

ERLC Podcast
ERLC
Insights into the moral, cultural, and ethical issues of our day.
Episodes
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Jul 17, 2020 • 54min
COVID-19 in California, pro-life laws in Tennessee, and a conversation with Palmer Williams
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what is happening in California, reports from Israeli schools, Kanye’s presidential race update, RNC convention plans, and the new Ford Bronco. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including pieces by Palmer Williams, Daniel Darling, and Gabriel Stovall. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Palmer Williams for a conversation about life and ministry.About Palmer:Palmer Williams is a founding partner of The Peacefield Group and specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, nonprofit operations, and government affairs. She has extensive experience advocating for human rights on the international stage, including at the United Nations. Additionally, she has worked with government agencies and faith-based organizations to launch statewide initiatives and grassroots organizing campaigns. Palmer and her husband Joseph live in Nashville with their three boys. You can connect with her on Twitter: @palmerwilliams ERLC Content:Palmer Williams with Tennessee governor signs comprehensive pro-life billDaniel Darling with 4 ways we can apply Scripture to online engagementGabriel Stovall with How you can serve your community during a pandemic: Send Relief encourages Southern Baptists to make a difference through compassionate careCulture:California rolls back reopening plans as new outbreaks force major reversalGateway buildings close under renewed lockdowns; Spurgeon College announces bachelor's program updatesStudents say they'll sacrifice fun if they can return to campusIsraeli Data Show School Openings Were a Disaster That Wiped Out Lockdown GainsFacebook will launch a new section to debunk coronavirus mythsWhy Kanye West Is Reportedly Dropping Out of The Presidential RaceRNC restricts convention attendance as Florida coronavirus cases climbTennessee enacts strong pro-life law; court battle beginsFertility rate: 'Jaw-dropping' global crash in children being bornListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jul 10, 2020 • 49min
No Ivy League sports, Kanye West, and a conversation with Travis Wussow
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss this week’s Supreme Court rulings, foreign students being forced to leave the U.S., Kanye West, plans for New York City schools, Charlie Daniels and Ivy League canceling fall sports. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?, Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemic, and Josh Wester with Why Christian should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Travis Wussow for a conversation about life and ministry.About Travis:Travis Wussow serves as the Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel. Travis led the ERLC’s first international office located in the Middle East prior to joining the Washington DC office. He received a B.B.A. in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. He and his wife, Katie, have two daughters. You can connect with her on Twitter: @traviswussow. ERLC Content:RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemicJosh Wester with Why Christians should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution: Opposing polyamory for the good of societyCultureSupreme Court ministerial exception affirmedSupreme Court rules employers with religious objections can be exempt from ACA's birth control mandateSCOTUS: Congress can't get Trump tax records, but grand jury subpoena mayForeign students could be forced to leave U.S. if colleges move onlineHarvard and MIT sue Trump administration over rule barring foreign students from online classesKanye West announces he is running for president in the 2020 US electionBBC More than three million people in the US have now tested positive for Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.CNN: Tom Hanks: Wear a maskAtlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tests positive for coronavirusNew York City schools will not fully reopen in fallListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jul 3, 2020 • 54min
The 4th of July, Whataburger, and a conversation with Katie McCoy
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Cooperative Program giving, the Mississippi State flag change, Coronavirus cases hitting a new threshold, Whataburger, and SCOTUS cases. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Victor Vieth with “4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuse,” Jamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with “The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differences,” and Alex Ward with a resource list to learn more about America’s founding. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Katie McCoy for a conversation about life and ministry.About KatieKatie serves as Assistant Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies at Scarborough College. Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Union University (TN) and with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Women’s Studies from SWBTS. