 24 min
Dr. Fred Luter on racial unity in the SBC
In this episode of the ERLC Podcast, Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth sits down with Dr. Fred Luter, senior pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, to discuss racial reconciliation in the life of the church. Together, they reflect on the power of the gospel to break down dividing walls, share encouraging stories of progress within the SBC, and offer practical guidance for pastors seeking to lead their congregations toward greater unity. As Southern Baptists observe Racial Reconciliation Sunday, this conversation reminds us that a free and faithful church should reflect the diverse, redeemed multitude we will one day worship alongside in heaven. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#402
February 5 · 27 min
Southern Baptists, pro-life advocacy, and the March for Life
Southern Baptists have had a longstanding commitment to advocating for the protection of preborn lives and opposing abortion in every form. This is rooted in the biblical revelation that all people are created in God's image and have inherent value. During a recent pro-life advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., Southern Baptist college students, leaders, and pastors joined us for the 2026 March for Life and advocated alongside us on Capitol Hill. On this episode, you'll hear from two individuals involved in that trip, Dr. Dub Oliver, president of Union University, and Jason Marlin, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri, and an ERLC trustee. Both men reflect on their recent experience at the 53rd annual March for Life and share about the importance of educating and equipping the next generation to engage faithfully on pro-life issues. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#401
January 22 · 26 min
How the ERLC amplifies the voice of Southern Baptists in D.C.
Every year, the ERLC puts together a Public Policy Agenda which focuses on policy priorities that are rooted in Scripture, reflective of the Baptist Faith & Message, and responsive to actions taken by messengers from SBC churches. This year’s Public Policy Agenda hits on a range of issues, including domestic and international religious liberty, opposing taxpayer funding for "gender transition" procedures, ethical considerations of artificial intelligence, and much more. As the second session of the 119th Congress begins, the ERLC has an opportunity to continue advocating for the issues Southern Baptists care about most, seeking to bring the truth of Scripture and the hope of the gospel to bear in our public policy work. On today’s episode, you’ll hear from Katy Roberts, senior policy manager for the ERLC, and Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, interim president of the ERLC, as they discuss the top policy priorities we’re advocating for in 2026. Prior to joining the ERLC, Katy worked on Capitol Hill in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, and previously worked in clinical healthcare—experience that informs her policy work today Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#400
January 8 · 30 min
Why Southern Baptists should March for Life
On today's episode, you'll hear from Jennie Lichter, president of the March for Life, as she speaks with ERLC Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth about the importance of the March for Life, its impact on our culture today, particularly since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and why Southern Baptists should be invovled. The March for Life in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, promoting the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion. This year's march will take place on January 23, celebrating the movement's enduring commitment to love mothers and preborn children. Built on compassion and care, March for Life reaches across denominational and partisan lines to promote a culture of life across the nation. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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#399
Dec 18, 2025 · 21 min
New England Baptists On Promoting Life in a Changing Culture
As part of our Across State Lines emphasis, New England Baptist partnered with the ERLC'S Psalm 139 Project to donate an ultrasound machine to Aspire Now Pregnancy Care Center in Vermont, a pro-choice state. On today's episode, you'll hear from Terry Dorsett, executive director of the Baptist Churches of New England, about the unique challenges facing New England Baptists, particularly when it comes to advocating for pre-born lives. He also discusses how cooperation with other state conventions like Tennessee and Alabama, fellow SBC entities, and local churches makes pro-life ministry possible in a region that is largely abortion permissive. New England Baptists face other ministry obstacles and opportunities as well, including family issues, pornography and gambling. Even with these challenges, there are encouraging signs of growth. According to Lifeway Research, New England is the only region in the SBC that has grown over the past five years. Terry has served in New England since 1994, first as a pastor, then a church planner, a director of missions, and finally a church planting catalyst before becoming the executive director of the Baptist Churches of New England in 2015. Now let's turn to Elizabeth Bristow’s conversation with Terry Dorsett. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.
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