Lead Defend

SOCIAL:

Lead Defend Conference Interview w/ Alycia Wood - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Last, but certainly not least, we have our interview with Alycia Wood!

The guys sit down with Wood and talk about her first experience with apologetics and how she got involved with it, as well as how we can find evidence for ourselves and truly believe what we believe.

It's all here so don't miss it!

Our speaker videos from the conference are now live! Click here to view and listen to them.

LINKS:

Lead Defend Podcast Video

One Minute Apologist

Reasonable Faith

SOCIAL:

Alycia Wood Twitter & Facebook

Lead Defend Conference Interview w/ Mary Jo Sharp - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, the guys sit down with Mary Jo Sharp before the 2021 Lead Defend Conference. Sharp joined us last year and we were excited to have her back again at this year's conference!

They chat about questioning the logic in arguments from atheists, but also how we should question ourselves in our own logic with Christianity. To be what God intended us to be, we need to really know our God. How can we do that if we don't do the work that it takes? Learn this and more in this week's episode!

LINKS:

Lead Defend Podcast Video

Mary Jo Sharp Website

Why I Still Believe Book

SOCIAL:

Mary Jo Sharp Instagram

Lead Defend Conference Interview w/ Dr. Frank Turek - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, the guys sit down with Dr. Frank Turek before the 2021 Lead Defend Conference. Turek was one of three apologists who spoke at this year's conference!

They chat about his journey into apologetics, how his show CrossExamined came about and what it's all about, his most asked questions at college campuses and more about apologetics you don't want to miss.

LINKS:

Lead Defend Podcast Video

CrossExamined

Frank's Lead Defend Message

SOCIAL:

Frank Turek Instagram

Why does God allow pain & suffering? - Seth Tucker, Ryan Scantling

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Seth and Ryan discuss the most commonly asked question:

Why does God allow pain and suffering?

A complex question with some simple answers.

Lead Defend Conference 2021 Preview Show - Ryan Scantling & Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In the very first video episode of the Lead Defend Podcast, Ryan and Seth are talking about everything you need to know for the upcoming Lead Defend Conference!

Be sure to tune in for all the details!

To register, click here.

Your Life and The Gospel - Seth Tucker and Ryan Scantling

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Seth dives into a recent sermon he listened to about how our lives affect how we present the Gospel. He references Titus 2 and the guys talk about how as Christians, we're always being evaluated by others around us - so let's make sure our lives represent what we believe and preach.

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Finding Your Purpose - Seth Tucker and Ryan Scantling

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this first episode of the new year, Ryan and Seth tackle the big question that most of us think about at least once, if not more, in our lives: What is my purpose?

Sometimes we forget that our purpose is bigger than ourselves. The guys walk through some scripture and talk about how our purpose needs to be in-line with God's purpose for our lives.

Are We Inherently Good? - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

The guys continue to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented

In this episode, Ryan and Seth look at the statement: “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”

If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

Who was Jesus? - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In the next few episodes, the guys are going to take a look at questions and statements recently presented in LifeWay's biannual State of Theology Study. In this study, Americans were asked to rate how they agreed or disagreed with questions and statements presented about theology no matter their beliefs. The results were collected so the data could be presented

In this episode, Ryan and Seth look at the statement: “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” The guys dive into this statement on who Jesus really was: Teacher and God.

If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

What Worship Does God Accept? - Seth, Ryan, feat. Andrea Lennon

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Andrea Lennon joins the guys again to discuss one of the statements made by the study and its results:

"God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam."

If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

To connect with Andrea's Podcast, click here.

God's Perfection - Ryan and Seth feat. Andrea Lennon

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Andrea Lennon, from Andrea Lennon Ministries and host of Inspire On The Go Podcast, join the guys to discuss one of the statements made by the study and its results:

"God is a perfect being and cannot make mistakes."

If you'd like to check out the study yourself and follow along with Seth and Ryan over the next few weeks, click here.

To connect with Andrea's Podcast, click here.

What God Has Been Teaching Us - Ryan Scantling and Seth Tucker

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth asks Ryan the question, 'What has God been teaching you in the last 6-9 months since this pandemic began?'

