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. To learn more from Brian and to find additional resources, you can visit https://plantalabama.org/. 

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 hear stories of hope.   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA's DOM) interviews Dr. Shawn Brewer, pastor of FBC Paradise. After making good progress, Shawn partnered with the SBTC's Regenesis program which helps leaders revitalize their churches. You can learn more about Regenesis at https://sbtexas.com/church-regenesis/.

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, Texas). Before entering vocational ministry Jon managed big box stores like Best Buy and Lowe's. He dealt with conflict every day and learned a lot that helped when pastoring and now as an associational leader.

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 church and associational ministry experience, these leaders share their insights, which will help churches think about what a successful succession plan might look like in their context. Along the way they mentioned a few books to check out... Pastoral Transitions: A Seamless Hand Off of Leadership by Dr Gary Smith The Elephant in the Boardroom: How Leaders Use and Manage Conflict to Reach Greater Levels of Success by Edgar Papke

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 for Texas Baptists. Dr. Summers has pastored for a number of years and is no stranger to church conflict. He has recently studied the issue deeply and is working on a writing project to help churches navigate conflict. Loads of practical and realistic advice for pastors and church members!

What key question should a pastoral candidate ask when being interviewed by a church in a revitalization situation?   What advantages does a bi-vocational pastor have in church revitalization?   In this episode Matt Singleton (SCBA DOM) interviews Felix Treviño, pastor of FBC Mathis. Felix is a bi-vocational pastor leading church revitalization in a small town, established church. Pastor Felix has made use of Texas Baptist's Pave Pathways. You can learn more at https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/church-health-and-growth.

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-life case.

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 "Exegeting Orality: Interpreting the Inspired Words of Scripture in Light of Their Oral Traditional Origins"

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 and Family Services. Prior to joining Buckner, Reyes was president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio. Reyes has also served as pastor of three churches and has been involved in numerous roles with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, serving as its president in 2005. He currently serves as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance, USA Region. Reyes received a bachelor of business administration degree in management from Angelo State University, a master of divinity degree in theology and a doctor of ministry degree in missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a doctor of philosophy degree in global leadership from from Andrews University.  Dr. Reyes is the author of three books: "The Jesus Agenda: Becoming an Agent of Redemption" (Believers Press, 2015) "Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice When the Kingdom Comes Near" (Iron Stream Books, 2019) "Never Alone: The Power of Family to Inspire Hope" (Iron Stream Books, 2024). Learn more about Buckner International at www.buckner.org.

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 spiritually forming practices and information.

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 ministry for many years and desire to give ministers a respite from the rewarding and often challenging work of serving in a local church. Learn more about what they do at www.myhidingplace.rest! You can also follow The Hiding Place on FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086930696926

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 equipping pastors, personally investing in the lives of pastors like Robby Gallaty and David Platt. For more information, visit www.followthecall.org! Get their book, "Follow the Call: For Those Aspiring to Christian Ministry and Pastors Mentoring Emerging Leaders"! Get Tim's book, "The Heart of a Disciplemaker: Building a Lasting Legacy Through Authentic Relationships"!

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 Dealy, a licensed counselor and the Executive Director of the Austin Stone Counseling Center. He has helped many parents and leaders in children and student ministries think through issues around sexual identity, anxiety, and the impact of technology in the lives of kids and teens. You can learn more about Andrew and the counseling center at www.austinstone.org/counseling-team/andrew-dealy.

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 Church in Smithville, Texas. This story is somewhat unique in that Calvary is more of a church plant than it is a revitalization or replant. Coming out of Calvary Baptist in Bastrop, Phillip and other leaders began forming a relationship with Trinity Baptist Church. Trinity was down to 20-25 members when they reached out to Calvary for help. The outcome was incredible! But it wasn't easy.

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 opportunities for members of the church to engage in meaningful conversations with families in their local communities they might not encounter otherwise. Learn more at www.firstblessing.org For info on how you can receive Texas Baptist (BGCT) funds for local mission/outreach projects, visit www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/community-missions  

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 Baptist Church in San Antonio) and Keith Durham (Director of Concho Valley Baptist Association) to interview author and Pastor Kirk Freeman (CrossBridge Community Church in San Antonio). The focus of their conversation was around discipleship.   Threads: Weaving Disciple Making Into the Fabric of Your Life UPDATED VERSION disciplemakingthreads.com

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. Before he came to Central, he served at churches in Texas and Alabama. He is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2015), the University of South Alabama (B.S., Management, 2011) and a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, where he became the founding Dean of the School of Preaching and served as the Distinguished Professor of Preaching and as Director of the Center for Expository Preaching. He also held the George W. Truett Chair of Pastoral Ministry and served from 2004–2016 as the Dean of the School of Theology Dr. Allen earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he majored in Linguistics, preparation for using the principles of linguistics in exegesis and expository preaching. Practicing what he teaches and preaches, Dr. Allen has also pastored churches in Texas for more than 20 years. He is founder and editor-in-chief of the new preaching ministry and website, preachingcoach.com, a one-stop shop for all things preaching. Dr. Allen also has a personal blog site at drdavidlallen.com. You can order his latest book on Amazon:  Liberating Romans from Reformed Captivity: A Critical Evaluation of Calvinism’s Interpretation of Paul’s Letter.

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 framework for youth sports.