Not Alone

Let’s be honest—most church leaders don’t enter ministry because they love spreadsheets and budgets. But we know that healthy ministries require healthy stewardship. Eddie Urbine joins the podcast to share simple but essential principles for managing church finances with wisdom, transparency, and integrity. From creating sustainable budgets to building trust through accountability, this episode is...

What happens when artificial intelligence meets ministry? In this fascinating and surprisingly practical conversation, Garth Henson breaks down the myths, opportunities, and ethical questions surrounding AI in the church. From sermon prep and scheduling to discipleship and digital outreach, discover how ministries can use technology wisely without losing the human side of ministry. Also, they talk...

Church planting isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement. In this conversation, SBC of Virginia leaders Josh Turner and Colby Garman unpack how residency programs are developing leaders, how partnerships are accelerating growth, and how churches of every size can play a role. If you care about leadership development, multiplication, and reaching diverse communities, this episode will give you a clear pa...

In this episode, Charles Billingsley and Andy Chrisman share powerful stories, real lessons, and timeless advice for staying faithful, relevant, and grounded in Christ. This one’s for every worship leader, artist, or every Christian who wants to go the distance.

In this episode, Dr. Joe Crider unpacks the rhythms of biblical worship, the story of David and the Ark of the Covenant, and why God’s Word must shape every gathering. Don’t miss this challenge to rethink how your church worships today – and every day.

 In this episode, Steve Bradshaw shares practical tools, powerful stories, and a clear vision for helping your church live on mission every day. Let’s talk about turning everyday conversations into gospel impact.

You’re not alone in wondering what’s at stake in Virginia right now. In this episode, Victoria Cobb, President of the Family Foundation, breaks down the proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage—exploring their legal, moral, and societal impact. With clarity and conviction, she highlights what these changes could mean for families, churches, and communities across the Commonwealt...

In this inspiring podcast, Grant Ethridge and Jeff Mingee join Brandon Pickett to talk about starting 2026 with 21 Days of Prayer. They share inspiring true stories of healing and transformation that have occurred through another season of prayer at LibertyLive Church. Pastor Grant shares miraculous changes and the necessity of approaching God with childlike faith. Get ready to be encouraged and c...

In this episode, Brandon Pickett, Jeff Mingee, and Dr. David Wheeler discuss the evolving landscape of evangelism, the unchanging nature of the gospel, and the importance of connection in ministry. They explore how today's generation is more sensitive to the gospel than ever before and the need for churches to adapt their outreach strategies. It starts with prayer, pastoral leadership, and practic...

This year marks the 30 year anniversary of the start of SBCV. What started with just a few pastors rallying around the innerency of God's Word and reaching the lost in Virginia and beyond is now 900 churches cooperating together. Brian Autry was there at the beginning and recounts some of the stories of those early days and how they impact the mission today!

Pastor Eric Thomas from First Baptist Church in Norfolk joins us to share some incredible lessons he's learned from more than 30 years of ministry. He stresses the importance of adapting to cultural shifts while remaining faithful to biblical principles. And he also reflects on the significance of building trust within the church community and the necessity of a long-term vision in leadership. Cha...

Leading worship in a small church? You're navigating impossible expectations—blending hymns with modern songs, stretching shoestring budgets, and wondering if anyone else gets it. In this episode, Brandon Pickett and David Morton dive into the real talk rural worship leaders need: How do you transition styles without splitting the church? Which songs actually have theological substance? And where...

The path to church revitalizer doesn't always start with being a youth pastor. But it did for Rusty Small. In today's episode, we walk through this unique journey and learn about how he started, the challenges he faced in revitalizing a church, and the importance of community engagement and outreach. Rusty shares valuable insights on leadership, the significance of seminary education, and the impo...

Pastor Grant Ethridge leads Liberty Live Church through 21 Days of Prayer twice a year. Senior adults, working men and women, and teenagers gather at 6 am at the church to seek the Lord. And the stories of how God moves will give you goosebumps! Listen as Brandon, Jeff, and Grant discuss the challenges pastors face in leading prayer initiatives and the miraculous stories that emerge from dedicated...

In this episode of the Not Alone Podcast, Brandon Pickett speaks with Mike Young from Noble Warriors about the importance of men's ministry in the church. You will hear about the challenges young men face in engaging with faith, the need for seasoned mentors, and practical strategies for local churches to effectively disciple men. You'll also learn valuable resources for men's discipleship and the...

Catalyst Church in Newport News walks dogs on the campus of Christopher Newport University to open up gospel conversations. In this episode, founding pastor Jeff Mingee shares with Brandon Pickett how this unique evangelistic effort started and shares insight into how churches and leaders can engage young adults during a pivotal season of life.

So many churches are, unfortunately, not growing, but are either stagnant or declining. That's why SBCV brings pastors together regularly to learn, network, and pray together to see this trend turn around. In this insightful podcast, we dive into three to four keys that helped Swift Creek Baptist in Colonial Heights and its pastor, Ryan Colpitts.

He's led the SBC of Virginia for more than a decade. You may know Brian Autry as the Executive Director of SBCV. However, there were many twists and turns on this path to serving that only God could have orchestrated. In this episode, Brandon and Brian discuss the importance of community in ministry, Brian's personal journey, the role of mentorship, and the significance of maintaining perspective...

Every church has specific challenges to face. Many of those challenges are the same, no matter the size or location of the church. But for those churches that are in rural or small town settings, answers may be hard to come by to help with their unique situations. That's why the SBCV held a special conference just for these churches. In this episode, we talk with John Sharp, who highlights some of...

When Philip Bramblet came to Rocky Mount, Virginia, to pastor Furnace Creek Baptist Church, he knew God had called him there. What he didn't realize was the journey he and the church would have to take and how long it would take. It's a revitalization story of two 5-year chapters, including a time when he was almost shown the door! But along the way, Philip learned one thing that he constantly nee...

It was hard to watch Cracker Barrel try to reinvent itself this year. It tried to move away from the past and into a future that seemed to leave its customer base behind. But what can churches and ministries learn from this process? Marketing expert Mark MacDonald has been a frequent speaker at IFR's Worship & Technology Conference. In today's podcast, he breaks down some lessons that we can a...

This past Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers approved two constitutional amendments that would tear down family and Biblical values in the areas of gender, marriage, and life. And these amendments, if approved by voters in November of 2026, directly impact every Virginian and every church. So why is this November's election so crucial and maybe even more important? We dive into those issues in t...

No one ever hopes for a disaster. But we all know that it's unfortunately a part of life. So, being prepared to help someone in need is so important. That's where the SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief ministries come in. In today's podcast, we talk with a brand-new, trained volunteer who also served with DR as an intern. Aiden Wolfgang shares his experience and why he would do this for a living if h...

One of the most rewarding things in ministry is to see our church members grow in the Lord and serve with joy. But how to get people from the parking lot to the pew to serving can also be one of the most challenging. Today's episode breaks it down and gives you insightful ways to recruit, track, and train your fellow members as we "equip the saints for the work of the ministry!"

No matter where you turn, there is another digital device that is on your desk, your wrist, or your countertop, either chirping, buzzing, or ringing at you. It's just about impossible to live without digital distraction. But author and strategist, Jeff Mingee, tells us ways we can take dominion over our digital lives and even gives us ways to tell if it's actually working!