Center for Baptist Leadership

Pastor Michael Clary joins William Wolfe on the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast to unpack Loser Theology—why Christians are told to "lose" and why we need high-agency Christianity instead. They hit Russell Moore, Tim Keller, persecution, SBC "managed decline," and what courageous Baptist leadership looks like now. In this episode, we cover: How loser theology copes with cultural decline Misused doctrines (justification, sovereignty, persecution, suffering) Why cultural Christianity and Christian nations matter Managed decline in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) The 12 disciplines of high-agency Christianity and what it means to be a "man in the arena" 📘 Get the book – “Loser Theology: Why the Weak will not Inherit the Earth” https://canonpress.com/products/loser-theology Follow Michael Clary: https://x.com/dMichaelClary https://www.dmichaelclary.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Center for Baptist Leadership & episode setup 0:38 – Who is Michael Clary? Background, ministry, and the new book 2:09 – Why “Loser Theology”? Title, controversy, and early reactions 6:07 – Defining loser theology and how it spread in evangelicalism 13:12 – Minority-report Christianity: exiles vs. culture warriors 20:47 – Misused doctrines: justification, sovereignty, and passivity 31:55 – The “doormat doctrine,” persecution fetish, and poverty gospel 47:16 – High-agency Christianity vs. managed decline in the SBC 56:21 – Parable of the talents and God’s condemnation of cowardice 1:00:05 – Cross and crown: courage beyond eschatology debates 1:07:57 – Spectator spirituality, Gnosticism, and true piety 1:12:18 – Call to pastors and young men: stop losing on purpose –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t

Is IVF truly pro-life? Pastor and author Dr. Josh Holler joins William Wolfe on the Center for Baptist Leadership podcast to unpack his book “Misconceiving IVF”—explaining how IVF works, why it violates biblical ethics, and what hopeful, Christ-centered alternatives Christians should pursue instead. In this episode, we cover: What IVF is and how the process actually works Why embryos are people and not disposable “cells” The staggering loss of life baked into the IVF industry Why churches and Christian publishers have been largely silent Better paths: restorative reproductive medicine & Christian adoption 📘 Get the book – “Misconceiving IVF: An Essential Guide to the Perils of In Vitro Fertilization” https://founderspress.org/products/misconceiving-ivf/ Follow Dr. Josh Holler on X: https://x.com/JoshHoller –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313 CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945 CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445 Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673 iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575 PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223 PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575 TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV

Pastor and author Chase Davis joins us to discuss his new book, "Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age." Order it here today and use code "CBL" for 10% off: https://press.founders.org/shop/offensive-christianity/ J. Chase Davis (M.Div, Th.M, Denver Seminary) is Lead Pastor of Ministry of The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. He is the author of Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age (Founders Press, 2026) and Trinitarian Formation: A Theology of Discipleship in Light of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Wipf & Stock, 2021). He also hosts the podcast Full Proof Theology and founded at Commonplace Study. Chase and his wife have three children. Follow Chase on X: https://x.com/jchasedavis Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to J. Chase Davis & Offensive Christianity 1:32 – Meet Pastor Davis 5:35 – Why “Offensive Christianity” Had to Be Written 7:54 – Modern Evangelicalism and the “Winsome” Problem 16:25 – How the Church Became Feminized and Hollowed Out 24:50 – What Is Biblical Masculinity (Beyond Generic Virtues)? 34:08 – Dominion, Strength, and the Calling of Men 41:03 – Low-T Pastors and Effeminate Church Culture 55:56 – Building Your Phalanx: Brotherhood in a Feminized Age 1:10:32 – Practical Steps: Lift Weights, Take Risks, Make War on Sin –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313 CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945 CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445 Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673 iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575 PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223 PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575 TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV

SBC Reformers Just Scored Their Biggest Win in Decades. Here’s What It Really Means. On the heels of the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Executive Director William Wolfe and attorney Jon Whitehead break down two massive victories for conservative reformers: Willie Rice elected SBC President Al Mohler’s Truth & Unity Amendment passes with 74% In this episode, we unpack: How laymen and first-time messengers helped deliver a “clean sweep” Why Willy's win is the first true reform victory in 35+ years How the SBC abuse narrative was weaponized—and why that era just ended The battle of issues vs. tone and why the “tone police” lost Why Mohler stepped down from the platform to the floor mic—and why it worked What conservatives MUST do before Indianapolis 2027 to secure these gains If you care about Baptist polity, confessional integrity, and conservative reform inside the SBC, this is your strategy briefing. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: SBC Reformers Win Big in Orlando 1:45 – How the CBL Podcast Mobilized Messengers 4:40 – Laymen Showed Up: Many First-Time SBC Attendees 10:15 – How Did Willy Rice Win? 18:10 – “Reform Candidate Wins for First Time in 35 Years” 23:20 – Weaponized Empathy, False Sex Abuse Narrative vs. SBC Reality 30:05 – Issues vs Tone: Why the “Tone Police” Lost 39:45 – Mohler’s Truth & Unity Amendment: Why 74% Said Yes 49:25 – Can Conservative Reformers Win Long-Term? 56:40 – Call to Action: See You in Indianapolis 2027 –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b

The 2026 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida is here—and this episode is your go, vote, win battle plan. Executive Director William Wolfe sits down with Jon Whitehead and Sam Webb to break down the most consequential decisions messengers will make this year: • Willie Rice vs. Josh Powell – what’s really at stake in the SBC presidential race• Why the SBC presidency quietly shapes the convention for the next 5–10 years• The ERLC and NAMB: accountability, transparency, and who can be trusted• The fight over female pastors in the SBC and what to do with the Credentials Committee• The Mohler Truth & Unity Amendment – what changed, why “such as” vs. “specifically” matters, and how moderates and conservatives are already trying to frame it • Why this moment is a generational test of Baptist conviction, courage, and biblical fidelity If you’re driving to Orlando, sitting in the airport, or still deciding whether it’s worth the trip:this episode will clarify the stakes, sharpen your convictions, and help you vote with your eyes wide open. –––––– Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org. Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83 Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/ The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings. Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 CastboxFM – https://castbox.fm/channel/id6132313 CastroFM – https://castro.fm/podcast/67110759-1bb9-4fd9-abcb-34113d42e945 CurioCaster – https://curiocaster.com/podcast/pi6894445 Fountain – https://fountain.fm/show/IURohE0rZPJr5h81wxbX Goodpods – https://goodpods.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-565673 iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 iVoox – https://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-center-for-baptist-leadership_sq_f12419733_1.html Listen Notes – https://lnns.co/2Br0hw7p5R4 MoonFM – https://moon.fm/itunes/1743074575 PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 PocketCasts – https://play.pocketcasts.com/podcasts/ddd92230-e3ff-013c-e7de-02cacb2c6223 PodcastAddict – https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/5090794 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 PodcastRepublic – https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1743074575 TrueFans – https://truefans.fm/center-for-baptist-leadership YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV