Center for Baptist Leadership
The Center for Baptist Leadership podcast aims to cultivate courageous and biblical Baptist leadership for 21st-century America. Our mission is to revitalize the Southern Baptist Convention from within, defend it from those who seek its destruction, and serve as a better Baptist voice in the public square. Learn more at www.centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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/
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:39 – Why the 2026 SBC Meeting Is “For All the Marbles”
2:35 – Introducing Attorney Jon Whitehead
3:59 – Who Is Will McRaney and What Happened in 2015?
6:24 – How NAMB Allegedly Used Funding to Force a Firing
9:51 – Autonomy, State Conventions, and NAMB’s Leverage
18:12 – Internal Emails: “Then If He Is Removed, We Can…”
24:19 – Why McRaney Initially Tried to Drop the Matter
31:50 – The “Wanted Poster” at NAMB HQ
35:14 – Years of Lost Jobs and Speaking Opportunities
38:49 – Fifth Circuit Ruling: Courts Won’t Touch It
49:04 – Why Island Church Held a “Church Trial”
1:02:49 – Evidence, Witnesses, and Pattern of Retaliation
1:14:18 – Jury Findings: Slander, Interference, and Leadership Disqualification
1:33:08 – SBC Reactions, Mockery, and the Role of the Local Church
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
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CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673
iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html
Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575
PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081
PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223
PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575
TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership
YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
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.
–––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeadersFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadershipWebsite – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter:William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_WolfeRichard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9tAmazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67bBoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbXGoodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.htmlListen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadershipYouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
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
05:24 – Life Updates & Kansas City “Potato-Sized Hail”
05:46 – Inside the White House Faith Office Briefing
07:33 – How a Faith Friendly Administration Changes Outlook for Religious Liberty
10:07 – Meet the New ERLC President: Dr. Evan Lenoe's First Message
11:42 – Can the ERLC Regain Trust? Past Controversies & Need for Repentance
20:38 – Trustee 101: Care, Loyalty, and the Missing Duty of Candor
24:34 – Who Do Trustees Really Serve—Entities or the SBC?
41:25 – How a Few People Can Effectively Control an Entire SBC Entity
49:57 – Secret Post–Cooperative Program Meetings: What’s Going On?
56:03 – Willie Rice vs. the EC: SBC Meeting Locations & Small Churches
1:19:54 – Women "Pastors" Crisis, the Law Amendment, and Why You Must Come to Orlando
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t
Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b
BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624
CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313
CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673
iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html
Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575
PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081
PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223
PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575
TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership
YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
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 of CBL
0:39 – Seismic News! Major changes throughout SBC
4:07 – “Changing of the Guard” in SBC Leadership
4:50 – Is Scott Pace a good choice at Southeastern?
10:33 – What Should Change at Southeastern?
11:54 – Walter Strickland, Wokeness, and DEI Debates
13:57 – Who Is Evan Lenow? ERLC’s Surprise Pick
24:16 – How Grassroots Reform Forced Change at the ERLC
32:02 – Can the ERLC Be Fixed? Staff, Trustees & Strategy
43:32 – Immigration, Lifeway Misleading Polls, and the SBC “Info Op”
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t
Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b
BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624
CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313
CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673
iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html
Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575
PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081
PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223
PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575
TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership
YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
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"
https://christoverall.com/theme/can-the-center-hold-the-southern-baptist-convention-in-the-21st-century/#pp-toc__heading-anchor-6
By Rhett Burns - "Whoever Holds the Purse, Holds the Strings"
https://christoverall.com/theme/can-the-center-hold-the-southern-baptist-convention-in-the-21st-century/#pp-toc__heading-anchor-10
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t
Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b
BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624
CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313
CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673
iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html
Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575
PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081
PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223
PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575
TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership
YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
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 the Cooperative Program
How your church can prepare to engage faithfully and effectively at the SBC Annual Meeting
Timestamps:
00:00 - 00:39 – Welcome & Mission of the Center for Baptist Leadership
00:39 - 05:00 – SBC News Roundup: CP Decline, Candidates, Lawsuits
05:00 - 06:36 – Personal Updates & Trip to New Bern, NC
06:36 - 16:28 – Willie Rice on Baptist Review: Women on Committees & DEI Quotas
16:28 - 23:18 – Financial Transparency, 990s, and Trustees “In the Dark”