Seth talked a few weeks ago about what God has been teaching him during this time. Now we talk to Ryan about what he's been learning. We dive into Mark 4 with Jesus calming the storm, and how this time could really be used to help strengthen your relationship with Christ and further His Kingdom. With normal out the door, how can we do to use this time to our advantage?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Before You Leave, Part Two - Seth Tucker, Adam Venters feat. Todd von Helms

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth is joined with guest co-host Adam Venters of the Metro BCM in Little Rock. Together, these two guys sit down with Todd von Helms to talk about his most recent book, Before You Leave: For College, Career, and Eternity.

In part two, the last part in this conversation, they finish diving into the main topics addressed in Todd's book like 'does God really send people to hell' and 'does prayer actually work.' Todd, and the guys, bring knowledge and wisdom brought from life experiences and the Bible to explain how Christians and young adults can handle these questions and adequately address them in their life and with their peers.

LINKS:

Before You Leave book

Todd's Website

SOCIAL:

Before You Leave, Part One - Seth Tucker, Adam Venters feat. Todd von Helms

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In part one, of this two-part conversation, they begin to dive into the main topics addressed in Todd's book like 'can we really trust the Bible' and 'how should we really think about atheism.' Todd, and the guys, bring knowledge and wisdom brought from life experiences and the Bible to explain how Christians and young adults can handle these questions and adequately address them in their life and with their peers.

LINKS:

Before You Leave book

Todd's Website

SOCIAL:

How To Grow In Leadership feat. Brian Hughes

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Lead > Defendo Podcast, Ryan talks to Brian Hughes, Associate College Pastor at First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas about all things leadership.

Brian talks about leaders that have helped shape his skills and life, as well as discuss practical ways you can start sharpening and growing in your leadership skills.

Questions They Discuss:

When you think of the word 'leader' what do you think of?

How would you say people develop in their leadership abilities?

When we think of leadership, biblically, who sticks out to you?

Who have been some people who have shaped you in your leadership?

As a leader, how do you have hard conversations with people?

How did you set up to become a leader?

What were some defining moments in your development?

How can someone grow in their leadership?

What are some resources to use to grow in leadership? (links below)

LINKS:

Spiritual Leadership - J. Oswald Sanders

Leadershift - John Maxwell

Manhood Restored - Eric Mason

Making Disciples Podcast

RFTH Leadership Podcast

SOCIAL:

Navigating A New Normal - Ryan and Seth

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ryan and Seth talk about all the things they’ve accomplished (or haven’t accomplished) during this COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine periods.

The normal we knew is gone, and this new sense of normalcy is setting in, but maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe the normal we knew wasn’t so good after all. The guys take a look at Exodus 33 and talk about what God has been teaching them, or showing them, and how we can use this period of time to advance the Gospel better than we were before.

Questions They Discuss:

What were your COVID projects?

What is something God has taught you through COVID?

Do you want God?

Do I want to get back to normal or do I want to see God do something?

Do we meet with God?

Do we need God?

How do we keep that sense of ‘I have to be desperate for God’s presence’ even when things are starting to go back to a sense of normalcy?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Let's Talk About Immigration feat. Miriam Ramirez

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Miriam Ramirez comes back to chat with Ryan and Seth about immigration. We learned a little bit about Miriam and her law firm in the first episode of season 2, but the guys talk with her more in-depth about what she does and how she does it.

Sometimes we can hear the word ‘immigration’ and immediately get intimidated. However, Miriam talks about the process of immigration and shows that it’s not all that scary. They’re people just looking for a better opportunity through a system that’s a little complicated. Ryan and Seth answer a few of the questions on the citizenship test to see if they would even be able to pass it themselves. You’ll have to listen to the end to find out though if they pass or not.

Questions They Discuss:

What comes to mind when you hear the word immigration?

Why is immigration an issue to some on different levels?

What are some of the things that are difficult in your job that people just don’t understand?

How are people, who immigrate here, misconstrued?

What trip in college help shaped your perspective on immigration?

What kind of opportunities have you’ve had since you are a citizen, compared to those in your family that are not citizens here?

How could someone jump in on this and get those perspectives?

