Christianity
**SBC This Week**

A weekly news roundup from the Southern Baptist Convention as well as guest interviews from today’s top church leaders.

Latest Episodes:

Presidential race heats up with two more candidates—Litton & Adams Jan 22, 2021

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Episode #305

Ed Litton and Randy Adams announced this week that they, too, will be candidates for the SBC presidency when Southern Baptists meet this summer in Nashville.

News Recap
Litton to be nominated for SBC president – https://bit.ly/3c1bbFi
Randy Adams announced as nominee for SBC president – https://bit.ly/2LUip3i
Summit hires outside firm to review findings of internal investigation – https://bit.ly/39SIaJb
Lifeway launches new branding, website enhancements – https://bit.ly/3sO5eBK
IMB to host virtual Sending Celebration Feb. 3 – https://bit.ly/3sIASAB
2021 March for Life moves to virtual event – https://bit.ly/3sPnL0g
Georgia Baptist building placed for sale – https://bit.ly/2Nk6fB2
SBC This Week is sponsored by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where you can get the theological training and the hands-on experience you need to thrive in ministry. Wherever and however God is calling you to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, SWBTS offers a degree path to equip you. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree, Southwestern Seminary is here to walk alongside you as you live your calling. Learn more at swbts.edu/MDIVMBA.

This Week in SBC History
Graham Prays, Preaches at Bush Inauguration
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/events-index/2001-george-w-bush-inauguration/

Resources of the Week
Amy: Pray Every Day | Mary DeMuth on Etsy
Jonathan: The Road to Nashville

Mike Stone to be nominated for SBC President; Resolutions Committee named with new chairman Jan 15, 2021

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Episode #304

There’s another candidate for the 2021 SBC Presidential election after it was announced that Georgia pastor Mike Stone will be nominated. Also, the 2021 Resolutions Committee has been named with a new chairman who’s serving for the second time.

News Recap
Georgia pastor, former Executive Committee chairman Stone to be nominated for SBC president – https://bit.ly/3qtgiCh
SBC Resolutions Committee stays in place, with changes – https://bit.ly/3qtgx09
WMU board celebrates new initiatives, will explore sale of building – https://bit.ly/35JoMgy
Florida church proclaims transparency, safety after lay pastor charged with child porn – https://bit.ly/2LU4pGe
SBC This Week is sponsored by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where you can get the theological training and the hands-on experience you need to thrive in ministry. Wherever and however God is calling you to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, SWBTS offers a degree path to equip you. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree, Southwestern Seminary is here to walk alongside you as you live your calling. Learn more at swbts.edu/MDIVMBA.

This Week in SBC History
Crooks released from NOBTS
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/953,15-Jan-1958.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Women & Work Podcast
Jonathan: NAMB Prayer Calendar

Southern Baptists speak out on D.C. chaos; NAAF & CSP meet Jan 08, 2021

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Episode #303

The first week of 2021 gave us some tumultuous events in the SBC and in the nation. Amy and Jonathan also take a look at a few stories that may have gotten missed over the Christmas holidays.

News Recap
Southern Baptist leaders condemn storming of U.S. Capitol – https://bit.ly/3s5Utdu
Moore addresses ‘chaos’ in D.C., calls for leadership, healing – https://bit.ly/3hXSKlV
NAAF leaders, seminary presidents hold ‘honest and open conversation’ – https://bit.ly/2XpJJZq
Designated giving remains strong, CP giving takes step backward in December report – https://bit.ly/35jEDCg
Fire guts Cowpens church sanctuary on Christmas weekend – https://bit.ly/2KK8Xir
LifeWay finalizes Ridgecrest sale – https://bit.ly/2JxlG7q
Southern Baptist leaders remember Fred Wolfe’s impact for the Gospel – https://bit.ly/39bVND3
Judson College to open for spring 2021 – https://bit.ly/35jSDMb
Western Recorder to cease monthly publication – https://bit.ly/3bgwbHQ
SBC This Week is sponsored by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where you can get the theological training and the hands-on experience you need to thrive in ministry. Wherever and however God is calling you to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, SWBTS offers a degree path to equip you. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree, Southwestern Seminary is here to walk alongside you as you live your calling. Learn more at swbts.edu/MDIVMBA.

