Center for Baptist Leadership

Do Christians have a moral obligation to vote? SBC President Willy Rice sits down with William Wolfe to discuss the U.S. midterm elections. Christians have a duty to speak out and stand up for biblical issues. It's not about right vs. left, it's about right vs. wrong. Abortion, marriage, gender, religious liberty are all issues on the ballot this November.

Follow Willy Rice:

https://x.com/WillyRice

https://www.sbc.net/sbc-president/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Willy Rice’s ministry

02:32 Navigating the SBC pres...

In this episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe speaks with Virginia pastor Ben Purves and Ryan Helfenbein of Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center about Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion and marriage.

William, Ben, and Ryan explain why they oppose Amendments 1 and 2, and urge pastors and Christians to engage through civic participation, prayer, and public advocacy. The views and characterizations in this discussion are those of the speakers.

Resources mentioned:

    Virginia Pastors: https://VirginiaPastors.org
    Standing for Life and Marriage: https://standforlifeandmarriage.org
    Center for Baptis...

SBC President Willie Rice’s first major address to the Executive Committee set out a vision for renewal, doctrinal clarity, greater transparency, and a renewed commitment to gospel mission. William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead discuss what that vision could mean for the Southern Baptist Convention—and the work ahead as Southern Baptists look toward Indianapolis.

The conversation covers abuse-prevention efforts across SBC entities, the proposed Truth and Unity Amendment, legal concerns about enforcing doctrinal commitments, trustee accountability, declining Cooperative Program giving, and Rice’s call to reach people in the United States and around the world b...

Pastor Michael Clary joins William Wolfe on the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast to unpack Loser Theology—why Christians are told to "lose" and why we need high-agency Christianity instead. They hit Russell Moore, Tim Keller, persecution, SBC "managed decline," and what courageous Baptist leadership looks like now.

In this episode, we cover:

How loser theology copes with cultural decline

Misused doctrines (justification, sovereignty, persecution, suffering)

Why cultural Christianity and Christian nations matter

Managed decline in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)

The 12 disciplines of high-agency Chr...

Is IVF truly pro-life? Pastor and author Dr. Josh Holler joins William Wolfe on the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast to unpack his book “Misconceiving IVF”—explaining how IVF works, why it violates biblical ethics, and what hopeful, Christ-centered alternatives Christians should pursue instead.

In this episode, we cover:

What IVF is and how the process actually works

Why embryos are people and not disposable “cells”

The staggering loss of life baked into the IVF industry

Why churches and Christian publishers have been largely silent

Better path...

Pastor and author Chase Davis joins us to discuss his new book, "Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age." Order it here today and use code "CBL" for 10% off: https://press.founders.org/shop/offensive-christianity/

J. Chase Davis (M.Div, Th.M, Denver Seminary) is Lead Pastor of Ministry of The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. He is the author of Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age (Founders Press, 2026) and Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Wipf & Stock, 2021). H...

SBC Reformers Just Scored Their Biggest Win in Decades. Here’s What It Really Means.

On the heels of the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Executive Director William Wolfe and attorney Jon Whitehead break down two massive victories for conservative reformers:

Willie Rice elected SBC President

Al Mohler’s Truth & Unity Amendment passes with 74%

In this episode, we unpack:

How laymen and first-time messengers helped deliver a “clean sweep”

Why Willy's win is the first true reform victory in 35+ years

How the SBC ab...

The 2026 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida is here—and this episode is your go, vote, win battle plan. 

Executive Director William Wolfe sits down with Jon Whitehead and Sam Webb to break down the most consequential decisions messengers will make this year:

• Willie Rice vs. Josh Powell – what’s really at stake in the SBC presidential race
• Why the SBC presidency quietly shapes the convention for the next 5–10 years
• The ERLC and NAMB: accountability, transparency, and who can be trusted
• The fight over female pastors in the SBC and what to do with the Crede...

Megan Basham and Jon Harris join to preview the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting and discuss how Orlando is shaping up to be a major turning point in stopping the last ten years of a woke drift and liberal decline 

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Is the Southern Baptist Convention about to split over women pastors? In this episode, William Wolfe sits down with Sam Webb and Jon Whitehead to unpack the fight over the pastorate, Dr. Al Mohler’s Truth & Unity Amendment, and the vindication of Mike Law heading into Orlando. From Saddleback to the credentials committee, they explain why this is a first-order issue of biblical authority, anthropology, and SBC cooperation—and why 2026 may decide the fate of the SBC.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: No More Women Pastors?