Why is someone getting their citizenship so exciting?

What does a citizenship test look like and what is the process like?

How many questions are there and how many do you have to get correct?

What are some ways that we can pray for you as you go about your job?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Exploring Your Calling feat. Mitchell Emrich

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Seth and Ryan talk to Mitchell Emrich! Mitchell graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2020 and is currently an intern doing student ministry.

The guys talk about Emrich’s journey to being called into ministry, and how that’s shaped his life. God speaks to everyone differently so the calling on your life will be different compared to someone else’s. The guys try to help you discern his voice, and how you can faithfully obey His calling for you.

Questions They Discuss:

When did you start sensing that God was calling you into ministry?

How do you feel a call to ministry?

What are some of those events/people/things that helped shaped you into who you are?

Who are those wise individuals that you called and talked to?

What are some ways to explore your calling?

What are some pitfalls in ministry that you’ve encountered?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Ryan & Seth Return feat. Miriam Ramirez

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:00:00 +0000

WELCOME BACK TO SEASON 2!

In the very first episode of season 2, Ryan and Seth talk to one of Ryan’s good friends from college - Miriam Ramirez! In this episode, you’ll hear her heart for the Lord, and also her passion for helping those in difficult situations.

Miriam has had her own law firm, Ramirez Law Firm in Hot Springs, for four years now. She has a passion for family and immigration law but a huge heart for Jesus as well. Her goals are always to make sure her clients are taken care of and win their case and to make sure they see the love and grace of Jesus through her.

Questions They Discuss:

Does it usually take a year to get your license?

What was it like growing up as a pastors kid? When did you come to faith yourself?

Where did the dream to go to law school come from? What made you passionate about the law?

How did you process what people would say about ‘you can’t be a Christian and a lawyer’?

How do you live out the Good News of Jesus in your profession day in and day out?

How would you view your work as a calling - something the Lord has told you to do?

What’s it like finding a community/church in a new town as a young adult?

What would be your advice to yourself 10-years ago, or a college student today?

What’s your favorite place in Hot Springs?

Is there a story, or scripture, that has helped drive you in life?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

So You’ve Graduated College...Now What?

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 28 May 2020 11:18:00 +0000

In the final episode of season one, Ryan and Seth talk to Keith Youngs. A 2019 graduate from the University of Central Arkansas, Keith is a young professional navigating the world of life after college. In the life of a college senior, especially during COVID-19, the future might seem a little unclear. There is hope, even in hard times, as long as we continue to lean on God for guidance and peace.

In this episode, you’ll hear the guys talk about Youngs' college experience and his spiritual life. You’ll also learn some practical tips on finding your passion in your career, building your resume, and how to properly use it as well as how to nail that interview.

Season one is coming to a close, but be on the lookout for information regarding the release date of Season two! We have a lot of cool shows planned. Be sure to check out any episodes from this season that you missed so you’re all caught up. Stay tuned!

Questions They Discuss:

How was your college experience?

How does one get passionate about supply chain management?

How important is passion in pursuing your career?

At what point do you start thinking about your resume? How do you build it?

How many resumes did you send out? How did it go getting that interview moment?

What are some pro-tips in landing a good interview? How should you dress?

Why did you accept a job with Hershey?

What are some pro-tips for transitioning to a new community in your young adult years?

What are some of those opportunities to say ‘yes’ too?

How do you live out your faith being the newbie in a company/organization?

LINKS:

Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung

SOCIAL:

Missing Out On Senior Year Feat. James McCormick

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 14 May 2020 11:27:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a ton of different people in different ways. One of those being seniors across the board, whether it was high school students or college students. Being a senior in 2020 did not play out as you thought it would a year ago. In this episode, Ryan and Seth sat down with a local high school senior to talk about their unusual senior year.

James McCormick is from Harmony Grove high school and a fellow senior in the class of 2020. Like many, he’s had a lot of things canceled including his final high school baseball season. However, he talks to the guys about how this pandemic has not only affected him but encouraged him in ways he never thought it would.

Questions They Discuss:

What are some things you, or your peers, have really missed out on?

What’s it like preparing for that next chapter of your life, when you really didn’t get closure on the previous one?

