PODCAST · religion
SBC This Week
by Brandon Porter & Laura Erlanson
A weekly news roundup from the Southern Baptist Convention as well as guest interviews from today's top church leaders.
Episodes
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Significant giving totals for missions offerings, Pace installed as SEBTS president, GuideStone's Hance Dilbeck on caring for pastors
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about record giving to missions offerings, provide updates from the North American Mission Board and Southeastern Seminary trustee meetings, detail a new report on pastors' attitudes toward endorsing a political candidate and talk to...
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Cooperative Program fiscal year end totals, Transparency and accountability in the SBC Annual, Jeff Iorg on cooperation
This week, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share the details of the 2025-26 Cooperative Program giving totals, they talk about accountability letters in the SBC Annual; they discuss the rush to get hotel rooms for the 2027 SBC Annual Meeting; they share information about new degree programs at...
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Congress passes Clergy Act, A judge weighs in on Sills vs. SBC, A conversation with Trevin Wax
This week, Laura Elranson and Brandon Porter talk about newly passed legislation that could affect pastors' Social Security, a judge's ruling in the David Sills case against the SBC and Guidepost Solutions, a new marriage resource from the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and they remember...
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An interview with SBC President Willy Rice, Executive Committee meets in Nashville, Send Relief Disaster Relief stats
In this week's episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter sit down with SBC President Willy Rice minutes after he delivers his first address to the SBC Executive Committee, they highlight EC President Jeff Iorg's address to EC members and the business they took up this week in Nashville. They…
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Missionary Sending Celebration, ERLC installs Evan Lenow, An interview with WMU President Carolyn Fountain
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter cover the recent International Mission Board and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Trustee Meetings, preview the Executive Committee meeting, talk about the findings of a new church worship survey, share an interview with Carolyn Fountain and...
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Remembering 9/11, ERLC hires policy leader Zack Pruitt, An interview with SEBTS President Scott Pace
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by remembering Southern Baptists who responded to the tragedy in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, they talk about the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's hiring of Zack Pruitt to serve as VP of public policy and general...
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Generous Cooperative Program giving in August, Least evangelical places in America, An interview with Thomas Kidd
Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share an encouraging August Cooperative Program giving report, talk about a resource that helps reveal lostness across the United States, and discuss a Lifeway Research piece that says church attendance is up in many churches but newcomers aren't rising. Thomas...
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Ryan Blackwell installed to lead Lifeway, Pres. Willy Rice announces commission on women in pastoral roles, An interview with Jerome Coleman
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter tell you about a new commission named by SBC Pres. Willy Rice to bring clarity to women serving in pastoral roles, the installation of Ryan Blackwell to lead Lifeway, the International Mission Board's 2026 MedAdvance conference, Send Relief's...
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Johnny Hunt appeals case dismissal, Southern Baptist chaplain receives major promotion, An interview with Thomas Kidd
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about Johnny Hunt's appeal of the dismissal of his suit against the SBC, how disaster relief workers are helping those facing loss and devastation in Indiana and the Northwest, the promotion of a Southern Baptist chaplain to high rank in the...
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Johhny Hunt case dismissed; Send Relief responds to Colombian earthquake devastation; New state exec in Alabama
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter discuss the dismissal of Johnny Hunt's case against the SBC, how Send Relief is responding to a major earthquake in Colombia, abortion-related ballot initiatives this fall, the case for church membership, the Kickoff Rally for the 2027 SBC Annual...
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Responding to wildfires in the northwest, Guidestone warns of dangerous scam, July Cooperative Program giving trends up
Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter talk about the devastation and relief efforts connected to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and how GuideStone is encouraging users to beware of a dangerous scam. They also discuss: - How Cooperative Program giving trended up in July - A Lifeway Research story…
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Send Relief Sunday, Guidestone trustees raise Mission:Dignity honorarium, BGCT completes realigment
In this episode: - Send Relief Sunday is August - Guidestone trustees meet, increase Mission:Dignity honorarium - Fourth staff member arrested at Pawleys Island Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC - Lifeway's Black church week wraps up at Ridgecrest - College students complete 8 week summer...