23:18 - 30:56 – Trustee Failure and ‘Managerial Presbyterianism’ in the SBC
30:56 - 42:50 – Tone vs Truth: ERLC Vote, Fire-Alarms, and SBC ‘Manners’
42:50 - 55:00 – David French, James Talarico, and SBC's liberal drift
55:00 - 59:20 – Heath Lambert’s Four Lessons from the SBC Abuse Crisis Hoax
59:20 - 1:02:00 – Orlando 2026: Why Your Vote and Messengers Matter
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t
Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b
BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624
CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313
CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673
iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html
Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575
PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081
PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223
PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575
TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership
YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
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 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 more)
The future of the Cooperative Program
How your church can prepare to engage faithfully and effectively at the SBC Annual Meeting
Timestamps:
00:00 - 02:37 – Introduction & Preview of SBC Weekly Roundup
02:37 - 05:00 – Executive Committee Budget Cuts & continuing financial strain
05:00 - 06:02 – Two SBC churches disfellowshipped, egalitarianism, and the Law Amendment gap
06:02 - 09:35 – McRaney v. NAMB: Overview of the case, SCOTUS denial, and NAMB’s public spin
09:35 - 15:00 – Initial Takeaways from the EC Meeting: “Everything Is Awesome” deception
15:00 - 24:42 – Lifeway CP Survey vs. Financial Reality
24:42 - 36:52 – Disturbing Twist: Vance Pitman’s NAMB contract as ‘National Mobilizer’
36:52 - 40:00 – Have We Lost Our Baptist Polity? Today vs. Historic SBC Church Planting Rates
40:00 - 1:20:00 – Church autonomy, civil justice, and courts treating Baptists like Catholics
1:20:00 - 1:25:00 – Orlando or Bust: Why This SBC Meeting Is Pivotal
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/
Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership
Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
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The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
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Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
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 Controversies (ERLC, Executive Committee, seminaries, and more)
• The future of the Cooperative Program
• How your church can prepare to engage faithfully and effectively at the SBC Annual Meeting
Timestamps:0:00 - 0:38 – Intro & Podcast Mission0:38 - 6:01 – This Week’s SBC News Headlines6:01 - 7:00 – Jon Whitehead Joins the Conversation7:00 - 12:24 – The Secret Dallas Meeting & Post-CP Future12:24 - 27:26 – Cooperative Program vs. Designated Giving27:26 - 39:58 – NAMB, Vance Pitman & ‘Send Ventures’39:58 - 46:15 – Heath Lambert's SBC Name Change Video & Women Pastors46:15 - 59:19 – Law Amendment, Willy Rice & SBC Presidency Stakes59:19 - 1:05:24 – The McRaney Case: Church Autonomy & Defamation1:05:24 - 1:17:04 – The Garner Case & SBC Abuse Response Fallout1:17:04 - 1:19:58 – Time to Prepare for Orlando
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Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
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Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
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Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
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 more)
The future of the Cooperative Program
How your church can prepare to engage faithfully and effectively at the SBC Annual Meeting
Timestamps:
00:40 – New! Weekly SBC Roundup: All Eyes on Orlando
02:20 – State of SBC Presidency, ERLC, Cooperative Program
03:40 – Who Is Willie Rice? Background and Endorsements
06:58 – Willie Rice Announcement Clip: “No Mushy Middle”
09:04 – Willie Rice vs. Josh Powell
16:05 – Josh Powell’s Record: George Floyd, Abuse Crisis, and Big Eva Pressure
23:21 – Wokeness and Weaponized Empathy
29:27 – What’s Wrong with the ERLC? Trust, Mission Creep, and Messenger Backlash
36:11 – Should the ERLC Be Dissolved? EC Money Problems and Future of the SBC
––––––
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Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
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CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
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Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
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Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
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 threats to religious freedom.
––––––
Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media:
X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders
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Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089
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Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/
To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerforbaptistleadership.org.
Follow Us on Twitter:
William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe
Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83
Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today:
https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/
The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.
Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast:
Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575
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CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313
CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945
CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445
Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX
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iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203
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Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4
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PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794
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Our Vision
Our vision is oriented toward a future where Baptists lead American evangelicals back to a confident, convictional, and hopeful Christ-filled future, both in America and worldwide. Given the SBC’s prominent role in American religious life, restoring its mission fidelity and reinvigorating its institutions will play a key role in realizing this vision.