What was the day like when you found out school was going to be postponed? Canceled?

In this season, what has been the most encouraging thing for you?

What does sharing your spiritual life/daily walk look like?

What advice would you give other high school seniors who are going through this season too?

What are some things you’re looking forward to in the next season of life?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Lead > Defend LIVE w/ Andy Jennings

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:32:00 +0000

In the last, but certainly not least, episode of our Lead > Defend LIVE series, the guys sat down with Andy Jennings. Andy is the Young Adult Pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas.

Apologetics. Its part of what Lead > Defend is all about, but why is it so important? How can we build it up? Seth, Ryan, and Andy talk about all that and discuss some fundamental truths that are useful in building upon your faith.

Questions They Discussed:

Are young adults actively involved in the church still?

How would you define ‘Apologetics’?

Are these questions of apologetics something people are asking?

Why do you think it’s possible for someone, who’s grown up in church, etc. to still not know what they really believe?

If someone doesn’t have a firm foundation but wants one, where can they start?

What are the fundamental elements that we need?

If you had one word of encouragement that you could give to young adults, what would it be?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Lead > Defend LIVE w/ Abdu Murray

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:32:00 +0000

Abdu Murray joins the guys this week as our LIVE episodes continue from the Lead > Defend Conference in February. Murray, born in Detroit and raised a devout Muslim, came to know Christ in 2000 after a 9-year search. He is now the Senior Vice President for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and speaks and writes on their behalf.

We live in a world of confusion and contradictions. However, the Gospel provides all the answers we truly need. Murray and the guys talk about this confusion, and how young adults can use the Gospel to defend their faith and beat the confusion this world tries to bring into their life.

Questions They Discussed:

What are your books about?

How can confusion be detrimental?

How does the Gospel interact with a confused culture? Does it bring clarity, or allow us to sit in our confusion?

Is it wise to put boundaries around our confusion?

What is the hope we can have in this?

LINKS:

https://www.rzim.org/speakers/abdu-murray

Saving Truth Book

Grand Central Question Book

SOCIAL:

Lead > Defend LIVE w/ Mary Jo Sharp

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 11:32:00 +0000

In the third episode of our LIVE series that we recorded at the Lead > Defend 2020 Conference in February. Ryan and Seth talk to Mary Jo Sharp, assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University. She’s also the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics.

Mary Jo discusses her journey to faith, after growing up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist. She talks about the importance of apologetics and discerning the truth for yourself. A lot of us grow up in church, around important people that share their faith journey with us. It’s important, however, for college students and young adults to grow into their faith as their own so they can effectively discern the truth from the lies that the world tends to throw at them.

Questions They Discussed:

We’ve heard a lot of deconversion stories lately, tell us why that’s not your story?

How did you find a resolution to that tension you had for the church?

What do you think inspires certain people to walk away from the faith?

What is the danger of having it both ways?

What are some resources for young adults and students to find and seek out the truth for themselves? (links below)

If you had one word to give, of encouragement, to college students and young adults, what would it be at this phase in their life?

Do you have more hope for the generation to come, in light of those things?

What is your word to the church today?

LINKS:

https://www.bethinking.org/

Why I Still Believe Book

https://www.str.org/

https://maryjosharp.com/

SOCIAL:

Lead > Defend LIVE w/ Bill Newton

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:33:00 +0000

In this episode, we continue with live recordings from the Lead > Defend 2020 Conference. The guys talk to Bill Newton, Generations Pastor at First Baptist Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Newton has been with the conference since the very beginning.

The abortion debate has been a topic of discussion for many years now. With recent laws being challenged or even changed, it’s more important than ever that we as Christians discern what’s right and wrong about the topic in order to have an informed opinion and be able to point people toward the Gospel. Newton, an apologist, goes into depth with Seth and Ryan about how to properly argue against abortion with grace and biblical facts.

Questions They Discussed:

Where does the conversation on abortion start?

Where does Bill land on this topic?

What are some logical thoughts to consider in this argument?

How would you speak into a moment of crisis like this, if someone was having to choose between life or abortion?

Wahre some other arguments you can use against abortion?

How can students be advocates for life?

