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:

Richards announces departure from SBTC; State convention recaps Nov 13, 2020

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Episode #295

Jim Richards announced this week his plans to retire at the end of 2021 as the executive director of the SBTC. Also, there are several state convention recaps to cover.

News Recap
Richards announces plans to step down in 2021 https://bit.ly/3nk3cWq
STATE MEETINGS: New Mexico elects executive director; New England prepares for revitalization https://bit.ly/38F8QhQ
STATE MEETINGS: Wyoming to become self-sustaining; Hawaii Pacific meeting draws participants worldwide https://bit.ly/3poPy63
STATE MEETINGS: West Virginia to be self-sustaining; New York stalwart amid challenges https://bit.ly/2ImUCaB
STATE MEETINGS: Oklahoma remembers race massacre; Georgia passes resolutions on racism, CRT https://bit.ly/3prECo6
STATE MEETINGS: Kentucky mission continues; North Carolina celebrates Hollifield https://bit.ly/38CBCiU
SBC hotel company delivers apology, gift cards https://bit.ly/2K4I9c0
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
A look back at the 2000 presidential election
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/top-sbc-leaders-urge-bush-gore-do-whats-best-for-the-country/
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/land-candidates-americans-should-accept-recount-results/
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-only-christian-faith-can-heal-u-s-nationally-us-personally/

Resources of the Week
Amy: Bethlehem’s Redeemer
Jonathan: LifeWay Research on economic impact being felt by churches

WMU faces financial challenges; Election results in mixed outcomes Nov 06, 2020

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Episode #294

WMU has announced budget and personnel cuts, and this week’s election provided some wins and some losses for Southern Baptist interests.

News Recap
WMU approves reduced budget, 12 accept voluntary retirement offer https://bit.ly/32jFRvS
Mandrell affirms Ridgecrest buyers’ commitment to ‘evangelical essentials’ https://bit.ly/2IbY87l
Large gifts boost giving totals to begin fiscal year https://bit.ly/2JzCWIO
Voters approve Louisiana abortion restriction and Alabama church gun laws https://bit.ly/3n4JQEF
Oregon decriminalizes opioids; marijuana, gambling legalized in other states https://bit.ly/3p4SFjm
Mississippi voters adopt ‘In God We Trust’ flag free of Confederate emblem https://bit.ly/3pbdrOD
Heartbroken Boyce College students mourn sudden death of Nick Challies https://bit.ly/2JzD8Yy
STATE MEETINGS: Minnesota-Wisconsin, Indiana, Utah-Idaho https://bit.ly/367qt72
STATE MEETINGS: California celebrates financial rebound; Illinois marks ‘many victories’ https://bit.ly/38g6zsW
Liberty trustees approve new leadership model https://bit.ly/38pd9gK
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
Carter Resigns Brotherhood Commission Trustee Post
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4300,05-Nov-1976.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Fisher-Price Toy Museum
Jonathan: Cropwell Baptist Church uses election day to reach community

Mohler to be nominated for SBC president; Falwell sues Liberty Oct 30, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/sbc-this-week.s3.amazonaws.com/Episode293.mp3

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Episode #293

We have our first official announcement of a candidate for national office in the SBC. Al Mohler confirmed he’s in for 2021, and we also have an update from Liberty.

News Recap

Mohler to be nominated for SBC presidency https://bit.ly/2HNXfBD
Falwell sues Liberty, says school damaged his reputation https://bit.ly/34Fr6ox
Missouri Baptists elect first Black president https://bit.ly/2TE3F92
Arkansas Baptists Executive Board meets in lieu of convention https://bit.ly/2TE3F92
Nevada churches pull together https://bit.ly/2TCva2D
Colorado churches stay focused on what matters https://bit.ly/2TCva2D
Kansas-Nebraska Baptists ‘supporting the Cooperative Program’ https://bit.ly/2TCva2D
Benjamin Skaug elected dean of Scarborough College at SWBTS https://bit.ly/2TCBaIP
SWBTS, Dallas Baptist University announce joint MDiv/MBA degree https://bit.ly/3jEk089
Diverse group of Southern Baptist pastors sign Deep South racial justice statement https://bit.ly/34ETE1t
Bears quarterback Nick Foles partners with Chicago church to help students https://bit.ly/3jFsXhx

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

Jerry Clower Joins Grand Ole Opry Cast
- - http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/3679,30-Oct-1973.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition
Jonathan: LifeWay Research

Few churches are back to pre-COVID attendance; Seminary trustee reports from MBTS & SWBTS Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/sbc-this-week.s3.amazonaws.com/Episode292.mp3

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Episode #292

New research shows only 4% of churches who have started meeting again have reported growth in worship attendance and 13% are yet to resume services. Also, there are trustee updates from two seminaries.

