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

In this episode, Pastor Danny recalls the reckless generosity of an unnamed woman whose actions are located in all four gospels. Her name is not mentioned nor are there any recorded words from her in that situation. More importantly, however, is that what she did remains as a testimony of love for Jesus. Her actions in that moment continue to be told "in memory of her." In a similar way, what is d...

In this episode, Pastor Danny and Brent McDougal have a fun yet meaningful conversation about Halloween, discussing personal experiences with the holiday, cultural tradition, and how the church can navigate this holiday. The conversation deals with fear and death, spiritual forces, and the importance of remembering the saints. Brent is the author of "Prayer Power: 40 Days of Learning to Pray like...

In this episode, Pastor Danny shows appreciation for pastors and others in helping professions. He discusses the struggles of feeling that one's work may not matter, drawing parallels to the life of poet John Keats. The conversation explores themes of failure, restoration, and the significance of love and community in the face of adversity. The need for hospitality, the dangers of fear, and the ca...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Matthew Bimstein about his education, influences, and the importance of music and the arts. Matt (aka Mr. B) shares insights on the challenges and rewards of being a band director, the impact of marching band on students, and the significance and role of community support. He reflects upon the influence of faith in his life and the legacy he hopes to leave...

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Meredith Miller about nurturing faith in children and the metaphor of spider webs to illustrate resilience in faith. She discusses the dangers of oversimplifying Bible stories, the importance of rituals in spiritual formation, and the need for connection and fun in church settings. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's uniqueness in...

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed about the importance of celebrating church health, navigating transitions, and the interconnectedness of the pastor's health and the church's health and well-being. She also explores the concept of "soul repair", the challenges of church bullying, and the importance of accountability. The conversation highlights her own experience a...

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the current state of political violence in America, especially with the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Danny draws parallels to events in America that occurred in 1968, while emphasizing the importance of preaching timeless truths from scripture. He discusses the challenges of preaching in today's culture, the need for the church to stay focused on...

In this episode, Pastor Danny references 2 Timothy 3 and explores the importance of spiritual roots, the authority of the Bible, and the dynamics of community and criticism within the church. He emphasizes the need for individuals to stay true to their faith and navigate the challenges of modern life, including the influence of social media. He also highlights the significance of orthodoxy and ort...

In this conversation, Kim Cook talks about the challenges of clergy burnout and the impact of clergy health on congregations. She discusses the importance of peer support, the effects of the pandemic on clergy, and the need for churches to care for their pastors. She also emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to well-being, including physical health and emotional support. Kim is a licens...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Pam Durso shares her journey to becoming President of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, her experiences during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her insights on the role of women in ministry. She discusses the evolution of theological education and reflects on the challenges and joys of leadership in a diverse and changing environment. Pam has B.A....

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on a recent sermon, using a baseball game analogy to illustrate the importance of following the right path in life. He discusses the greatest commandments of loving God and loving one's neighbor, emphasizing the need for true compassion and authenticity in the church. He also challenges listeners to embrace hospitality and community engagement, urging them to...

In this episode, Dr. Wanda Hardee Kidd talks with Pastor Danny about her experiences in college ministry, the importance of listening in evangelism, and the challenges faced by women in ministry. She reflects on her personal journey through grief and healing during a road trip, and discusses the impact of the SBC and 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. She also emphasizes the need for community enga...

In this episode, Dr. Brian Kaylor talks with Pastor Danny about the origins, dangers, and influences of Christian Nationalism. He offers historical context on topics like flags in houses of worship, the Pledge of Allegiance, and “In God We Trust.” Much of the conversation stems from his book, "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism.” Brian is a Baptist minis...

There are many implications relating to the IRS's decision not to enforce the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. Pastor Danny talks about the potential consequences of this shift, including the risk of churches becoming politically partisan and losing their spiritual integrity. The church must be careful to focus on its mission of spreading the gos...

"Let not your heart be troubled" is a challenging and encouraging instruction from Jesus. Pastor Danny refers to these words recorded in John 14 as part of Jesus’ farewell discourse. Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that his departure from them was necessary and real, but temporary. These words are often quoted during times of death, loss and grief. Yet, they are also timely for believers who...

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the themes of courage, faith, and the importance of liberty of conscience through the lens of historical and biblical narratives. He discusses Randy Pausch's last lecture, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the significance of religious freedom, emphasizing the need for conviction in the face of adversity.

In this episode, Danny offers his experiences and insights from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in St. Louis. This includes references to remarks made by keynote speakers at luncheons and worship services. Danny also offers a few takeaways from the Assembly, which includes a visit to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals (sadly, they lost to the Cubs).

In this conversation, Dr. Rick Bennett, coordinator of Tennessee CBF, talks with Pastor Danny about his journey in ministry, the challenges faced by pastors today, and the diverse landscape of churches in Tennessee. He also talks about the need for community engagement and the mission of CBF. Rick has been Field Coordinator of Tennessee CBF since 2016.

In this conversation, Adam Velk talks with Pastor Danny about the historical significance of the Clinton 12, the first group of black students to desegregate a school in the American South. He shares insights into the challenges faced by these students, the role of community leaders like Reverend Paul Turner, and the ongoing impact of these events on the town of Clinton. He also emphasizes the imp...

In this episode, Jeff Langford drops in for an interview about the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He talks with Pastor Danny about the importance of building relationships in ministry and notes some challenges faced by churches today. Jeff notes the generational perspectives within CBF, the role of women in ministry, and the impact of Christian nationalism. There’s a nod to Father’s Day and refle...

Father's Day can be an emotional day for a variety of reasons. Pastor Danny explores the significance of Father's Day, the emotional complexities surrounding fatherhood, and the impact of father absence on children. It highlights personal stories and societal observations, emphasizing the importance of father figures and community support in nurturing children. The discussion also touches on the s...

The Ascension is a vital part of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This event is referenced at the end of the gospel of Luke as well as the beginning of the book of Acts, having been recorded by the same author. Pastor Danny deals with the exploration of spiritual navigation, the mission of discipleship, and the importance of staying connected to Christ. It also references how Christians can...

Life as a preacher's kid has its own special set of challenges, stressors, and blessings. Kelly Dean Johnson talks with Pastor Danny about her parents and what it was like growing up in a church and town as a "PK." She shares some of the joys as well as difficulties of that experience, and some life lessons she learned along the way. Kelly is Director of Clinton City Schools in the historic town o...

Rev. Jason Taylor talks about a recent sermon concerning the bribe and lie the religious leaders gave the soldiers to explain the empty tomb. Yet there have been additional "lies" that have been told that impact the church's life and ministry. Jason talks with Pastor Danny and offers some additional thoughts about how to respond to questions about the Christian faith, while emphasizing the importa...

FOMO is a real thing! Pastor Danny talks about how the "fear of missing out" can distract or even consume our lives, keeping us from doing those things which can glorify Christ. It's important to note that even one of those first disciples who walked with Jesus still failed him. Simon Peter suffered a rather humiliating and public failure and a public restoration, yet this was not enough for him--...