• Conviction, Courage, and Christ: The Life and Legacy of John MacArthur (ft. Grant Castleberry)
    Jul 18 2025

    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 about Grant Castleberry's work:

    https://x.com/grcastleberry

    https://unashamedtruth.org/articles/johnmacarthurtribute

    ––––––

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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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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Red State Madness: Mayor Rob Burns Politically Punished for Being an Outspoken Christian Leader
    Jul 12 2025
    In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Robert Burns, Mayor of Monroe in North Carolina, to discuss political persecution for being an outspoken Christian leader. Robert Burns is the Mayor of Monroe, North Carolina, elected in November 2023 after a historic coin-toss victory following a tied election with 970 votes. A Christian, husband, and father of six, Burns is a conservative Republican known for his outspoken leadership and commitment to economic growth, public safety, and family values. He has focused on revitalizing downtown Monroe, expanding infrastructure, and attracting new industries. Burns, a newcomer to politics, emphasizes transparency and community engagement, often using social media and his YouTube channel to connect with residents. His tenure has faced controversy, including a 2024 censure by the Monroe City Council over a proclamation celebrating the Roe v. Wade reversal and a 2025 no-confidence vote for his communication style and use of city branding. Despite this, Burns remains committed to making Monroe a thriving, family-friendly city. Learn more about Robert Burns's work: https://x.com/RobertBurns82 https://www.monroenc.org/directory.aspx?eid=153 –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Pastor, Congressman, Diplomat: IRF Amb. Designee Mark Walker on the Global Fight for Religious Freedom
    Jul 9 2025

    In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Ambassador Designee for International Religious Freedom at the State Department, former Congressman and Pastor, Mark Walker, to discuss the global fight for religious freedom, working with President Trump, and his service as a pastor and congressman.

    Mark Walker is an American politician and former pastor who served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 6th congressional district from 2015 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Walker was elected to lead the Republican Study Committee in 2017 and served as vice chair of the House Republican Conference in 2019. In 2024, Walker joined Donald Trump's presidential campaign as director of faith and minority outreach. On April 10, 2025, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Walker as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a position within the State Department.

    Learn more about Mark Walker's work:

    https://x.com/repmarkwalker

    ––––––

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    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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    34 mins
  • The Four Groups in the SBC and Every Other Denomination (ft. Michael Clary)
    Jul 3 2025
    In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Pastor Michael Clary to discuss the four groups within the SBC: the Platform, which controls the agenda; the Reformers, advocating for transparency and reform; the Loyalists, aspiring to join the Platform; and the Normies, ordinary pastors unaware of internal issues. 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/dmichaelclary https://www.dmichaelclary.com/ https://www.christthekingnky.com/staff –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • New Boss, Same Problems: Four More Years of Failure at the ERLC Part 2
    Jun 9 2025
    In today's part 2 episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with John Whitehead, an Attorney and ERLC Trustee to discuss the ongoing issues at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) under Brent Leatherwood's leadership. Whitehead lays out the facts of Kevin Smith's resignation, why Leatherwood was terminated only to be rehired, the lack of transparency and accountability within the ERLC, and most notability the board's reluctance to engage in good governance. Show Notes: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/cbl-at-sbc/ Jon Whitehead is a lifelong Southern Baptist and the founding attorney of the Law Offices of Jonathan R. Whitehead LLC, located in Missouri. He is a Trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), a former President of the Kansas City Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society, a 2002 Blackstone Fellow, and a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and Harvard Law School. He represents nonprofits in litigation, with deep experience in religious congregations and ministries. Learn more about Jon Whitehead's work: https://whiteheadlawllc.com/ https://x.com/jrwhitehead https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/our-team/ –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • New Boss, Same Problems: Four More Years of Failure at the ERLC Part 1 (ft. Jon Whitehead)
    Jun 7 2025
    In today's episode of the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast, William Wolfe sits down with John Whitehead, an Attorney and ERLC Trustee to discuss the ongoing issues at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Whitehead criticizes the lack of change since Russell Moore's departure, highlighting the commission's poor management, understaffing, and controversial actions, such as signing a letter opposing an abortion abolition bill and advocating for increased military aid to Ukraine. Whitehead also raises concerns about the ERLC's ties to the Evangelical Immigration Table, which is influenced by George Soros funding, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability within the organization. Show Notes: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/cbl-at-sbc/ Jon Whitehead is a lifelong Southern Baptist and the founding attorney of the Law Offices of Jonathan R. Whitehead LLC, located in Missouri. He is a Trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), a former President of the Kansas City Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society, a 2002 Blackstone Fellow, and a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and Harvard Law School. He represents nonprofits in litigation, with deep experience in religious congregations and ministries. Learn more about Jon Whitehead's work: https://whiteheadlawllc.com/ https://x.com/jrwhitehead https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/our-team/ –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Is the SBC for Sale? How Progressive Money and Influence Is Subverting the SBC with Megan Basham
    Jun 4 2025

    Keynote Address from SBC at a Crossroads, hosted by Center for Baptist Leadership and Founders Ministries at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting.

    Show Notes: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/cbl-at-sbc/

    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 celebrities. She has also written for The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and Townhall. She is the author of multiple books including, "Beside Every Successful Man," and "Shepherds for Sale." Learn more about Megan Basham's work: https://www.dailywire.com/author/megan-basham https://x.com/megbasham Purchase Megan's latest book "Shepherds for Sale": https://www.harpercollins.com/products/shepherds-for-sale-megan-basham –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-center-for-3liUZaE_Tnq/ Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654
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    29 mins
  • SBC Elites Have Forgotten the Local Churches: Lewis Richerson on Calvinism, Cooperation, and the future of the SBC
    Jun 2 2025
    In Today's episode of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Lewis Richerson, Lead Pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, to discuss the state of the SBC heading into the annual meeting, issues with the ERLC, the need for financial transparency, and also theological clarity through the law amendment. Show Notes: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/cbl-at-sbc/ 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 pastor in rural Rapides Parish, Louisiana. That experience, along with his other ministry experiences (he served churches in Louisiana and Texas) have given him a passion for people and the Word of God. In addition to leading in the local church, Pastor Lewis has been instrumental in launching a ministry in India that includes an accredited Bible college and seminary, church planting efforts all over India, an orphan ministry, and pastor training. Learn more about Lewis Richerson's work: https://www.wbcbr.org/contributor/lewis-richerson https://twitter.com/LewisRicherson –––––– 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 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV
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    36 mins