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ERLC presses Congress on Planned Parenthood funding, SWBTS related lawsuit settled, An interview with Lifeway Worship's Kirk Kirkland
A South Carolina abuse-related case shocks Myrtle Beach, SC, as multiple arrests are made, churches and state conventions work together to assist those dealing with flooding across the US, Congress allows funding to Planned Parenthood to resume, a Texas judge dismisses a religious liberty case...
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Venezuelan earthquake relief, Remembering Lindsey Graham's Southern Baptist roots, An interview with Ryan Blackwell
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight Send Relief's work in Venezuela, remember South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's Southern Baptist roots, reflect on the reaction to the SBC resolution on antisemitism, hear from new Lifeway President Ryan Blackwell, and learn how a Sunday School student...
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Send Relief helps Venezuelans with hurricane recovery, Protecting missionaries in the age of AI, An interview with David Dockery
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk with Southwestern Seminary President David Dockery, remember how Southern Baptists celebrated the nation's 200th anniversary as we celebrate the 250th, hear about a new DOJ study on religious liberty and celebrate NC Baptists marking 1,000...
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Joni Eareckson Tada supports Southern Baptists' disability needs initiative, Thousands gathered in Orlando for SBC26, An interview with ERLC's Evan Lenow
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share how disabilities ministry advocate Joni Eareckson Tada has shared support for the recent SBC disability ministry initiatives, give details on who attended SBC26, highlight DR work and recent storms in Illinois, talk with new ERLC President...
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Ethnic Research Network releases new resources, Reaction to the Truth and Unity Amendment, Interview with Danny Akin
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter give updates on SBC 26 Annual Meeting stories, talk with Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin, and remember Explo '72, a youth evangelism event, featuring Bill Bright, Billy Graham, Johnny Cash and more.
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2026 SBC Annual Meeting recap
In this episode we share the highlights from the SBC Annual Meeting June 9-10 in Orlando.
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2026 SBC Annual Meeting preview, CP giving up in May, Proposed resolutions released
In this episode, Laura Erlanson and Brandon Porter share a preview of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting, report on May 2026 Cooperative Program giving, discuss the proposed resolutions for the Annual Meeting, highlight the Disability Needs Task Force recommendation and share about Evan Lenow's...
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Annual Meeting issues and personalities, A new worship devotional, An interview with Clint Pressley
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share stories and themes as they head into the SBC Annual Meeting. They highlight a story on understanding the work of the Holy Spirit, discuss the need for digital decluttering, and Laura talks with SBC President Clint Pressley.
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Interviews with Willy Rice and Josh Powell, Albert Mohler announces proposed amendment, Interview with EC President Jeff Iorg
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson highlight recent interviews with known SBC presidential candidates Willy Rice and Josh Powell, detail Albert Mohler's proposed amendment to the SBC Constitution, learn about a new strategy from the International Mission Board, hear annual meeting...
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Interview with 2026 Presidential Nominee Josh Powell
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson interview South Carolina pastor Josh Powell, a potential nominee for president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting.
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Interview with 2026 Presidential Nominee Willy Rice
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson interview Florida pastor Willy Rice, a potential for SBC president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting.
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International Mission Board appoints 71 new missionaries, Annual Meeting previews, Interview with Paul Chitwood
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share about the recent International Mission Board meeting, share about two potential nominees for 2nd vice president at the SBC Annual Meeting, give an overview of the exhibit halls and meeting at the SBC Annual Meeting, highlight a World Cup...
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2025 Annual Church Profile report, NAMB trustees meet, An interview with Jonathan Howe
Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson share information and insight related to the 2025 Annual Church Profile report, encourage pastors to take the Guidestone/Lifeway compensation study, share about the recent North American Mission Board meeting, report the April 2026 Cooperative Program giving, and...
