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When it comes to overcoming something as prevalent and addictive as pornography, it's not just about willpower... As followers of Jesus, we can trust God's framework for healthy sexuality that involves covenant, communication and genuine intimacy. Resources: Covenant Eyes, Pure Desire Contact Bill Newton: [email protected]

What does it look like for women to fulfill the call to serve the body of Christ? Today, we get to hear from two special guests - Carmen Lane and Nicole Courson - as they share how God called them and continues to encourage them as they serve the Lord.

Pastor Ed Newton joins us today on the podcast, sharing some personal insights and encouragements about how God sees us versus how we sometimes see ourselves. You can learn more about Ed Newton at ednewton.com

Joining the podcast today is Pastor John Meador! In this episode, John encourages listeners to embrace their calling and trust in God’s ongoing work in their lives.  John is a longtime pastor from Texas who has served at Cross City Church (formerly First Baptist Church, Euless) for over 20 years, with a total ministry spanning 40 years. His new book, "God's Not Done With You" reflects on biblical examples such as David, Peter, and Paul to emphasize that no one is beyond God’s grace, regardless of past failures. Learn more about Pastor John at johnmeador.com

Wade Wilson shares about his call to serve overseas through the International Mission Board's two-year Journeyman program. If you want to learn more about missions opportunities through the IMB, visit imb.org

Andy Pettigrew joins the podcast today to share about missions in his own life and opportunities for you to join the global effort to fulfill the Great Commission. Learn more at imb.org About our guest: Andy and his family served as missionaries to sub-Saharan Africa with IMB for 13 years. Andy now leads NextGen Mobilization for the IMB with a passion to serve local churches and NextGen ministries in carrying out the Great Commission. Andy speaks often throughout the country in mobilizing young people to serve on mission as well as in training leaders to that end. Andy is a PhD candidate at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Christian Leadership. When not on the road or in front of a computer, you may find Andy looking for birds, throwing a frisbee, or anticipating the next adventure with his family. Editor's note: Did you know there is one country in Africa that speaks Spanish as it's official language? Equatorial Guinea! Our podcast editor has a missionary friend currently ministering to the people living in the small, relatively unknown country of Equatorial Guinea. If you're a Spanish speaker, or you've had some Spanish classes in school, there may be a place for you in Africa to use your language skills to share the good news about Jesus! And for more info about the many places you can serve, visit imb.org

Tara and Jamie Dew join us in this episode to discuss their own calls to ministry, the importance of a seminary education and the value of in-person learning. You can learn more about New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at nobts.edu

In this episode of the Lead Defend Podcast, Bill and Brock welcome back renowned author and apologist Lee Strobel to discuss his latest book, "Seeing The Supernatural." Unlike his famous "Case for" series, this book takes a different approach, focusing not just on proving the supernatural exists but helping readers experience and understand it from a biblical perspective.

Sean Emory is an attention-grabbing perception artist who uses his skills to bring people closer to Jesus. He is also a great friend to Arkansas and we are excited to have him here on the podcast!

Some areas in the Bible are addressed clearly. But there other areas where thing are a little more "grey." In this episode, Pastor and speaker Tom Richter shares a method for discerning those grey areas using principles found in the book of 1 Corinthians.

Lee is best known as an apologist and for his best-selling "Case For..." series, among other books. But Lee is actually an evangelist at heart. In this episode, Lee gives important insight on personal evangelism. Many believe there is only one style of evangelism and as a result, rarely share their faith. Lee shares there are multiple styles of evangelism and how knowing your particular style can increase your evangelistic efforts.

How would you know if God was calling you? In this episode of Lead Defend, special guest Jeff Iorg helps us unpack God's call for our lives by sharing his own experience of God's initial call to ministry and then how he later revisited it throughout his life.   If you need help exploring your own call to ministry, please connect with us! absc.org/ministries/explore-your-call/   Also, the Lead Defend Conference is coming so soon! Make sure you are ready: absc.org/leaddefend   Jeff Iorg has written a book that might be helpful for further study: "Is God Calling Me?: Answering the Question Every Believer Asks"

This episode explores Pastor Brian Mills' background in ministry, his call to serve in the local church, and his current role as the senior pastor of Together We Church in Yukon, Oklahoma. The discussion between Bill and Brian also touches on resources and strategies for helping students transition from high school to college, as well as principles of personal leadership development. Brian Mills is originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas and has served in various ministry roles over the years, including student pastor, college pastor, and now senior pastor. Brian has a heart for reaching college students and developing the next generation of church leaders. If you would like to learn more about how to embrace your own call to ministry, please visit: absc.org/eyc

Happy New Year! In this first episode of 2025, Bill, Hannah and Ryan sit down together to discuss the history of the Lead Defend podcast, reflect on various seasons of ministry, and celebrate the new things the Lord is doing. Ryan Scantling is the Lead Pastor at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He formerly worked as the campus minister at Arkansas BCM and also at Conway BCM. He has been a key component of the Lead Defend podcast since it began and his legacy as podcast host will continue to make ripples in the lives of students. Hannah Guinee is a part of the Evangelism + Church Health Team at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. As ministry coordinator, she helps keep things running! She and her husband Thomas are committed to loving Jesus and ministering to His church. If you would like to grow more in leadership skills or apologetics, please sign up for the Lead Defend Conference coming up soon: absc.org/leaddefend

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Lead Defend, get ready to hear from Pastor Fred Luter about his near-death salvation experience, his dream from God, FRANgelism, and much, much more! Fred Luter is the Senior Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you are considering a call to ministry, check out this website: https://exploreyourcall.com/ And don't forget to register for the Lead Defend conference! https://leaddefend.org/