SCBA Leadership Podcast

What does it look like for a struggling church to seek the help from a nearby, healthy church for a season?   Why should a healthy church consider fostering an at risk church and why should an at risk church consider being fostered?   This episode is part of a short series on churches at risk. People may be few, funds may be low, facilities may be in disrepair and big changes are likely needed, bu...

When replanting, must a church go through leadership change? Must they change their name (should they take out denominational descriptors)? Should they relocate? These questions and much more are tackled in this conversation.    This episode is part of a short series on churches at risk. People may be few, funds may be low, facilities may be in disrepair and big changes are likely needed, but ther...

How can change leaders practice tactical patience?   What changes should be considered first when revitalizing?   In this series we interview pastors who have been used of God to revitalize their church, bringing renewed health and vibrancy to a local congregation.   In this particular episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the SCBA, interviews Josh McDonald, pastor of FBC Arcadia. Josh...

How does Mission:Dignity help retired ministers, church workers and their widows who are struggling financially?   How much help is provided and who can qualify?   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) interviews Denny Gorena, Director of Donor Relations for GuideStone's Mission:Dignity.    Learn more at: https://www.guidestone.org/Mission-Dignity

How can pastors prepare their congregations for the inevitability of conflict? What are the 5 principles of unity? In this short series we are taking a look at biblical, practical, and helpful ways of dealing with conflict in the church. In this particular episode, Matt Singleton (DOM for the SCBA) interviews Blake Coffee, Executive Director of the One Another Project and author of "Five Principle...

Why do 97% of churches never replicate?   Why should churches start churches?   What is the five keys to having a healthy church DNA?   What are the 3 main reasons church plants fail?   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) interviews Dr. Brian Harper, the Lead Church Planting Strategist at Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. Brian has been a missionary and missions pastor for decades....

What does it look like when a church is in "maintenance mode" and what steps can be taken to get out of it?   What are some easy, low cost ways to engage the community?   What does change leadership cost a pastor and what fruit might they expect?   In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help churches turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and he...

What are some clues that conflict is coming? How does a consumer mindset create conflict? How can leaders avoid escalation? In this short series we will take a look at biblical, practical, and helpful ways of dealing with conflict in the church. In this particular episode, Matt Singleton (DOM for the SCBA) interviews Jon Davis, the Executive Director for San Felipe Baptist Association (Rosenburg,...

Should all churches have a succession plan for their lead pastor? What does an effective plan look like?   What are the hidden dangers and significant upside to succession planning? In this episode Matt Singleton (DOM for the SCBA) interviews Dr. Josh Ellis (Executive Director for Union Baptist Association) and Dr. Ryan Jespersen (Executive Director for Dallas Baptist Association). With years of c...

What are the frequent causes of church conflict? What are two keys for pastors when caught in church conflict? Is there any upside to conflict? In this short series we will take a look at biblical, practical, and helpful ways of dealing with conflict in the church. In this particular episode, Matt Singleton (DOM for the SCBA) interviews Dr. Aaron Summers, the Coordinator for Pastorless Churches fo...

What is a Christian response to the issue of abortion? What are the common reasons and rationale for abortion and how can they be overcome with Biblical truth and rational arguments? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA DOM) interviews Janice Weaver, Executive Director of the South Texas Pregnancy Care Center in Seguin, Texas, to discuss the Biblical, scientific, and rational reasons for the pro-l...

What is Christian nationalism? How is the role of the church and the state different? How should Christians understand their relationship to the state? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA DOM) interviews Dr. Nick Acker, Co-Lead Pastor at Grace Church in Ventura, California. Nick is a native Texan, a graduate and now adjunct faculty at Stark College and Seminary. He is also the author of "Exegetin...

Why would a pastor start an orphanage? How has this ministry started by Dr. Buckner developed over the almost 150 year history of Buckner International? How can churches learn from and partner with this great ministry? In this episode Matt Singleton interviews Dr. Albert L. Reyes, the sixth president and CEO of Buckner International. Previously, Dr. Reyes served as president of Buckner Children an...