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NAMB announces church planting growth, Clergy Act passed U.S. House, Pastors' Conference preview with Aaron Burgner
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson detail a new report from the North American Mission Board with the highest totals of church plants since 2016. We hear about the passage of the Clergy Act in the U.S. House and how the Supreme Court protected a New Jersey pregnancy support…
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Lifeway elects Ryan Blackwell to lead, SEBTS calls Scott Pace to follow Danny Akin, Child Abuse Awareness Month
April has been an eventful month for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), marked by significant leadership changes and essential discussions surrounding child safety. In this post, we'll explore key updates, including the appointment of new entity presidents and the importance of Child Abuse...
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Evan Lenow affirmed to lead ERLC, Seminaries hold spring trustee meetings, SBC Pastors' Conference update
In this episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about Evan Lenow's call to lead the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, give updates from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, report on the…
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Evan Lenow announced as ERLC presidential candidate, Lee Merck to lead Dakota Baptists, The importance of Jesus' ascension
In this Easter weekend episode, Brandon Porter and Laura Erlanson talk about the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's candidate Evan Lenow, new initiatives at Midwestern Seminary, Baptist journalism changes in Mississippi and Arizona, Lee Merck's appointment to lead Dakota Baptists and a...
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SEBTS presidential candidate announced, Reflections on Steve Gaines, Scientist Stephen Meyer on the story of everything
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...
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A focus on church planting and missions, Annual Meeting resources now available, Tips on praying for political leaders
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...
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Steve Gaines enters hospice care, 2026 Resolutions Committee announced, An interview with Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman
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...
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War in the Middle East, 2026 Annie Armstrong Offering, An interview with Bryant Wright
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…
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Forces for Good Summit aims to equip churches for sexual abuse prevention, response; Lifeway reports on a strong fiscal year; Gospel influence at the Olympics
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...
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Executive Committee recommends SBC give 51% of Cooperative Program funds to the International Mission Board
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…
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Southern Baptists take Good News to Winter Olympics, North American Mission Board celebrates growth, Outspoken pastor Wiley Drake dies
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...
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International Mission Board Sending Celebration, ERLC trustees approve leadership statement, Hunter Clamp shares about serving a rural church
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...
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Winter weather affects millions, Inside Minneapolis' Cities Church, Tara Dew finds peace in Psalm 23
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…
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Minneapolis church disruption, Persecution continues in Nigeria, The great value of human life
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...
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Minneapolis churches hold fast, Key Supreme Court hearings, An AI powered evangelism trainer
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...
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SBC case heard in TN Supreme Court, Lifeway camps growing in 2026, Jen Wilkin on studying Joshua
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...
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The 2025 Top 10 SBC stories, Theologian Thomas Schreiner offers insights on the Christmas story, A family reunited after years apart
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.
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1,000 pastors visit Israel, Seminary graduations, Joe Crider on Christmas hymns
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…
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Cooperative Program giving is strong in the new fiscal year, 2025 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, An interview with Paul Chitwood
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.
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Harvest Crusade sees thousands saved in Utah; A new look at the state of theology in the U.S.; Gateway's impact on the West
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…
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Kirk Kirkland to lead Lifeway Worship, ERLC presses religious liberty, Deaflympics open in Tokyo
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...
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Send Relief aids Jamaica, State conventions in full swing, A Veteran's Day interview with Maj. Gen. Doug Carver
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...
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SendRelief responds to Jamaican devastation, SBC church data reveals growth and declines, IMB Sending Celebration in Texas
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…
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Morris H. Chapman dies, SWBTS and MBTS reports, DR relief in Alaska
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...
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Missions offering generosity, Danny Akin announces retirement at SEBTS, NAMB focuses on spiritual need in Montreal
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A weekly news roundup from the Southern Baptist Convention as well as guest interviews from today's top church leaders.
HOSTED BY
Brandon Porter & Laura Erlanson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does SBC This Week have?
SBC This Week currently has 615 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is SBC This Week about?
A weekly news roundup from the Southern Baptist Convention as well as guest interviews from today's top church leaders.
How often does SBC This Week release new episodes?
SBC This Week releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 615 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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You can listen to SBC This Week on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts SBC This Week?
SBC This Week is created and hosted by Brandon Porter & Laura Erlanson.
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