This Week in SBC History
22-Year-Old Mission Check Found In Files
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/553,06-Jan-1957.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to the Classic Film
Jonathan: Bible Reading Plans

10 Questions for 2021 Jan 01, 2021

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Episode #302

2020 is over—thankfully. On this week’s episode, Amy and Jonathan look ahead to 2021 and what lies ahead for the SBC in the new year.

10 Questions for 2021:
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect us in 2021?
Will we see more diverse first- and second-chair leaders? (SBTC, Ohio, NC, Guidestone)(provost at SWBTS, other state staff)
What will the Annual Meeting look like?
Who will be nominated for SBC offices in Nashville?
How will the Send Conference be received in place of the pastors’ conference?
How will the major launch of Go2 affect sending numbers in coming years?
Will the AAEO rebound?
Will LMCO meet their 175M goal?
How will Southern Baptists respond to potential legislation from the Biden administration that could infringe on our beliefs and religious liberties?
What will be the surprise story of 2021?
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. This past fall, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you can begin taking classes as soon as October 19 of this year. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.

2020 Year in Review Dec 25, 2020

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Episode #301

2020 was quite the year. On this year-end recap episode, Amy and Jonathan cover the top stories of the year, answer their 10 questions for 2020, and Amy shares her 10 most fascinating Southern Baptists of the year.

10 Questions for 2020:
How will American politics affect the SBC in 2020?
Will we see more diverse first-chair leaders?
Who will be nominated for SBC officers in Orlando?
How will the major launch of Go2 affect sending numbers in coming years?
Will we see any recommendations for disfellowship from the Credentials Committee?
What will be the outcome of the Baptism Sunday initiatives President Greear is promoting?
What will be the impact of LifeWay’s retail strategy?
Will we break $200M in national CP receipts this budget year?
Will the AAEO hit another record high?
Will we hit 10K messengers in Orlando?
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Southwestern Seminary offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Earlier this year, our friends at Southwestern launched new 8-week online classes, which means you can begin taking classes as soon as October 19 of this year. If you are interested in taking the next step in ministry, visit SWBTS.edu to learn more about how you can get started.

10 Biggest News Stories of 2020:
COVID-19 – a global pandemic arrives
Cancellation of the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting
Racial tension and the SBC’s response
LifeWay agrees to sell Ridgecrest
SBC entities go to court
Withdrawing fellowship
Presidential election, Supreme Court shift
Historic election of SBC Executive Committee chairman
NAMB, IMB team up in partnership with Send Relief
Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns amid scandal

10 Most Fascinating Southern Baptists of 2020:
Brenda Gantt
Scott James
Renee Trewick
Charles Billingsley
Curtis James
Caleb Freeman
Abby Cavanaugh
Natalie Maxey
Jon Nelson
Rebekah Naylor

Resource of the Year
IMB 175

Pastors, NAAF issue statements concerning race, cooperation in the SBC; an interview with Art Toalston Dec 18, 2020

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Episode #300

The NAAF published a letter in response to a recent statement from the Council of Seminary Presidents and a group of pastors have issued a statement in support of the NAAF letter.