0:38 – Meet Sam Webb & Jon Whitehead

3:40 – How Mike Law Di...

Is a conservative reform wave about to flip the Southern Baptist Convention? In this episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast, William Wolfe sits down with pastor and writer Michael Clary to unpack his now-famous “taxonomy” of SBC factions—Platform, Loyalists, Reformers, Normies, and Absentees—and why Orlando 2026 could be a make-or-break moment.

They dive into:

Why the reformers are actually winning (ERLC, Brent Leatherwood, and beyond)

The battle over women pastors and the Truth & Unity Amendment led by Dr. Al Mohler

Why Willie Rice may be the SBC presi...

A local Florida SBC church just held a two‑day “church trial” over the long-running conflict between Will McRaney and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and its president Kevin Ezell—and assessed $80 million in damages. Attorney Jon Whitehead walks through the backstory, the failed civil lawsuit, why the Fifth Circuit said “take it to the church,” how Island Church structured the proceeding, the evidence presented, the verdict, and why many SBC elites are now mocking this attempt at Matthew 18 accountability through the local-church.

Read Jon Whitehead's Article:

https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/80-million-in-damages-what-happened-at-the-namb-church-trial/

Ti...

The rising tide of egalitarianism will sink the SBC unless messengers act in Orlando! Highlight clip from episode seven of SBC's Weekly Roundup: Coundown to Orlando featuring Jon Whitehead.

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To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org.
 
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William Wolfe...

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead break down seismic news in Southern Baptist life including the ERLC’s new president Evan Lenoe, trustee failures and need for reform, as well as post–Cooperative Program “secret” strategy meetings and what it means for the future of the SBC.

Read Jon Whitehead's Article:

https://christoverall.com/article/concise/whats-trusty-about-sbc-trustees-does-trustee-training-fix-ailing-entities-or-institutionalize-passivity/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Why Orlando 2026 Could Be “Nashville 2.0” for Conservatives

02:30 – SBC News Rundown: ERLC, VP Race, Willie Rice, Mohler

...

SBC Weekly Roundup: Countdown to Orlando | Ep.6

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead break down a seismic week in Southern Baptist life—new seminary and ERLC presidents, the future of Baptist politics, and a behind-the-scenes immigration info op. Hard-hitting, insider analysis for conservatives gearing up for Orlando and determined to reform the SBC from within.

Read Jon Whitehead's X Thread exposing the Immigration Info Op:

https://x.com/jrwhitehead/status/2039186576719089678?s=20

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Mission...

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead are joined by David Schrock, Michael Clary, and Rhett Burns to discuss Christ Over All's monthly focus on "Can the Center Hold? The Southern Baptist Convention in the 21st Century."

Explore the theme:

https://christoverall.com/theme/can-the-center-hold-the-southern-baptist-convention-in-the-21st-century/

By David Schrock - "Seeking a Convention That Is Not Southern Baptist In Name Only"

https://christoverall.com/article/longform/seeking-a-convention-that-is-not-southern-baptist-in-name-only-how-to-regain-trust-rebuild-the-trustee-system-and-avoid-an-impending-exodus-of-vocal-conservatives/

By Michael Clary - "More Money Than Men...

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead analyze the SBC presidential race between Willy Rice and Josh Powell, paying particular attention to Willy's latest appearance on "The Baptist Review" podcast. They discuss the decline in Cooperative Program giving by 8% in February 2026 compared to the previous year, citing unaccountable entities, lack of transparency, theological liberalism, and trustee failure.

Follow CBL's "SBC Weekly RoundUp" to stay informed on:

SBC Presidential Race

Entity Controversies (ERLC, Executive Committee, seminaries, and more)

The future of t...

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead unpack breaking news within the Southern Baptist Convention, including the Executive Committee’s new $186M Cooperative Program budget and ongoing financial strain on the EC. They discuss the disfellowshipping of two churches over female pastors and broader concerns about egalitarianism. A major focus is the McRaney v. NAMB case and the Supreme Court’s denial of review, which Whitehead argues reshapes Baptist polity and weakens ordinary Baptists’ civil recourse against defamation. The future of the SBC hangs in the balance as we countdown to the...