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in May 2016. Katie has a passion for connecting global women’s issues with a biblical perspective on women’s value. Her dissertation is on Old Testament law about women, what they reveal about women’s dignity, and the Church’s social responsibility to women worldwide. As a teacher, Katie hopes to engage her students to think critically and to equip them to communicate biblical truth with grace and strength. She is a self-professed political news junkie and considers herself an adopted Texan. You can connect with her on Twitter: @blondeorthodoxy. ERLC ContentVictor Vieth with 4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuseJamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differencesAlex Ward with Learn more about America’s founding from these resourcesCultureCooperative Program giving highest in three months, down only 1.47% for yearHigh court affirms religious access to state programsMississippi State Flag ChangeChanging the state flag is not about forgetting Mississippi’s past. It’s about acknowledging it.Many Students Will Be in Classrooms Only Part of the Week This FallBiden blows by Trump in cash raceFauci warns U.S. could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases per dayU.S. daily coronavirus cases top 50,000 for first timeListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jun 26, 2020 • 46min
A Saharan dust storm, reopening issues, and a conversation with Andrew T. Walker
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, are joined by Meagan Smith. They discuss Coronavirus back in the news with rising cases in many states, North Carolina pausing their reopening plan, and Apple telling you how long to wash your hands. They also discuss the Mississippi state flag, Bostock fallout, a Saharan dust storm, and the oldest living dog. Lindsay gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Missie Branch with “Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliation,” Katie Blackburn with “Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situations,” and Catherine Parks with “How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock ruling.” Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Andrew Walker for a conversation about life and ministry.About AndrewAndrew T. Walker is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Associate Dean in the School of Theology. He also serves as Executive Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. He is a Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination’s entity tasked with equipping Christians and local churches to address ethical issues facing society and the church. He is also the Executive Editor of Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology, a publication of The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and three daughters. He’s an avid distance runner and enjoys music, movies, and reading in his free time. You can connect with him on Twitter: @andrewtwalk. ERLC ContentMissie Branch with Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliationKatie Blackburn with Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situationsCatherine Parks with How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock rulingCultureU.S. reports highest number of new coronavirus cases since May 1More young people across the South are testing positive for coronavirus, officials warnNew York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine for travelers from US hotspotsWatchOS 7 includes a new Apple Watch hand-washing feature for COVID-19 protectionMississippi Baptists ask Legislature to remove Confederate symbol from state flagLigon Duncan: ‘Mississippi, Take Down That Flag’Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jun 19, 2020 • 53min
An ERLC crossover podcast with Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Sobolik
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, are joined by Chelsea Sobolik and Jeff Pickering from the ERLC D.C. office. They discuss the Supreme Court rulings this week, Southeastern Seminary’s tuition reduction, updates on COVID-19, Ivy League schools not requiring SAT or ACT scores next year, Twitter’s new update, and Starbucks closing stores. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Ashli Arbo with “6 legal issues to consider when reopening your church,” Lindsay Nicolet with “Raising a family, lamenting, and trusting in God amid racial injustice: An interview with Jimmy McNeal,” and Josh Wester on “What J.K. Rowling can teach us about standing firm among the crowds: Social Media, the secual revolution, and the Christian’s faithfulness to Scripture.” Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jeff Pickering for a conversation about life and ministry. About Jeff: Jeff Pickering serves as Policy Communications Director in the Washington, D.C., office. In this role, he hosts the weekly Capitol Conversations podcast, develops communications strategy, and connects journalists with the organization’s policy work. He also serves as the mentor and director of the DC internship program. Jeff previously served in both local church ministry and government affairs in his home state of Texas, where he graduated from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Chelsea have a son. About Chelsea: Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as a Policy Director in the Washington, D.C. office. Previously, she worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea is the author of Longing for Motherhood – Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Michael.ERLC ContentAshli Arbo with 6 legal issues to consider when reopening your churchLindsay Nicolet with Raising a family, lamenting, and trusting in God amid racial injustice: An interview with Jimmy McNealJosh Wester with What J.K. Rowling can teach us about standing firm among the crowds: Social media, the sexual revolution, and the Christian’s faithfulness to ScriptureCultureA Supreme Court surpriseExplainer: What you need to know about the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court caseSEBTS trustees cut tuition, salaries in COVID-19 economic downturnRed Cross to begin testing donor blood for Covid-19 antibodiesListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jun 12, 2020 • 53min