News Recap
NAAF, Ausberry respond to seminary presidents’ statement https://bit.ly/3aqsuii
Group of Southern Baptists opposes those who ‘distract’ from racial reconciliation https://bit.ly/2KzQtke
Stinson departs, Dockery named interim provost of Southwestern Seminary https://bit.ly/3apLbCU
LifeWay donates nearly 30,000 Spanish Bibles to struggling Venezuelan communities https://bit.ly/2K87JNL
Longtime Baptist editor, journalist joins Baptist Press https://bit.ly/38gdfpr
Florida church fires pastor jailed on child pornography charges https://bit.ly/3p6i6Ag
NAMB files motion, will petition Supreme Court in McRaney case https://bit.ly/34o9LzW
Great Commission is ‘first priority,’ Allen tells MBTS graduates https://bit.ly/2KiPFQP
‘Great Commission DNA’ is Akin’s hope for SEBTS graduates https://bit.ly/34pjwhB
Greear to be first SBC president to speak at March for Life https://bit.ly/38gdrFb
Falwell drops defamation lawsuit against Liberty https://bit.ly/34sRcuu
ERLC plans record 10 ultrasound donations https://bit.ly/2KgUzOo
This fall, Southwestern Seminary announced a new, joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. Built in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, this new degree path is designed to equip believers with a versatile degree for today’s church and marketplace. Equipped with deep theological knowledge and flexible business skills, men and women will be able to use this training to take the Gospel all over the world, wherever God may call them. If you’re interested in the new joint M.Div./MBA, then visit swbts.edu/MDIVMBA for more information.

Interview with Art Toalston
Viral Vitality

This Week in SBC History
Lottie Moon is born on December 12, 1840

Resources of the Week

2021 SBC calendar released; ERLC amicus brief clarified Dec 11, 2020

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Episode #299

The official SBC calendar of activities for 2021 was released this week for churches to use to highlight the missions and ministries, and the ERLC clarified some issues related to a recent amicus brief.

News Recap
Addition of George Liele Day highlights 2021 SBC calendar – https://bit.ly/3a37zlo
ERLC issues apology, explanation regarding amicus brief – https://bit.ly/342GaMw
Despite pandemic challenges, CP giving above budget – https://bit.ly/3oITIoo
‘Love one another,’ Greenway charges SWBTS graduates – https://bit.ly/3qM5D6z
NOBTS, North Greenville University sign articulation agreement – https://bit.ly/2Lrqtbg
TRUSTEES: NOBTS approves new VP, student center renovation – https://bit.ly/2LtnoaD
SBTS adds three to faculty – https://bit.ly/2LtnoaD
GuideStone presidential search committee welcomes additional recommendations – https://bit.ly/3a0VD3n
IMB missionaries and staff give more than $800,000 to LMCO – https://bit.ly/3a0VD3n
This fall, Southwestern Seminary announced a new, joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. Built in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, this new degree path is designed to equip believers with a versatile degree for today’s church and marketplace. Equipped with deep theological knowledge and flexible business skills, men and women will be able to use this training to take the Gospel all over the world, wherever God may call them. If you’re interested in the new joint M.Div./MBA, then visit swbts.edu/MDIVMBA for more information.

This Week in SBC History
Nativity Scene Baby Brings Christmas Joy
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4970,07-Dec-1979.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Historical White House Ornaments
Jonathan: Rick Brewer Christmas CD

Seminary presidents issue statement; Legal updates from around the SBC Dec 04, 2020

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Episode #298

The Council of Seminary Presidents issued a statement reaffirming the BFM2000 this week, and there are a pair of rather important legal updates to cover.

News Recap
Seminary presidents reaffirm BFM, declare CRT incompatible https://bit.ly/3lGqynJ
Texas attorney general intervenes in Southwestern, Baylor lawsuit https://bit.ly/3lHaouu
NAMB en banc request denied by 5th Circuit; Confusion regarding amicus brief addressed https://bit.ly/2Ia0LXl
STATE MEETINGS: BRN casts ‘Kingdom vision’; BGAV celebrates ongoing ministry https://bit.ly/36FUvQz
This fall, Southwestern Seminary announced a new, joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. Built in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, this new degree path is designed to equip believers with a versatile degree for today’s church and marketplace. Equipped with deep theological knowledge and flexible business skills, men and women will be able to use this training to take the Gospel all over the world, wherever God may call them. If you’re interested in the new joint M.Div./MBA, then visit swbts.edu/MDIVMBA for more information.