News Recap

Few churches back to pre-COVID attendance levels https://bit.ly/35xZdyi
MBTS elects faculty, celebrates enrollment gains https://bit.ly/37w0Wql
SWBTS sees enrollment and revenue growth, affirms legal steps https://bit.ly/31CSVfk
Hearing set for SWBTS, Riley Foundation lawsuit https://bit.ly/35prF57
Jack MacGorman donates personal library to Southwestern Seminary https://bit.ly/3ojtl8R
Southwest Baptist University president submits resignation https://bit.ly/35qGMLR
David Manner named new state executive director for Kansas-Nebraska https://bit.ly/3oiRAnR
James MacDonald, Harvest Bible Chapel reach agreement https://bit.ly/3ojtoS5
Kentucky church to investigate Chris Rice, Christian musician, after abuse allegation https://bit.ly/37w15dn
NAMB to emphasize Hispanic church planting in 2021 https://bit.ly/35pyjZf
LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum aims to bring unity among dispersed leaders https://bit.ly/3mkoen1
Blume missions event canceled https://bit.ly/37zAIDl

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. Just 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.

This Week in SBC History

Former Air Traffic Controller Now Directs from Church Pulpit
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/5532,21-Oct-1982.pdf
- Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 air-traffic controllers https://bit.ly/37xx50J

Resources of the Week

Amy: F260 for Teen Girls
Jonathan: ETCH Conference

LifeWay agrees on terms of Ridgecrest sale; Seminaries hold trustee meetings Oct 16, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/sbc-this-week.s3.amazonaws.com/Episode291.mp3

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Episode #291

LifeWay has identified a buyer for Ridgecrest, and four seminaries held trustee meetings this past week.

News Recap

LifeWay agrees on terms of sale for Ridgecrest https://bit.ly/351ytpq
LifeWay announces camp registrations for 2021 https://bit.ly/37bQHHn
TRUSTEES: SBTS retains names, vacates chair, establishes endowment https://bit.ly/3lNebqk
TRUSTEES: SEBTS celebrates new provost, record enrollment https://bit.ly/31ehQ8X
TRUSTEES: Gateway returns to pre-COVID 2020-2021 budget https://bit.ly/37aEUcm
TRUSTEES: NOBTS approves Leavell College initiatives, elects Tyler Wittman to the faculty https://bit.ly/3nRenXH
NOBTS and NAMB partner for church planting center in New Orleans https://bit.ly/37c4JsH
NAMB selects Paul Worcester to lead national collegiate evangelism effort https://bit.ly/31fssnU
STATE MEETINGS: Alaska, Montana, Dakotas https://bit.ly/3lSzCXk
Georgia Baptists address ‘pattern of overspending,’ commit to balanced budget for 2021 https://bit.ly/3nYCdRa
Mississippi Baptist Convention pledges $1 million to international missions https://bit.ly/3lRFv6X

This Week in SBC History

Suburban Pastor Calls For New Preaching Patterns
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/3078,15-Oct-1970.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: F260 for Teen Girls
Jonathan: ETCH Conference

Giving totals for 2020 show generosity and faithfulness of Southern Baptists Oct 09, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/sbc-this-week.s3.amazonaws.com/Episode290.mp3

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Episode #290

Giving totals are in for CP, LMCO, and AAEO for 2020, and Southern Baptists have shown their generosity and faithfulness through their giving.

News Recap

Cooperative Program giving in 2019-20 testament to Southern Baptists’ faithfulness https://bit.ly/2FfKlLN
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering total exceeds goal at $159.5M https://bit.ly/3nIR4zg
Ezell: ‘Greatest Annie Offering ever’ despite steep decline https://bit.ly/3lm5L9o
TRUSTEES: NAMB celebrates offering, passes reduced budget, looks to 2021 https://bit.ly/3lv28hn
LifeWay, Rainer settle contract dispute https://bit.ly/3nGpjaD
Alaska Baptists vote to withhold CP funds https://bit.ly/2I3iCPh
Greg Laurie tests positive for COVID-19 https://bit.ly/3ltNuqB
Clark named editor of BP en Español; Erlanson named BP managing editor https://bit.ly/2SCzFKh

This Week in SBC History

Joe Mefford Prepares First Spanish Hymnal
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/2094,09-Oct-1965.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: Coolidge
Jonathan: The Replant Cohort

LifeWay files suit against Rainer; GuideStone forms presidential search committee Oct 02, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/sbc-this-week.s3.amazonaws.com/Episode289.mp3

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Episode #289

LifeWay filed a lawsuit against its former CEO this past week, and GuideStone has announced a succession plan for O.S. Hawkins.

News Recap

LifeWay files suit over contract, Rainer disputes https://bit.ly/3cRVqz5
LifeWay reverses course in dispute, pursues resolution with Rainer https://bit.ly/3iwDhrP
GuideStone trustees vote to establish presidential search committee https://bit.ly/33nDJ7l
IMB trustees appoint 80 new missionaries, approve 2020-21 budget https://bit.ly/33kPZ8t
Texas pastor, wife killed in New Mexico car crash https://bit.ly/2SgiAWi
The Summit Church to begin on-campus gatherings https://bit.ly/3cPg3eY
Curtis Woods called to pastor Severns Valley Baptist Church https://bit.ly/3cPg3eY

This Week in SBC History

SBC Central Computer Feasible, Committee Says
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/2862,02-Oct-1969.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: SBC Life Journal
Jonathan: SBC Annual

EC adopts FY21 budgets; Pearson named CFO Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/s3.amazonaws.com/sbcthisweek/episodes/Episode288.mp3

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Episode #288

The SBC Executive Committee met to approve the CP Allocation Budget and the EC operating budget. Also, there’s a new CFO coming to the EC.