TikTok, cancel culture, and a conversation with Jimmy McNeal
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss the United States hitting 2 million cases of Covid-19 and reaching its first recession since 2009, Disneyland reopening date, Church of the Highlands, retiring the SBC gavel, a virtual IMB missionary sending, and buried treasure. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Conrad Close and Jason Thacker with "5 things you need to know about TikTok," Casey B. Hough with "How to have hope in hard time," Lindsay Nicolet with "How can marriages thrive in the midst of suffering?," and Josh Wester with "3 ways Christian should think about racial justice in America." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jimmy McNeal for a conversation about life and ministry. About JimmyJimmy McNeal serves as one of the worship leaders at Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas. When he grew up in Waxahachie, Texas, Jimmy had no clue this would be the road that God would take him on. Jimmy had big dreams of using the money he would make as an NFL linebacker to fund his career as an R&B artist. His first shot at fame came with his appearance on American Idol. Although he was cut shortly after becoming a top 40 finalist, Jimmy knew that God was preparing him for something different. Jimmy lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Staci, and their son, Jackson. Twitter: @JimmyMcSings ERLC ContentConrad Close and Jason Thacker with 5 things you need to know about TikTokCasey B. Hough with How to have hope in hard timesLindsay Nicolet with How can marriages thrive in the midst of suffering? A Q&A with Jeff and Sarah WaltonJosh Wester with 3 ways Christians should think about racial justice in AmericaCultureThe United States has surpassed 2 million cases of Covid-19New Coronavirus Hot Spots Emerge Across South And In California, As Northeast SlowsNew Zealand is now free of coronavirusThe United Nations just cancelled their General Assembly in September for the first time in 75 yearsThe Latest: US judge upholds Nevada cap on church servicesUS has officially entered first recession since 2009Pastors comfort mourners, exhort churches at George Floyd funeralListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Jun 5, 2020 • 48min
SpaceX, racial justice, and a conversation with Ashley Unzicker
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss protesting over George Floyd’s death, the SBC leaders joint statement on George Floyd’s death, the SBC Advance event, churches reopening and singing, NASCAR, and creative graduation ceremonies. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Brad Walker with A prayer of help and lament during racial injustice and riots, Daniel Patterson with How ministry is continuing during COVID-19, and Lindsay Nicolet with How can I teach my kids about race and racial unity? Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Ashley Unzicker for a conversation about life and ministry. About AshleyAshley Unzicker is a Graduate student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in N.C. She currently serves on the ERLC Leadership Council and the Development Team at Hope Reins–a horse ranch that pairs rescued horses with children in crisis to provide hope and healing. She serves on the worship team, the women’s discipleship team, and hosts a small group at Summit RDU. She has written articles featured in Facts and Trends and LifeWay Pastors about evangelism and caring for the abused. She is married to Todd Unzicker, with whom she has three children. Twitter: @AshleyUnzickerERLC ContentBrad Walker with A prayer of help and lament during racial injustice and riotsDaniel Patterson with How ministry is continuing during COVID-19: Good news from SBC churchesLindsay Nicolet with How can I teach my kids about race and racial unity? A roundtable discussionCultureProtests over death of George Floyd, police killings spread to London, Berlin, Toronto SBC Leaders Issue Joint Statement on Death of George FloydTrump threatens military force if violence in states isn't stoppedTrump’s interview with Sean SpicerSBC Advance eventRacial healing, Great Commission, Cooperative Program headline SBC AdvanceCan churches reopen like businesses?Scientists to choirs: Group singing can spread the coronavirus, despite what CDC may sayCoronavirus hospitalizations keep fallingSpaceX and NASA make history wListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

May 29, 2020 • 55min
Hong Kong, George Floyd’s death, and a conversation with Lemanuel Williams