This Week in SBC History
Leavell Named President of New Orleans Seminary
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/3897,02-Dec-1974.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: WMU Week of Prayer Celebration
Jonathan: CP Stories

SCOTUS rules for religious liberty; State papers adjusting schedules and formats Nov 27, 2020

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Episode #297

This week, the Supreme Court ruled against a limitation placed on houses of worship by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Also, two state papers announced changes to their publishing schedule, and one is transitioning to a magazine.

News Recap
High court blocks NY virus limits on houses of worship https://bit.ly/3q8u3XJ
ERLC urges court to block N.Y. pandemic order https://bit.ly/33iE5LW
STATE MEETINGS: Arizona, Iowa increase CP giving; Alabama celebrates missions https://bit.ly/37cFBR0
STATE MEETINGS: SBCV gives anniversary gift to IMB; BGCT holds first virtual annual meeting https://bit.ly/2Jc5zfi
Georgia Baptists offer voluntary early retirement to 50 employees https://bit.ly/33mJgL3
State publications adjust formats, schedules https://bit.ly/3qegVQX
WMU leaders rally churches for LMCO https://bit.ly/3q670g5
This fall, Southwestern Seminary announced a new, joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. Built in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, this new degree path is designed to equip believers with a versatile degree for today’s church and marketplace. Equipped with deep theological knowledge and flexible business skills, men and women will be able to use this training to take the Gospel all over the world, wherever God may call them. If you’re interested in the new joint M.Div./MBA, then visit swbts.edu/MDIVMBA for more information.

This Week in SBC History
Six SBC Seminaries Outline Doctor of Ministry Program
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/3102,30-Nov-1970.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Searching for Christmas
Jonathan: Hold On podcast

Mohler shares his thoughts on the future of the SBC; More state convention recaps Nov 20, 2020

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Episode #296

Baptist Press sat down for an exclusive interview with Dr. Mohler to discuss his pending nomination for SBC president as well as the future of the SBC.

News Recap
Mohler discusses SBC future, cooperation in BP interview https://bit.ly/3fdrcaS
Southern Baptists celebrate sending 79 new missionaries https://bit.ly/3kKKGob
STATE MEETINGS: South Carolina elects first Black president; Tennessee holds first-ever Virtual Summit https://bit.ly/35MZ23u
STATE MEETINGS: Michigan looks to healthy future; Maryland-Delaware mission continues https://bit.ly/3kJ28K1
STATE MEETINGS: SBTC highlights prayer; Louisiana Baptists show resolve amid adversity https://bit.ly/3lIzcD4
SAAG, ERLC share priorities to fight sex abuse in next year https://bit.ly/2UKPnUK
This fall, Southwestern Seminary announced a new, joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. Built in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, this new degree path is designed to equip believers with a versatile degree for today’s church and marketplace. Equipped with deep theological knowledge and flexible business skills, men and women will be able to use this training to take the Gospel all over the world, wherever God may call them. If you’re interested in the new joint M.Div./MBA, then visit swbts.edu/MDIVMBA for more information.

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SBC This Week

Episode #305

This Week in SBC History
Graham Prays, Preaches at Bush Inauguration
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/events-index/2001-george-w-bush-inauguration/

Resources of the Week
Amy: Pray Every Day | Mary DeMuth on Etsy
Jonathan: The Road to Nashville

Episode #304

This Week in SBC History
Crooks released from NOBTS
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/953,15-Jan-1958.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Women & Work Podcast
Jonathan: NAMB Prayer Calendar

Episode #303

This Week in SBC History
22-Year-Old Mission Check Found In Files
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/553,06-Jan-1957.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to the Classic Film
Jonathan: Bible Reading Plans

Episode #302

Episode #301