What is spiritual formation and how is it different than spiritual disciplines? What resources are helpful for both ministers and church members? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA DOM) interviews Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of FBC Llano, on the topic of spiritual formation. Matt earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Truett Seminary and his project focused on helping his church engage with spiritua...

Why is taking a vacation often not enough for ministers? What does ministry burnout look like and how can it be avoided? What FREE retreat resources are there for those in ministry? In this episode of the SCBA Leadership podcast we speak with Cory Brand, the co-founder and co-Executive Director of The Hiding Place, a unique ministry on Lake Brownwood. Cory and his wife, Amy, have served in church...

What is reformed theology and how does it differ from Calvinism? Does God want everyone to be saved? If God has already chosen, why evangelize? In this episode Matt Singleton interviews Dr. Blake White (Southside BC, Abilene) who gives a Biblical, theological, and philosophical defense of Calvinism. Joining the conversation is Corey Barnes, Youth Pastor at FBC Runge.

How can ministry leaders raise up more ministry leaders within the local church? What should leaders look for when discipling those who may be called to ministry? In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) speaks with Rob Millman and Tim LaFleur. Rob and Tim help run an organization, "Follow the Call." Rob is passionate about evangelism, discipleship and church leadership. Tim is world class at e...

What can parents do to help their children and teens navigate the dangers of technology?   How should churches think about practical issues when it comes to ministering to those struggling with gender identity?   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM), RoseMary Vickery (Children & Missions Minister at FBC Kenedy) and Molly Gordon (Kids Ministry Director at FBC La Vernia) visit with Andrew...

What options are there for churches who have less than 25 in attendance?   How can senior adults be the conduit through which vibrant ministry can be done?   In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help churches turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and hear stories of hope.   In this episode we visit with Phillip Cole, pastor of Calvary Baptist...

80% of guests need 7 connections to people within a given church community to become fully engaged. How can churches make those connections? Glenn Lackey is the Co-Founder and Co-President of First Blessing, which aims to provide church partners across Texas with the opportunity to share the love of Christ by providing resources and facilitating shoe ministry events. These events present opportuni...

What does a disciple-making culture look like in the local church? What are some practical tools we can use to help make disciples who can disciple others? How can ministry leaders make discipleship reproducible and scaleable?  Where can leaders weave the message of disciple-making into the church? In this episode Matt Singleton (DOM of the SCBA) is joined by Josh Fuentes (Pastor of Crestview Bapt...

How can leaders earn the needed trust to lead change? In this series we visit with pastors whom the Lord has used to help their church turn things around. We will discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and hear stories of hope. In this episode, DOM Matt Singleton talks with Brad Mills, Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Luling, Texas. Brad has served in this capacity since June 1, 2019. B...

What is Calvinism and what are its alternatives? Why has Calvinism grown so much lately? What does Romans really teach? If faith a gift or do we have the freedom to choose? In this episode DOM Matt Singleton talks with Dr. David L. Allen, Mid-America’s Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of the Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching. Dr. Allen earned his MDIV from Southwest...

What is a theology of creativity and play and how does youth sports fit within them? What are the problems with youth sports today and how can parents and ministers respond to them?   In this episode Matt Singleton is joined by Pastors Corey Barnes (FBC Runge) and Ryan Kurtz (FBC Floresville) to interview Dr. Drew Dabbs, pastor of FBC Hamilton. They unpack the doctoral work Dr. Dabbs on a Biblical...

How useful is personal testimonies in sharing our faith?   How can Christians use questions to help in evangelism?   In this episode Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, visits with Eric Hernandez, Evangelism & Apologetics Lead with the Texas Baptists. Eric is an author and conference speaker on apologetics.   Check out the resources we mention in the podcas...