Is there ever a time in which getting an abortion is okay?

LINKS:

Tactics Book

Case for Life Book

SOCIAL:

Lead > Defend LIVE w/ Ricky Chelette

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:33:00 +0000

In the first of five LIVE episodes we recorded at Lead > Defend 2020 conference, we bring you, Ricky Chelette. Ricky is the Executive Director of Living Hope Ministries in Arlington, Texas. He was one of several breakout session speakers. In his session, he discussed ‘Understanding Gender Development in Males & Females.’

In this episode, the guys talk to Ricky about today’s culture surrounding gender identity and sexuality, and what the Bible says about all of it. They also discuss what the Living Hope Ministry does for those who are questioning their identity and faith.

LINKS:

https://www.livehope.org

SOCIAL:

What's The Deal With Alcohol?

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 11:34:00 +0000

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Adam Venters again to discuss the topic of alcohol. It’s something that’s advertised everywhere, on social media, our tv shows, etc. You can’t escape it. So how can we as Christians discern the right and wrongs? Ryan and Adam dive into that and share some personal stories and wisdom on what to do, and how to deal with it.

Questions They Discuss:

Why is there so much discussion around the controversy of alcohol?

What are some scriptures that stood out to how we should handle alcohol?

How do you discern justifying those actions?

What are the differences in legalism and just a personal commitment that people make in their life?

What has been your personal commitment to alcohol, and how has that shaded the fact that you work with college students if any?

Why is the excuse that ‘Jesus turned water into wine, so drinking alcohol must be okay’ so dumb?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

The Old Testament Doesn't Suck And Here's Why

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 11:34:00 +0000

In this episode, Seth is gone and Ryan is joined by Adam Venters, Metro BCM minister for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the surrounding areas. Together they dive into the Old Testament to prove that it doesn’t actually suck. There are things you can learn from it and apply to your life. They're here to prove that even while living in a New Testament world, the Old Testament can still be relevant and used in your life.

Questions They Discuss:

What was your first interaction with the Old Testament that you remember?

People look at the Old Testament as not directly practical so, if I’m looking to be formed by God, why wouldn’t I just stick to the New Testament?

Where do we start?

How do we digest all this information?

What are some quick resources that are incredibly helpful in reading the Old Testament?

LINKS:

https://bibleproject.com/other-resources/

SOCIAL:

Mentors And What We've Learned From Them

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:34:00 +0000

In this episode, Seth and Ryan talk about some mentors in their life, and the things they’ve learned from them. They also talk about how to find a mentor in your own life. Mentorship is something younger generations have grown to encompass into their own lives. They cherish the wisdom and truths they can learn from older generations and their own peers.

Questions They Discuss:

Have you had a time in your life that you didn’t have a mentor?

What are the qualifications for a mentor?

What are some things you’ve learned from mentors?

What are ways to identify a mentor?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

Dealing With Seasons Of Discouragement

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:35:00 +0000

Discouragement is something we all deal with. It’s unavoidable. In this episode of the Lead > Defend Podcast, Marissa joins Ryan and Seth to talk about how you can deal with seasons of discouragement. They’ll leave you with some tips, as well as encouragement.

Discouragement is normal, and as Christians we can use that season to dig deeper into God’s word and shine His light not only for us, but for others in times of discouragement as well.

Questions They Discuss:

What do you do when discouraging situations arise?

How do you deal with discouragement?

How is it possible to focus on the ‘bigger picture’ in moments of discouragement?

How can your heart be in the ‘right spot’ even when everything around you is bad?

How can you let Christ shephard you in seasons of discouragement?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

New Year, New Resolutions

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 11:35:00 +0000

Christmas is over and 2020 is just around the corner. With a new year brings new goals and promises you want to try and keep, something called New Year's Resolutions. In this episode, Marissa joins the guys again to talk about making those resolutions and keeping them. They also dive into 'God-honoring' resolutions like reading the Bible in a year and share helpful tips on where to begin and how to not fall behind (and they also share that it is okay if you do fall short).

Questions They Discuss:

New Year's Resolutions - Are you for them, or against them?

What are some of the most common resolutions?

