ERLC Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss reopening churches, Mother’s Day, a growing mental health crisis, Nicolas Cage Cast as Tiger King Joe Exotic, and mini pancakes. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Jared Kennedy with 12 things to consider with reopening children’s ministry, Eric Costanzo with 7 ways to serve our immigrant and refugee neighbors during a pandemic, and Alex Ward with 5 mothers who helped shaped Christian history. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Chelsea Sobolik for a conversation about life and ministry. About ChelseaChelsea 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. Twitter: @chelspatERLC ContentJared Kennedy with 12 things to consider when reopening your children's ministry.Daniel Patterson and Jenn Kintner with What should churches do as they consider reopening after the coronavirus?Eric Costanzo with 7 ways to serve our immigrant and refugee neighbors during a pandemic.Alex Ward with 5 mothers who helped shape Christian history.CultureA Message from President George W. BushThe Covid-19 Riddle: Why Does theVirus Wallop Some Places and Spare Others?The coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisisDon’t Forget the Other Pandemic Killing Thousands of AmericansIllinois Governor Pritzker confirms churches will not be allowed to have services with more than 50 people until there is a vaccineA Georgia man was chased and killed while jogging, his mother saysSupreme Court Arguments Resume — But With A TwistSupreme Court considers abortion mandate againPoland postpones presidential electionListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss presidential race updates, food supply shortages, LifeWay cut backs, and the golden age of reruns. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Mike McCarty on why home is not always a safe place, Lindsay Nicolet’s interview with First Baptist Church of Picayune on how they are providing childcare for essential workers, and Dane Hays on what to do when disagreeing with family and friends about social distancing. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Sara for a conversation about life and ministry.About Sara: Sara Groves is singer/ songwriter and recording artist with a passion for justice and a heart of mercy. She has joined forces with International Justice Mission to advocate for victims of human trafficking for the past 12 years. Sara has produced a string of successful albums including her latest, Abide With Me, a collection of hymns recorded in a 110-year-old church, and Joy of Every Longing Heart (Christmas). Twitter: @grovesroadERLC Content​Mike McCarty with Why home is not always a safe place during stay-at-home orders: The increased risk of sexual abuse during COVID-19.Lindsay Nicolet with How one church provided childcare for essential workers during the pandemic.Dane Hays with What should you do when disagreeing with family and friends about social distancing?CultureRep. Justin Amash announced on Tuesday that he has "launched an exploratory committee" to seek the Libertarian Party's 2020 nomination for a possible third-party presidential run.Trump EO; Meat plant workers to Trump: Employees aren't going to show upBiden announces a committee to help with VP selectionBiden is also dealing with allegations of a potential sexual assault that happened several decades ago.9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They ReopenLifeWay announces budget cuts and staff reductions amid COVID-19Coronavirus reaches 1 million casesAnother 3.8 million Americans file for unemploymentCalifornia to close all beachesCostco will start requiring customers to wear masks MondayMore than $400,000 soListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss facemask requirements, unemployment rates, cats with Coronavirus, and Zoom fatigue. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Casey B. Hough on 3 ways to lead Christ’s sheep through the valley of the shadow of COVID-19, Ericka Andersen on quarantine as an opportunity for churches emerging stronger, and Josh Wester on why religious liberty is so important to Baptists. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Dan Darling for a conversation about life and ministry. About DanDaniel Darling is the Vice President for Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC). Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including Teen People of the Bible, Crash Course, iFaith, Real, Activist Faith, The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas and the forthcoming, A Way With Words, releasing in September 2020. He is the general editor, along with Trillia Newbell, of a small group study on racial reconciliation, The Church and the Racial Divide and is a contributor to The Worldview Study Bible and The Couples Devotional Bible. Dan has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife Angela have four children and reside in the Nashville area. They attend Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where Dan serves as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship. Twitter: @dandarlingERLC Content​​Casey B. Hough with 3 ways to lead Christ’s sheep through the valley of the shadow of COVID-19Ericka Andersen with The quarantine is an opportunity for churches to emerge strongerJosh Wester with Why is religiouListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what sports will be coming back first, SNL’s new set up for social distancing, Apple’s new budget iPhone, government restrictions and religious liberty. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Joe Carter on When will our church buildings reopen, Aaron Mercer on coronavirus testing international religious freedom, Melissa Affolter and Jonathan Holmes on how to help the rise of domestic abuse, and Jeff Pickering with a Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorney. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by John Inazu for a conversation about life and ministry. About John John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the author of Liberty's Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly and Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference, and he authored Uncommon Ground with Tim Keller. You can follow him on Twitter: @JohnInazuERLC ContentJoe Carter with When will our church buildings reopen? Aaron Mercer with The coronavirus pandemic is testing international religious freedom commitmentsMelissa Affolter and Jonathan Holmes with How to help during the rise of domestic abuse due to social isolationJeff Pickering with A Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorney: Navigating the tension between church and state during a pandemicCulture Deadly tornadoes sweep across the South on Easter SundayAmazon announced it is now “creating an additional 75,000 jobs to help serve customers during this unprecedented time.”Universities begin considering canceling in-person classes until 202122 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the last four weeksLarge pork processing facility in the US is closing until further noticeWalmart CEO says we’re in the ‘hair colListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.