Elisha's Bears: Exploring Faith, Baptists, and the Bible

What Southern Baptists Really Believe about Women Pastors with Sam Rainer

In this episode, Dr. Sam Rainer discusses findings from a national survey he conducted concerning what Southern Baptists, Non-Denoms, and conservative Christians really believe about women in ministry. He reveals that "people in the pew" possess a much lower level of concern relating to women pastors than do SBC leaders. He also talks about the diminished role of evangelism in the SBC and suggests that this should be of greater importance than engaging in theological debates. Sam holds an Master of Arts degree in Missiology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University. He is Lead Pastor of West Bradenton Baptist church in Bradenton, FL as well as president and senior consultant of Church Answers. You can also follow and listen to him on the podcast "Rainer on Leadership."

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship turns 35 with Paul Baxley

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Dr. Paul Baxley on the occasion of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's 35th anniversary. They reflect on the Fellowship’s origins and history, ongoing mission, and the challenges facing the church today. Paul shares personal stories, discusses the importance of diversity, as well as noting key biblical passages that support women in ministry. He also comments on the challenging political landscape and the difficulty this poses for pastors and congregations. He emphasizes that the focus and emphasis of the local church and the Fellowship should always be Jesus Christ. Paul is Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and previously has served churches in Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Disaffiliation and the United Methodist Church with Lovett Weems

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Dr. Lovett Weems about the history, challenges, and future of the United Methodist Church. They talk about the recent schism in the UMC relating to disaffiliation, and its emotional and practical impact on the mission and ministries of the denomination. After serving as Pastor of UMC churches in Mississippi, Lovett became President of St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. In 2003, he became founding Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. He is now Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. His most recent book is entitled, "An Aura of Hope: United Methodism's Next Chapter in the United States." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 00:55 Personal Connections and Mississippi Roots 02:09 Discussion of Disaffiliation in the UMC 03:42 Historical Context of Church Divisions 06:45 The 2019 Disaffiliation Process 08:39 Church Polity and Property Rights 11:48 Role of the General Conference 17:23 Lessons from Church Splits and Future Hope 22:59 Moving Forward with Hope and Wesleyan Principles 32:27 Lessons for Other Denominations and Closing Remarks

Musings on the SBC, Family, and Unexpected Moments of Grace with Mark Gstohl

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Dr. Mark Gstohl about their shared experiences in the Southern Baptist Convention and at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark recalls the influence of and his exit from the SBC. He and Danny also reflect upon Paul Pressler's influence upon the SBC, especially in light of the recent article from Texas Monthly documenting the numerous sexual abuse allegations against him. Mark discusses his current project "Dirty Stories about God" which is a memoir about his family and how God's grace is discovered in ordinary, difficult, and unexpected places. Mark holds the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy (Systematic Theology, 2001) degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University in New Orleans and you can follow him and find his musings on Facebook.

Getting Kicked Out of the SBC and Supporting Women in Ministry with Linda Barnes Popham

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Linda Barnes Popham about how she and her church were voted out of the Southern Baptist Convention in June 2023. She recalls the pain and confusion with the SBC’s decision to ban women pastors, especially in light of her already having more than 30 years of experience as a Southern Baptist pastor. Linda also expresses gratitude for the support of those who have affirmed her calling and welcomed her church into new denominational partnerships. She affirms God’s faithfulness and the positive outcomes that have taken place since their expulsion from the SBC. This conversation also explores issues of gender, doctrinal purity, church autonomy, and the future of women in ministry. Linda serves as Pastor of Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, a position she has held for more than three decades. The New Yorker documentary about the SBC's decision to ban her, other women pastors, and their churches which can be found here: https://www.newyorker.com/video/watch/hold-the-line. [https://www.newyorker.com/video/watch/hold-the-line]