What does it mean to develop a daily quiet time?

Where does someone start in reading God's word, and developing that habit?

What are some other God honoring resolutions that people can use?

LINKS:

SOCIAL:

LIVE: Baptist Collegiate Ministers Tackle Hot Topics

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 11:35:00 +0000

BCM Ministers Cole Penick from the University of Arkansas and Tyler Hoffpauir from Arkansas State University join us in our last live episode to discuss hot topics (and we don't mean the store) that we face every single day. Discussions on mental health, sexual identity, and political standings are topics that have become increasingly elevated in today's culture. The guys talk about each one, and how we, as Christians, can appropriately respond and handle each one according to what God calls us to do.

Questions They Discuss

How to handle depression/anxiety in yourself and friends? Recommendations?

How should a Christian respond to a sexual confused culture?

What is a healthy response to a friend that decides to 'come out' to you?

How do you love well without affirming patterns of behavior that don't line up with scripture?

How do we, as Christians, engage lovingly and well in a politically charged culture without drawing lines?

LINKS

People To Be Loved by Preston Sprinkle Book

Is God Anti-Gay by Sam Allberry Book

SOCIAL

LIVE: Financial Truths w/Bobby Thomas from the Arkansas Baptist Foundation

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:02:00 +0000

As young adults, learning to manage our finances can be challenging and confusing. This week, Ryan and Seth are joined by Bobby Thomas, CEO and President of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation, to talk about how to successfully deal with your finances. Bobby brings experiences from his own life, and uses biblical examples to show that managing your finances is not only just responsible but something we are called to do. Note: this episode was recorded live at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. LINKS http://www.leaddefend.org/, https://www.abf.org/ SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/leaddefend/, https://www.instagram.com/leaddefend/, https://www.facebook.com/ABFsince1949/

LIVE: Finding a Church Home w/Daniel White from CBC Jonesboro

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:36:00 +0000

It can be hard to find a new church. This week, Seth and Ryan are joined by Daniel White, Associate Student Pastor at Central Baptist Church, to talk about how to get plugged into a church. Daniel brings lots of wisdom on what to look for in a church and how to find out the best ways you can be serving. Note: this episode was recorded live at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

Questions They Discuss

What was Ryan looking for in a church when he was in college?

What does Daniel as a pastor see young people looking for in a church?

How does a church’s connection to the community affect all this?

How important is it to have other people your age at your church?

How did God design discipleship to work?

What if you’re the only young person in your church?

How can you plug into your church?

LINKS

SOCIAL

LIVE: Lessons in Leadership with Dr. Ben Sells

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:36:00 +0000

This week Seth & Ryan are LIVE at the 2019 Arkansas Baptist State Convention speaking with Dr. Ben Sells, the President of Ouachita Baptist University. Dr. Sells shares his wisdom about leadership and tells us his childhood dream of what he wanted to be when he grew up.

QUESTIONS THEY DISCUSS

What a leader's journey like?

What is the importance of relationships for leaders?

What are the lesser-known or undervalued qualities of a good leader?

What lessons can a leader learn along the way?

Why is failure important?

How can we develop incredible leaders?

LINKS

SOCIAL

How do we know God’s will?

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 10:37:00 +0000

This week Seth & Ryan talk all about God’s will, making big decisions, and what it means when someone says they need to “pray about it” before giving you an answer. What do we do when faced with big decisions that aren’t directly addressed in the Bible? Listen in for some wisdom on the subject.

QUESTIONS THEY DISCUSS

How do we determine God’s will?

How do we know if we’re doing the right thing?

Is the butterfly effect a real thing?

How should a Christian go about making big decisions?

What if I need to make a decision that the Bible doesn’t talk about?

What might it look like to choose a college?

What’s it like choosing a job?

What about choosing a spouse?

LINKS

SOCIAL

Finding Community After College

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:37:00 +0000

In this episode of the Lead>Defend Podcast, Seth and Ryan welcome back their good friend Marissa for a discussion on finding community after college. During school, it can seem really easy to meet people with similar interests, but what about after you graduate and enter the workforce? Listen in for some practical advice.

QUESTIONS THEY DISCUSS

Is the transition after college harder than transition into college?