In this special "SBC Weekly Roundup" edition of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead dive deep into breaking news about a quiet gathering of roughly 30 of the SBC’s largest Cooperative Program–giving churches and what it may signal about a post–Cooperative Program future for Southern Baptists. Wolfe & Whitehead analyze the growing dominance of designated giving, new SBC legal battles (including the McRaney and Garner cases), and what these lawsuits mean for church autonomy and trust.

Follow CBL's "SBC Weekly RoundUp" to stay informed on:

• SBC Presidential Race

• Entity Cont...

In this week's "SBC Weekly Roundup" from CBL, William Wolfe and Jon Whitehead break down the SBC presidential race between Willie Rice and Josh Powell, the growing trust crisis at the ERLC, and serious questions about the future of the Cooperative Program. They examine past statements, current endorsements, financial pressures on the SBC Executive Committee, and proposals to dissolve or radically restructure the ERLC ahead of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.

Follow CBL's "SBC Weekly RoundUp" to stay informed on:

SBC Presidential Race

Entity Controversies (ERLC, Executive Committee, seminaries, and m...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe reacts to the shocking incident where an Anti-ICE Mob stormed into a Baptist Church disrupting worship and raising serious concerns about First Amendment rights. Joined by legal experts Will Chamberlain and Jon Whitehead, the conversation delves into the legal ramifications of the mob's actions, the implications for law enforcement, and the broader societal context of such unrest. Additional guests Megan Basham, Dusty Deevers, Willy Rice, and Terry Grant emphasize the importance of accountability and the need for churches to bolster their security measures in light of increasing...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Joe Rigney, Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College and Author of Leadership and Emotional Sabotage, and Andy Naselli, Professor of Systemic Theology at Bethlehem College and Pastor of Christ the King Church, to discuss the recent Minneapolis shooting and how Christians and Pastors should respond.

Dr. Rigney is an Associate Pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho and serves as Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is the author of seven books: Live Like a Na...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Chase Davis, Lead Pastor of The Well Church, to discuss Christian identity in America, revelations from JD Vance's America Fest speech, and why evangelical leadership cannot compromise on critical race theory, DEI, and traditional family values.

Chase Davis (M.Div, Th.M, Denver Seminary) is Lead Pastor of Ministry of The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. Chase is married to Kim and they have two sons. He is the author of Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of t...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Lewis Richerson, Lead Pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, to unpack his recent interview with the New York Times on biblical justice and immigration.

Pastor Lewis came to Woodlawn in May 2012. He previously served at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in various capacities from 2005-2012 where he also received his Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages (M.Div.) and Doctorate of Philosophy in Preaching (Ph.D.) degrees. Lewis began his pastoral ministry in 1999, while a senior in high school, as an interim p...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Megan Basham, Author of "Shepherd's for Sale" and Jon Whitehead, Attorney and former Trustee of the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, to unpack new and disturbing revelations about the SBC's abuse investigation and how it was biased from the beginning.

Megan Basham is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a culture reporter for The Daily Wire and a frequent contributor to Morning Wire. In her previous role as an entertainment editor and podcast co-host for World Magazine, she interviewed numerous A-list c...

Alongside SBC 2025 at CBL's "For the Faithful Majority" Conference, Dusty Deevers, Chase Davis, Brent Money, and Dr. Scott Colter sit down to discuss "Baptists with Backbone in the Public Square."

Panelists emphasize Christ's sovereignty over all areas of life, including politics, and criticize the church's historical passivity. The speakers call for Christians to be bold, active, and unapologetic in addressing issues like abortion, transgender ideology, and school curricula. They argue that Southern Baptists should mobilize, vote, and run for office to influence culture and politics. The panel highlights the need for pastors to preach truth and for...

Alongside SBC 2025 at CBL's "For the Faithful Majority" Conference, Dr. David Allen, Dr. Lewis Richerson, Mark Coppenger, Dr. Tom Ascol, and Sam Webb sit down to discuss how to work across the calvinist divide for the good of the SBC convention.

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To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@cen...

Alongside the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting 2025 the Center for Baptist Leadership hosted the "For the Faithful Majority Conference," William Wolfe emphasized the importance of the SBC's strength and fidelity to the Bible. He highlighted the 40th anniversary of W.A. Criswell's sermon and his personal conversion story. The event featured keynote speaker Steve Deace, sponsor booths, and panels discussing the SBC's integrity, financial transparency, and the role of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). A motion to abolish the ERLC was proposed, and Rhett Burns advocated for 990-level transparency to enhance trust and accountability. The meeting...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Judd Saul of Equipping the Persecuted about ongoing crisis in Nigeria where Muslims are slaughtering Christians.

