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

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...

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 c...

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 The...

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 a...

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...

In this episode, Pastor Danny explores the deeper meaning of the Psalms with Dr. Rebecca Poe Hays. She talks about their structure, authorship, and relevance for prayer and faith. Rebecca recalls her own faith journey and call to ministry, and how the Psalms have impacted the faith community in general. She and Danny take a deeper dive into Psalm 22 and the words from Jesus on the cross, "My God,...

In this heartfelt interview, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Kris Hicks, who talks about the unexpected death of his father at a young age. Their conversation highlights the importance of faith, community support, and remembrance. Kris shares how his faith in Christ and the legacy of service his father left continue to inspire and guide him through life's challenges. Kris currently serves as Minister...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed, professional certified coach to clergy and congregations. Laura talks about her doctoral research on moral injury and soul repair in the United Methodist Church, and the challenges relating to finishing her degree. She also references the unique challenges faced by women clergy, citing examples of demeaning and dismissive remarks o...

Pastor Danny begins a second year of Elisha's Bears with reflections on the significance of Easter. He talks about the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for faith, joy, and personal life. Danny also highlights the role of women as the first witnesses of the resurrection and how this detail points to its validity. He also references how churches tend to be more fearful than joyful, des...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Ben Neal about the spiritual journey of Holy Week, the significance of lament and the importance of presence and authenticity in ministry. Their conversation explores themes of suffering, hope, and the meaning found in pain for faith practitioners and seekers. They also talk the importance of Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem during Passover and the meaning of...

In this 50th(!) episode, Pastor Danny unpacks a recent sermon about God's call of Joshua after the death of Moses. Danny talks about the challenges of following an iconic leader like Moses, and how Joshua's faithfulness proved sufficient in facing his first great test as leader of God's people. Our tendency to see the size of the challenge pales in comparison to the size of the victory as we follo...

In this insightful interview, Pastor Danny talks with Dr. Greg DeLoach about some of the challenges and changes in theological education. They acknowledge the difficulties of the pastorate, changing church expectations and dynamics, and the future of ministry amidst cultural shifts. Greg discusses practical advice for students, the impact of diversity, and the role of technology in shaping tomorro...

This podcast features Holly Gamble Meyer and Lindsay Copeland discussing the funeral industry. In this conversation with Pastor Danny, they talk about the differences between family-owned and corporate funeral homes, the funeral planning process, and the emotional and practical aspects of their work. They share insights into the challenges, rewards, and evolving traditions in funeral services, off...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Lee Fox about the spiritual significance of Lent and Holy Week in the life of the church. They also discuss the importance for Baptists to engage the larger body of Christ during this season as well as support the role of women in ministry. Lee gives additional details as it relates to his preparation for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sund...

In this episode, Pastor Danny and Rev. Tyler Tankersley explore the complex relationship between Mark Twain's views on faith, spirituality, and the church. They discuss Twain's 'spiritually cranky' nature, his critiques of hypocrisy within religious institutions, and the importance of joy in a cynical age. They also touch on the significance of friendship and spiritual formation in...

In this episode, Pastor Danny unpacks a section of a sermon series he’s working on for his church. He deals with the themes of the book of Ecclesiastes and explores the existential questions surrounding the meaning of life. He deals specifically with a passage located in the first chapter, and discusses the author's perspective on knowledge, wisdom, and the inherent meaninglessness of life without...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Dr. Derek Alderman about the relationship of geography and racial equality. They discuss the importance of memory work and commemorative activism, the significance of street naming in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, and the role of maps in documenting community identities. Derek also highlights the challenges faced by black travelers historically and today...

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Dr. Michael Smith who reflects upon half a century of life and ministry, including 30 years as a Baptist Pastor in the Volunteer State . They talk about Mike's call to ministry, a pastor's family life, and the importance of longevity in ministry. The conversation also delves into the nuances of preaching in urban and rural contexts, the dangers of p...

Pastor Danny talks with Reverend Dr. Meredith Stone about her work as Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry. She highlights challenges women face in ministry and the importance of mentorship and support. Meredith reflects on her own call to ministry, the changing work of BWIM through the years. She also talks about the "Billy Graham Rule" and impact of clergy and sexual abuse in the chur...

In this episode, Pastor Danny welcomes Rev. Melissa Roysdon, a dedicated ESL teacher and Pastor. With over three decades of teaching experience, Melissa shares how her work in the school system has intertwined with her pastoral duties, emphasizing the importance of community and the ministry aspect of teaching. She reflects on the honesty of children and how their perspectives keep her grounded, w...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Erik Reed about the influence of AI in our culture and the church. They explore the implications of AI on discipleship, parenting, and mental health. Erik also gives an introduction to and the inspiration for Dominion , a new Christian AI tool. Their conversation deals with the importance of maintaining human relationships in an increasingly digital world a...

In this year’s last episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the Christmas season, emphasizing the importance of community, the theological significance of the Incarnation, and the role of women in Jesus' ministry. He discusses the Gospel of John, the nature of worship, and the balance between faith and doubt, particularly through the story of Thomas. As the year comes to a close, he expresses gratitude...

In this episode, Pastor Danny speaks with Trey Ogle about his love for church music and role of music in worship. They also talk about different kinds of music as well as theology behind worship practices. Trey shares insights on the importance of communal worship, planning music for worship services, and the difference between performance and worship. The conversation highlights the deep connecti...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Elaine Streno about Second Harvest Food Bank and the fight against hunger in East Tennessee. They discuss the growth of the organization, the development of food distribution efforts, and how partner agencies help address the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in the area. She also share emotional and spiritual motivations behind the mission to feed the h...

Pastor Danny explores the themes of gratitude, trauma, and worship within the context of community and faith. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and realizing that our feelings emerge from our thinking. Danny talks about worship as a communal experience and the need for gratitude in our lives. He also touches on the challenges faced by church members and the significance of understanding o...