Lead Defend

When it comes to overcoming something as prevalent and addictive as pornography, it's not just about willpower... As followers of Jesus, we can trust God's framework for healthy sexuality that involves covenant, communication and genuine intimacy. Resources: Covenant Eyes, Pure Desire Contact Bill Newton: bnewton@absc.org

What does it look like for women to fulfill the call to serve the body of Christ? Today, we get to hear from two special guests - Carmen Lane and Nicole Courson - as they share how God called them and continues to encourage them as they serve the Lord.

Pastor Ed Newton joins us today on the podcast, sharing some personal insights and encouragements about how God sees us versus how we sometimes see ourselves. You can learn more about Ed Newton at ednewton.com

Joining the podcast today is Pastor John Meador! In this episode, John encourages listeners to embrace their calling and trust in God’s ongoing work in their lives.  John is a longtime pastor from Texas who has served at Cross City Church (formerly First Baptist Church, Euless) for over 20 years, with a total ministry spanning 40 years. His new book, "God's Not Done With You" reflects on biblical...

Wade Wilson shares about his call to serve overseas through the International Mission Board's two-year Journeyman program. If you want to learn more about missions opportunities through the IMB, visit imb.org

Andy Pettigrew joins the podcast today to share about missions in his own life and opportunities for you to join the global effort to fulfill the Great Commission. Learn more at imb.org About our guest: Andy and his family served as missionaries to sub-Saharan Africa with IMB for 13 years. Andy now leads NextGen Mobilization for the IMB with a passion to serve local churches and NextGen ministries...

Tara and Jamie Dew join us in this episode to discuss their own calls to ministry, the importance of a seminary education and the value of in-person learning. You can learn more about New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at nobts.edu

In this episode of the Lead Defend Podcast, Bill and Brock welcome back renowned author and apologist Lee Strobel to discuss his latest book, "Seeing The Supernatural." Unlike his famous "Case for" series, this book takes a different approach, focusing not just on proving the supernatural exists but helping readers experience and understand it from a biblical perspective.

Sean Emory is an attention-grabbing perception artist who uses his skills to bring people closer to Jesus. He is also a great friend to Arkansas and we are excited to have him here on the podcast!

Some areas in the Bible are addressed clearly. But there other areas where thing are a little more "grey." In this episode, Pastor and speaker Tom Richter shares a method for discerning those grey areas using principles found in the book of 1 Corinthians.

Lee is best known as an apologist and for his best-selling "Case For..." series, among other books. But Lee is actually an evangelist at heart. In this episode, Lee gives important insight on personal evangelism. Many believe there is only one style of evangelism and as a result, rarely share their faith. Lee shares there are multiple styles of evangelism and how knowing your particular style can...

How would you know if God was calling you? In this episode of Lead Defend, special guest Jeff Iorg helps us unpack God's call for our lives by sharing his own experience of God's initial call to ministry and then how he later revisited it throughout his life.   If you need help exploring your own call to ministry, please connect with us! absc.org/ministries/explore-your-call/   Also, the Lead Defe...

This episode explores Pastor Brian Mills' background in ministry, his call to serve in the local church, and his current role as the senior pastor of Together We Church in Yukon, Oklahoma. The discussion between Bill and Brian also touches on resources and strategies for helping students transition from high school to college, as well as principles of personal leadership development. Brian Mills i...

Happy New Year! In this first episode of 2025, Bill, Hannah and Ryan sit down together to discuss the history of the Lead Defend podcast, reflect on various seasons of ministry, and celebrate the new things the Lord is doing. Ryan Scantling is the Lead Pastor at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He formerly worked as the campus minister at Arkansas BCM and also at Conway BCM. He ha...

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Lead Defend, get ready to hear from Pastor Fred Luter about his near-death salvation experience, his dream from God, FRANgelism, and much, much more! Fred Luter is the Senior Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you are considering a call to ministry, check out this website: https://exploreyourcall.com/ And don't forget to re...

Ryan & Bill sit down with Jarrett Stephens, the pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX to discuss his testimony and his ministry. In this episode, Jarrett presents 3 practical words of wisdom to help guide your thought process when making big life decisions.    If you are wanting to explore a call to ministry: https://exploreyourcall.com/

Rob Phillips is passionate about apologetics. In this episode, you will hear about how it became important to him and how he now approaches Gospel conversations. He currently serves as the Associate Executive Director for the Missouri Baptist Convention.

The Gospel is for everyone - and Roger Sherrer is here to share his story from fervent atheism to mormonism to Christ. Brock and Roger discuss the importance of doctrine in our lives and how somebody might talk with someone who identifies as a Mormon.

Sean Emory is a perception artist with a passion for the Truth. In this episode of the Lead Defend podcast, you'll get to hear some of his story! Also, if you didn't already know, Sean is set to be a speaker at this upcoming Lead Defend conference. Enjoy the show!

Brock and Bill get to chat with Shannan Inman about the need for every christian to be an apologist. Shannan is a stay at home mom, professional calligrapher and a follower of Jesus who is passionate about apologetics.

In this episode of Lead Defend, Bill and Brock take some time to discuss leadership with Brent Crowe.  Brent Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and communicator who has a passion to present the life changing message of the gospel. Brent uses humor and real-life situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles. The roles of husband, father, minister, evangelist, author and leader...

In this episode, Bill Newton steps in with Brock Caldwell to talk with Brett and Erin Kunkle. They discuss the importance of learning how to share the Gospel as a teen. They also delve into their work with their ministry, MAVEN .

Warren Gasaway steps in with Brock Caldwell to talk about life in ministry. The two interview Bill Newton, who serves as the Next Gen and Discipleship Stratetigst at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. The three encourage those who are called to church work to be bold and step out in faith.

This episode of Lead Defend was recorded with Ryan and Brock at the 2024 Statewide Conference on Evangelism + Church Health. They talked with Shane Pruitt and Catherine Renfro, both from the North American Mission Board, about revival and how the next generation can become involved in spreading the Gospel in mighty ways.

This episode of Lead Defend was recorded with Ryan and Brock at the 2024 Statewide Conference on Evangelism + Church Health. They sat down with Ken Whitten about his call to ministry and how the Lord has led him throughout his tenure. The three discuss the importance of wise counsel and the importance of obedience. Ken gives advice to young people who feel prompted to follow the Lord in vocational...