Judd Saul is the founder and executive director of Equipping The Persecuted, a nonprofit organization based in Sioux City, Iowa, established to assist persecuted Christians in Nigeria. His journey began in 2011 after a mission trip to Nigeria with his grandfather, evangelist Duane Wessels, which profoundly impacted him and led to a lifelong commitment to serving Nigerian Christians. Since then, Saul has regularly visited Nigeria, t...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Tom Buck, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Lindale, TX for an SBC Roundup on the fight against wokeness and women pastors.

Tom Buck is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Lindale, Texas. He is a passionate advocate for the local church and expositional preaching and holds degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Learn more about Pastor Tom Buck's work:

https://x.com/TomBuck/

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Michael Clary, to discuss Charlie Kirk and the cognitive dissonance of the Christian elites.

Michael Clary is the Lead Pastor of Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, OH, co-founder of King’s Domain ministries, and author of God’s Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality. He graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2008 with a Master of Divinity.

Learn more about Pastor Michael Clary's work:

https://x.com/dmicha...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Marc Minter, to discuss how the SBC and SBTC are handling Fielder Church, which has female pastors renamed as "shepherds."

Marc Minter has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Diana, in Diana, Texas, since 2014. He is married to Cassie and has two sons, Micah and Malachi. He has an M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a Ph.D. student in historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

https://www.marcminter.com/

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe, Dusty Deevers, Steve Gentry, and Nate Schlomann recount their experience attending TPUSA's Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

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"One of the most important talks I've ever given" - Steve Deace at CBL's "For the Faithful Majority" conference at SBC 2025.

Steve Deace is the host of the “Steve Deace Show” and a columnist for Blaze News. On his show, he serves up principled conservatism daily, with a snarky twist. He is a best-selling author and movie producer, but most importantly, he is a husband and dad.

Learn more about Steve Deace:

https://www.theblaze.com/u/stevedeace

https://x.com/SteveDeaceShow

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In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Colby Barrett, to discuss his new documentary, "A Faith Under Siege," exposing Russia's brutal crackdown on faith in occupied Ukraine

Colby Barrett is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and former U.S. Marine Corps Captain who led infantry and scout/sniper platoons in the Pacific Rim and Middle East.

Watch the documentary, "A Faith Under Siege":

https://www.faithundersiege.com/

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In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with bi-vocational Pastor, Luke Ash, to discuss his story and legal case after being fired for refusing to use trans pronouns at his job for the Baton Rouge Parish library.

Luke in the News:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/bi-vocational-pastor-fired-library-for-not-using-trans-pronouns.html

Donate to help Luke Ash win his legal battle for truth:

https://www.givesendgo.com/LukeAsh

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In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Nick Sevier, Founder of Biblical Counselors Society, to discuss the state of biblical counseling and soul care, the nefarious encroachment of secularism via so-called "trauma-informed" or "clinically-informed" approaches, the sufficiency of scripture, and how pastors and church leaders can engage with BCS for resources and community support.

Nick Sevier is the Founder and Director of the Biblical Counselors Society, a collaborative community for Classical Biblical Counselors and likeminded church leaders. He holds a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies from B...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Mathew Staver, Senior Pastor, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, to discuss if the Supreme Court Case which sanctioned same-sex marriages, Obergefell v. Hodges, will be overturned?

Mat Staver serves as Senior Pastor, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat has over 300 published legal opinions. He authored eight scholarly law review publications, many booklets and brochures, hundreds of articles and numerous books, including Why Israel Matters, Faith & Freedom: A Complete Handbook for Defending Your Religious Rights, Same-Sex Marriage: Putting Every Household at...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe provides on update on Brent Leatherwood's resignation from the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

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To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadersh...

In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Grant Castleberry, Senior Pastor of The King's Chapel, to share personal stories about John MacArthur, his life, and legacy.

Grant Castleberry is the senior pastor of The King’s Chapel, Raleigh, NC and the president and founder of Unashamed Truth Ministries. Grant is a regular contributor to Tabletalk Magazine and the author of the forthcoming, The Honor of God published by Ligonier Ministries. Grant and his wife, GraceAnna, have five children and live in Raleigh.

Learn more...