Why should you take advantage of your college years?

Where can you find community after graduation?

How do you meet people?

Can you have a genuine friendship with your coffeeshop barista?

How do you signal to other people that you are open to conversation?

How should you pick a new church?

What if your church doesn’t have a lot of people your age?

What if you struggle with social anxiety?

LINKS

SOCIAL

Failure Doesn't Define You

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 10:37:00 +0000

How do you bounce back from a failure? In today’s episode, Seth & Ryan break down success, failure, and how to deal with it when you don’t live up to expectations.

QUESTIONS THEY DISCUSS

What are the different types of failure?

How does social media affect failure?

What does the Bible say about failure?

Why doesn’t Ryan play basketball?

What does success look like?

How does this all relate to steak sauce?

LINKS

SOCIAL

Evangelism at College - Interview with Waylon and Caleb

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:28:00 +0000

Why are we so afraid to evangelize? In this episode, Seth and Ryan talk with two students about their success story. Their guest Waylon came to know Christ through the friendship and witness of their other guest, Caleb. It's a fascinating conversation, don't miss it!

LINKS

Waylon's Video

SOCIAL

The Big Transition (to College)

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 10:38:00 +0000

Are you more excited or nervous as you enter college? In this episode, Seth and Ryan break down why moving from high school to college is one of the biggest changes in most people’s lives, and they talk about how faith plays into it. Plus, they give some specific pro tips so you don’t seem like a noob.

LINKS

SOCIAL

Why Purity Matters - with guest Carmen Lane

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:38:00 +0000

This week Seth talks with special guest Carmen Lane all about purity, what it is, and why it matters. How can young people remain pure in our modern culture? Tune in to find out why it’s important to plan ahead.

QUESTIONS THEY DISCUSS:

What’s so important about purity?

What is the connection between purity and wholeness?

How can being sexually pure make your life better?

Is sex a bad thing?

Why is it important to plan ahead?

How far is too far?

What is considered “sexual immorality”?

what is emotional purity?

What are some things to avoid?

LINKS

SOCIAL

Every Single Question About Being Single (or at least the best ones)

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 10:38:00 +0000

Seth & Ryan chat with Marissa about singleness and the importance of having healthy expectations about marriage. Marissa & Ryan talk about the ways married people can stop making life harder for singles. As the only non-single on the podcast, Seth feels singled out

First Dates Don’t Have to be Terrible

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 10:39:00 +0000

Seth & Ryan dish on first dates with special guest Marissa Pilcher. They discuss what makes for a good first date and how to know when you should run for the hills.

QUESTIONS THEY COVER

What is the purpose of a first date?
What are some good first date activities?
What is the worst kind of first date?
How should you decline a first date?
Should you kiss on the first date?

LINKS

www.leaddefend.org

SOCIAL

www.facebook.com/leaddefend
www.instagram.com/leaddefend
leaddefend@absc.org

Seth & Ryan Have the Sex Talk

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 10:39:00 +0000

In this episode of Lead > Defend, Ryan and Seth continue their dating series by talking about the dreaded three-letter word: SEX. What’s a Christian to think about sexuality in a culture that has many conflicting ideas on the subject? Tune in to find out.

QUESTIONS THEY COVER

Is sex evil?
Why is it important to wait until marriage?
Is there hope if you’ve messed up? Can you try again?
Can a relationship be saved if you’ve gone too far?
What are some reasons that God created sex?
What are some healthy boundaries to set?
Should you tell the person you’re in a relationship with about past things you’ve done, if any? What are the possible consequences?

LINKS

SOCIAL

Facebook

Insta

Dating Advice from an Old Married Dude and a Guy Still Figuring it Out

Arkansas Baptist State Convention — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:12:00 +0000

Welcome to the first ever episode of Lead > Defend, in which Ryan asks, “What is love?” and Seth replies, “Baby don’t hurt me.” Your hosts discuss the ins and outs of dating in 2019 and answer all your burning questions on the subject.

Is casual dating okay for a Christian?

Should you pray with your partner?

And what about online dating?

Listen in for all the details.

LINKS

Ryan's dating graph: Watch Now