ERLC Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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 in consistencies 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 1 39 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 impact 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'll 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cooperation is at the heart of being a Southern Baptist. And with over 46,000 churches across our country, state conventions are critical in mobilizing and supporting pastors and ministry leaders in each state. That's why at the ERLC, we seek to come alongside these state directors and the churches they serve. On today's episode, you’ll hear from Thomas Hammond, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, as he shares with ERLC Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth about how Georgia Baptists are equipping churches to reach their families, friends, and coworkers with the gospel all across the state. Out of the 11.5 million people who live in Georgia, roughly 7 million don’t have a relationship with Jesus. That’s why, as Thomas says, Georgia Baptists see pastors as heroes, churches as the priority, and their state as the mission field. He’ll also talk about the encouraging growth they’re seeing across Georgia—from baptisms and church attendance to giving in local churches. Prior to becoming the executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, Thomas served as lead pastor of Alpharetta First Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Augusta State University in Augusta, Georgia as well as Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee. He is married to Kerri and they have two daughters. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

The ERLC's Psalm 139 Project is an incredible initiative that places ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers, giving vulnerable mothers a window into the womb so they can see the precious lives growing within them. And now, through a new initiative of the Psalm 139 Project called "Across State Lines," Southern Baptist individuals, churches, state conventions, and other entities can work together to extend pro-life ministry from conservative states into abortion-permissible states where the need is great. On today's episode, you'll hear from Beth Moore, Compassion Ministries Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, about how Tennessee Baptists are living this out by promoting a culture of life in their state and beyond. Since 2022, they’ve helped place 14 ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers across Tennessee. They're currently offering life-saving care and the hope of the gospel by partnering with others to help fund an ultrasound placement in Vermont, where abortion is much more accessible. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

State Baptist Conventions help mobilize, unify, and equip churches who are bound together by state lines. On today's episode, Dr. Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, talks with ERLC Interim President Dr. Gary Hollingsworth. They discuss the unique challenges Alabama Baptists are facing from supporting bi-vocational pastors to navigating pressing cultural issues such as abortion. They also highlight the significant pro-life work taking place through a partnership between Alabama Baptists, the ERLC’s, Psalm 139 Project, and the Alaska Baptist Resource Network that's promoting a culture of life across state lines, especially in abortion permissive states. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

On today's episode, we talk with the chairman of the ERLC Presidential Search Committee, Mitch Kimbrell. He shares where the search committee process currently stands and how prayer has shaped and sustained the committee's work. He also shares the search committee's hope that the next leader will continue to advance the ERLC's mission by equipping Southern Baptist churches, pastors, and ministry leaders with resources that are both biblically faithful and culturally relevant. In addition to being an ERLC trustee, Mitch serves as the senior pastor at Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Today we're talking with Dr. Stephen Rummage of the Florida Baptist Convention. Our Baptist State conventions are vital in equipping and supporting Southern Baptist churches in their gospel mission. On today's episode, ERLC interim president Dr. Gary Hollingsworth talks to Dr. Rummage about the unique challenges churches in Florida are facing and how the ERLC can continue to serve them as they take the gospel to their communities. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Technology has always shaped the way we live and think with AI rapidly evolving. The question is an if it's shaping us. On today's episode, we're joined by RaShan Frost, director of research and senior fellow at the ERLC and Jason Thacker, director of the research institute at the ERLC. Together, they'll walk through the ERLC's new AI guide for churches, sharing the principles behind it and how it can help pastors and leaders think well about who God is, what it means to be human, and how we understand the nature of the world around us. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Welcome to the ERLC Podcast, where our goal is to help you think biblically about today’s cultural issues. I’m Lindsay Nicolet, and today we're talking about Artificial Intelligence and the Church. This summer, the White House released its AI Action Plan, highlighting how winning the race for AI “will usher in a new golden age of human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.” But as Christians, we have to ask: How do we leverage this technology in ways that honor God’s good design? and How do we ensure AI is used to uphold human dignity rather than undermine it? On today’s episode, we’re joined by RaShan Frost, director of research and senior fellow at the ERLC, to explore AI’s impact on discipleship, education, family, and the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

Before the Supreme Court rightly ruled in favor of a Tennessee law protecting minors from gender transition procedures, we hosted a discussion at SBC25 to talk through this important case. ERLC President Brent Leatherwood spoke to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Alliance Defending Freedom’s Vice President Ryan Bangert about why this case matters, how we can protect our kids with helpful legislation, and ways the ERLC advocates for Southern Baptist interests before the courts. Jonathan Skrmetti was sworn in to an eight-year term as Tennessee’s Attorney General and Reporter in September 2022. Prior to his current role, General Skrmetti served as Chief Counsel to Governor Bill Lee and as Chief Deputy Attorney General to his predecessor. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and four children. Ryan Bangert serves as senior vice president for strategic initiatives and special counsel to the president at Alliance Defending Freedom. He oversees ADF’s regulatory practice, government relations, and corporate engagement teams. He also advises executive leadership with strategic initiatives and appears as counsel for ADF clients. Bangert is an active member of the Texas Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and various federal trial courts and courts of appeal.

This summer, in conjunction with anticipated Supreme Court decisions, we hosted a conversation about how Baptist state conventions are partnering with the ERLC to protect their churches’ biblical convictions when they are challenged at the Supreme Court. Panelists Nathan Lorick, executive director of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention; Julio Guarneri, Executive Director of Baptist General Convention of Texas; and Randy Davis, executive director of Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, talked with ERLC President Brent Leatherwood about how both states filed amicus briefs alongside the ERLC in Supreme Court cases for 2025.

How does being a Christians affect one’s public service? And what can Southern Baptists do to influence the public square? During SBC25 in Dallas, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood spoke with Ambassador designate Mark Walker, President Trump’s appointee for the Office of International Religious Freedom, Congressman Nathaniel Moran from Texas, and Sen. James Lankford from Oklahoma about being a Christian in Washington, D.C. Before being named as the Ambassador designate, Mark Walker represented North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021. Congressman Nathaniel Moran serves the first district of Texas, and is one of five Republicans appointed to the Ethics Committee, the body which upholds the House Code of Official Conduct. Lastly, Senator James Lankford served four years in the US House of Representatives for central Oklahoma, until he was elected to the US Senate in 2014.

This week marked a decisive victory in protecting minors from harmful gender transition procedures. The Supreme Court justices ruled 6-3 in favor of the Tennessee law banning healthcare providers from prescribing medication or performing procedures on minors to “transition” to an identity opposite of their biological sex. The protection of minors from harmful “gender transition” surgeries and interventions is good and appropriate. Furthermore, states have a constitutional responsibility to protect children from harm. Because of this, the ERLC advocated against such procedures, and filed an amicus brief alongside the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board in favor of the Tennessee lawmakers and the protection of children. Before the ruling was released, we talked about the importance of this case with Matt Sharp, who serves as senior counsel and director of the Center for Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. Since joining ADF in 2010, Sharp has authored federal and state legislation, regularly provides testimony and legal analysis on how proposed legislation will impact constitutional freedoms, and advises governors, legislators, and state and national policy organizations on the importance of laws and policies that protect First Amendment rights.