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent recap the Memorial Day weekend, discuss coronavirus milestones, George Floyd’s death, rising home sales in America, CDC guidelines for churches, cicadas, and KFC testing a chicken sandwich. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Jessica Burke with "4 ways we try and help our children understand suffering," Grace Liu with "What Christians can do to address COVID-19 and the racial divide," and Catherine Boyle with "4 suggestions for shepherding pastors during the coronavirus." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Lemanuel Williams for a conversation about life and ministry. About Lemanuel Lemanuel “Manny” Williams serves as the Director of Discipleship for Redemption City Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Manny and his wife Sarah just celebrated one year of marriage. Currently, he is a Hunt Scholar at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is finishing his M.Div. When he isn’t working, doing school work, or attending to the needs of the church, he spends his time reading, writing, attempting carpentry, being a music junkie, playing ball (football and basketball), watching the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics, eating good food, and enjoying good company and conversation. Twitter: @LRWillamsERLC ContentJessica Burke with 4 ways we try and help our children understand sufferingGrace Liu with What Christians can do to address COVID-19 and the racial divideCatherine Boyle with 4 suggestions for shepherding pastors during the coronavirusCultureMemorial Day weekend recapU.S. coronavirus death toll crosses 100,000Pompeo says Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, jeopardizing billions of dollars in tradePastors Urge Prayer After George Floyd's DeathSpaceX postpones historic launch due to weatherSBC leaders commend CDC guidance for churchesRising home sales show Americans are looking past the coronavirusTrump threatens to move GOP conventionTexas Democrats host virtual state conventionMaryland county Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

May 22, 2020 • 53min
Fake pizza, declining birth rates, and a conversation with Charles Clark from the IMB
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss the weather around the world (floods in Michigan, tropical storms in the Atlantic, and a cyclone near India and Bangladesh), falling U.S. birth rates, LifeWay cancelling summer camps, Chuck E. Cheese pizza, and minor league baseball. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Aaron Mercer with "A warning about rising anti-Semitism," Grace Liu with "How should college students engage with their families during this season of staying at home", and Hanna Welch on how suffering is "Never for Nothing." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Charles Clark for a conversation about life and ministry. About Charles Charles Clark was elected vice president of mobilization in January 2020. Clark most recently served with IMB as affinity group leader for the Americas. Clark has more than 15 years of experience with IMB. Growing up as a missionary kid in the Americas, Clark began his career with IMB as a church planter in 2004 after working more than 30 years in the corporate industry in progressive leadership roles. Clark completed his corporate career as vice president of e-Business with Occidental Chemical Corporation and vice president of global solutions with HAHT Commerce. He and his wife, Karen, have three grown children and nine grandchildren Twitter: @CharlesDClark1ERLC ContentAaron Mercer with A warning about rising anti-SemitismGrace Liu with How should college students engage with their families during this season of staying at home?Hanna Welch with Suffering is Never for Nothing: Heeding words of wisdom from Elisabeth ElliotCultureCatastrophic flooding in Michigan as dams failTropical Storm Arthur, the season's first named storm brought wind and rain and the threat of rip currents, and high surf to the Southeast CoastAll 50 states now reopeningU.S. Birthrates fall to historic lowRavi Zacharias passed away this weekMore than 80 killed in India and Bangladesh as Cyclone Amphan heaps misery on coronavirus-hit areasChina's Xi announces $2B for coronavirus response as WHO faces calls for investigationTrump halts fundingListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

May 15, 2020 • 51min
Hamilton, Twitter and Google’s WFH plans, and a conversation with Greg Pickering
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss how schools might reopen, IMB relocating missionaries, Shanghai Disneyland, the 2020 Gerber Baby, and Hamilton. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Jessie Sandberg on a 91-year-old’s perspective on loneliness and isolation, Herbie Newell on Why International adoption is still a viable instrument in child welfare, and Josh Wester on Why Planned Parenthood doesn’t fit on Mother’s Day. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Greg Pickering for a conversation about life and ministry. About GregGreg Pickering is Lead Pastor of Brazos Pointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson, Texas; a church he planted in 2001. He actively supports and coaches church planters through the Houston Church Planting Network and NAMB’s SEND City Initiative in Seattle, Wash. He also serves as NAMB’s South Texas Ambassador. Greg married his college sweetheart, Kathy. They are the parents of two adult married sons, and have three grandsons. Greg graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a MA in Religious Education. Twitter: @ghpickering ERLC Content Jessie Sandberg with A 91-year-old's perspective on loneliness and isolationHerbie Newell on Why international adoption is still a viable instrument in child welfareJosh Wester with Why Planned Parenthood doesn’t fit on Mother’s DayCultureCoronavirus FAQs: Do Temperature Screenings Help? Can Mosquitoes Spread It?District of Columbia extends stay at home order three plus weeks.CSU plans to cancel most in-person classes and go online in the fallPence's press secretary tests positive for coronavirus, Trump saysIMB temporarily relocates missionariesERLC urges support for churches, non-profitsShanghai Disneyland reopens with timed entry and social distancing2020 Gerber baby is first adopted baby chosen for campaignGoogle says that the majority of its employees will Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.


