Advertise on podcast: ERLC Podcast

On today's episode, ERLC Director of Research Dr. RaShan Frost speaks with Dr. Quinn about his family's journey with foster care and adoption and how Christians can approach this topic from a biblical perspective.  In light of Orphans and Widows Sunday being recognized by our SBC churches on November 8, we want to highlight how Christians can live out the biblical call to care for those in need. Dr. Quinn's story offers us a personal look at how families can put that calling into practice and how churches can come alongside them in this important work.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

On this episode, you’ll hear from ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow as he speaks with Dr. Fowler about an upcoming pro-life ballot initiative that seeks to prohibit abortion and gender transition procedures for minors. If passed, this measure would ban most abortions in Missouri, a state which currently allows abortion up to fetal viability.  Dr. Fowler shares more about why this ballot initiative matters for Missouri Baptists and how this vote could affect families and communities in the state.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Zack Pruitt, the ERLC’s vice president of public policy and general counsel.  Zack shares about his new role and how he'll contribute to the ERLC's mission to assist churches by providing practical resources and advocating for Southern Baptist convictions. Zack began his role at the ERLC on September 14th of this year.  Prior to joining the ERLC, he served as senior counsel and director of U.S. government relations for Alliance Defending Freedom, the world's largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and God's design for marriage and family.   Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

This episode features a conversation about the newly released book, "Faith and Freedom: Six Theological Reflections on Religious Liberty." On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with the book's editor, Dr. Jennifer Patterson, and one of the book's contributors, Dr. Jonathan Leeman. In their conversation, they discuss how religious liberty has been understood across different evangelical traditions, as well as the biblical and doctrinal arguments for protecting this First Freedom.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

This episode features Dr. Willy Rice, president of the Southern Baptist Convention.  On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow speaks with Dr. Rice about his recent election as the 66th president of the SBC, his vision for the convention, and how the ERLC can partner with and equip churches as they navigate complex cultural issues.  In addition to serving as SBC president, Dr. Rice has been the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida since 2004 and has previously pastored churches in the Florida Panhandle and in Alabama.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

This episode features the ERLC's new church guide, "What God Has Joined Together: A Practical Guide for Honoring God's Design for Marriage."  On today's episode, you'll hear from ERLC Director of Research, Dr. RaShan Frost, as he speaks with Dr. Lilly Park, one of the principal advisors on the church guide, about how to approach marriage, singleness, and sexuality from a biblical perspective in today's culture.  She also addresses how the church can help Christians, both single and married, navigate challenges stemming from cultural pressures and the effects of past sexual sin while finding hope and healing in Christ.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Today's episode features Grace Jin Drexel, recipient of the ERLC's John Leland Religious Liberty Award. In October 2025, Grace's father, Pastor Jin, was arrested in his home as part of a nationwide crackdown in China on independent Christian churches. He and 17 other leaders from Zion Church were arrested and imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party. Following her father's arrest, Grace began publicly advocating for his release and for the release of other Christian leaders detained by the Chinese Communist Party. Her advocacy continued until her father was released on July 3, 2026.  On today's episode, Dr. Evan Lenow talks with Grace about her continued work to see religious liberty restored for persecuted Christians in China, and how the American church can advocate for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

On today's episode, ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow talks with Dr. Foshie about the encouraging work and unique challenges facing churches across Illinois.  With more than 900 churches, Illinois Baptists are working together to advance the gospel to the 12.7 million people who call Illinois home, while also reaching people from more than 200 nations who live in the state.  Dr. Foshie also shares how Southern Baptists in Illinois are advocating for preborn lives and mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, particularly in a state known as an abortion destination.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

The Brentwood Statement is a collaborative statement from Southern Baptist leaders, led by Lifeway, designed to help guide Christian ministers as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI in ministry and everyday life. Dr. Jason Thacker, director of the ERLC's Research Institute and a senior fellow, served as the primary author of that statement.  On today's episode, Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC's director of research, speaks with Dr. Thacker about how pastors and church leaders can approach artificial intelligence with wisdom and discernment. They also discuss how technology is shaping us and where Christians can exercise wisdom as they approach AI in their lives and ministries.  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.