News Recap

SBC Executive Committee adopts CP budget cut by 5% during COVID https://bit.ly/3676TJB
Jeff Pearson named SBC Executive Committee chief financial officer https://bit.ly/304upmE
Gateway Seminary professor and missionary Lisa Hoff dies https://bit.ly/33ZShJh
LifeWay sells Wordsearch to Logos Bible Software creator Faithlife https://bit.ly/367qWYs
Florida State Board celebrates continued Kingdom ministry https://bit.ly/3mZZwKb
Capitol Hill Baptist Church sues D.C. on COVID order https://bit.ly/3mR5v3J
Steve Ballew to be nominated as New Mexico executive director https://bit.ly/2HwlxQq

This Week in SBC History

Carson-Newman loses on fumble
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/1200,24-Sep-1961.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: Lisa Hoff interview
Jonathan: Abby’s Challenge

Annual Meeting theme announced; Hurricane Sally hits Gulf Coast Sep 18, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/s3.amazonaws.com/sbcthisweek/episodes/Episode287.mp3

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Episode #287

We have an annual meeting theme for 2021, and there’s been a shakeup at First Baptist Atlanta. Also, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are working across the country in multiple states.

News Recap

Greear announces 2021 Annual Meeting theme https://bit.ly/3kyAGP9
Gospel defines priorities, Moore tells ERLC https://bit.ly/33GXfus
Southern Baptists prepare Hurricane Sally response, serve disaster survivors coast-to-coast https://bit.ly/32H5NSy
Hurricane Sally unleashes flooding along the Gulf Coast https://bit.ly/2FyNab3
Georgia Baptists make financial adjustments in light of 20-year audit study https://bit.ly/35Nqcr3
NAMB launches Next Step Leader for pastors https://bit.ly/2RGAtxb
Charles Stanley transitions to pastor emeritus at First Baptist Atlanta, Anthony George named senior pastor https://bit.ly/3hz2AsM
Key VP transitions begin at Gateway Seminary https://bit.ly/2FFq4zm

This Week in SBC History

Brotherhood Building Open House Oct. 11
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/1346,17-Sep-1959.pdf

Resources of the Week

Amy: The Only Plane in the Sky
Jonathan: 2021 SBC Annual Meeting Online Rally

Southwestern, Baylor file suit, allege “secret coup”; Addison named EVP Sep 11, 2020

Show notes

https://media.blubrry.com/sbcthisweek/s3.amazonaws.com/sbcthisweek/episodes/Episode286.mp3

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Episode #286

Southwestern and Baylor are suing a foundation that was set up to benefit the schools after a change in its governing docs has jeopardized millions. Also, Greg Addison is moving to the SBC Executive Committee as its new Executive Vice President.

News Recap

Southwestern, Baylor file suit, allege “secret coup” https://bit.ly/2DNRDWe
Addison named SBC Executive Committee executive vice president https://bit.ly/3hmLb6e
Floyd to host online rally for SBC Annual Meeting https://bit.ly/2FqRloy
Georgia pastor Fred Evers dies of cancer https://bit.ly/2Fp5jYa
Florida Pastor Heath Lambert to have brain surgery https://bit.ly/2Fp5jYa
Laura’s toll includes 140 Louisiana Baptist churches https://bit.ly/2RfPo0Y

This Week in SBC History

Christ’s Patrol Evangelizes ‘Outlaw Bikers’ to Christ
- http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4260,08-Sep-1976.pdf
- Rebels on Wheels

Resources of the Week

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SBC This Week

Episode #295

Resources of the Week
Amy: Bethlehem’s Redeemer
Jonathan: LifeWay Research on economic impact being felt by churches

Episode #294

This Week in SBC History
Carter Resigns Brotherhood Commission Trustee Post
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4300,05-Nov-1976.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Fisher-Price Toy Museum
Jonathan: Cropwell Baptist Church uses election day to reach community

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Our TOPPODCAST Picks

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Stay Connected

SBC This Week

Episode #295

Resources of the Week Amy: Bethlehem’s RedeemerJonathan: LifeWay Research on economic impact being felt by churches

Episode #294

This Week in SBC History Carter Resigns Brotherhood Commission Trustee Posthttp://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4300,05-Nov-1976.pdf

Resources of the Week Amy: Fisher-Price Toy MuseumJonathan: Cropwell Baptist Church uses election day to reach community

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Resources of the Week
Amy: Bethlehem’s Redeemer
Jonathan: LifeWay Research on economic impact being felt by churches

This Week in SBC History
Carter Resigns Brotherhood Commission Trustee Post
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/4300,05-Nov-1976.pdf

Resources of the Week
Amy: Fisher-Price Toy Museum
Jonathan: Cropwell Baptist Church uses election day to reach community