Unapologetic from SBU

Southwest Baptist University
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast mostly about Southwest Baptist University, in which Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard share insights from the SBU community and discuss cultural and religious topics through a Christian worldview.

  1. Aug 12

    Ep. 62 - Kicking Off New Year with New Interim President

    The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni. There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music! Key Topics Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith Strategic planning and future vision for SBU The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition 01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections 03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership 04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights 09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience 13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England 19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning 24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps 33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture

  2. May 14

    Ep. 61 - Redford Division of Christian Ministry Insights w/Dr. Matt Kimbrough

    Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests 08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities 14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU 19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement 24:07 Redford School's Program Developments 27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact 32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership 33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences 37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth

  3. May 1

    Ep. 60 - Spring 2026 Memories and Previewing Study on Romans

    Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology. Chapters 03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement 06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education 09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview 12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year 13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy 19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology 24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel 31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans 35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church 37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events Keywords Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living

  4. Apr 23

    Ep. 59 - Student Interview with FCA President Ben Stelken

    Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as they explore senior Ben Stelken's journey from a non-Christian background to a committed follower of Christ, his leadership on campus, and his plans for the future in physical therapy. This episode offers insights into faith development, student leadership, and balancing athletics with academics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and icebreaker 07:07 Ben's Journey to SBU and Faith Exploration 17:45 Leadership Roles and Community Engagement 22:48 Academic Pursuits and Future Plans Keywords faith journey, student leadership, physical therapy, campus life, Christian faith, college students, FCA, SBU, student athlete, spiritual growth

  5. Apr 2

    Ep. 58 - Shane Pruitt on Cultural Apologetics and Reaching the Next Generation

    Next Gen leader Shane Pruitt of the North American Mission Board joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard in an engaging conversation about how to address current cultural challenges and the lies that Christians are prone to believe in today's age. They recap Shane's visit to SBU and his conversations with students, while also discussing current books that they are reading. You won't want to miss this episode with one of the top Christian voices speaking to young people (and the church at large) about how to reach our culture for Christ and spread the truth of God's word. Chapters 00:00 Engaging the Next Generation: Challenges and Strategies 02:38 Understanding Happiness vs. Joy in Christian Life 05:25 The Role of the Church in Cultural Conversations 08:30 The Importance of Biblical Truth in Modern Issues 11:32 The Power of Personal Testimonies and Community Engagement 14:31 Future Directions Resources The Nine Lies Christians Believe - https://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/567890/nine-lies-christians-believe Rosaria Butterfield's Work on Cultural Apologetics - https://rosariabutterfield.com/ Not My Jesus Bible Study by Lifeway - https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/not-my-jesus-bible-study-P005123456 The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truman - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234

  6. Mar 31

    Ep. 57 - Campus Event Updates and Discussion on Military Service

    Jonathon Woodyard returns to the podcast after a stint of military commitments as an Army chaplain, joining Brandt Merritt to talk about recent and upcoming campus events. They spend some time recapping Jonathon's time in military service and some perspectives on the beginning of the U.S. conflict with Iran. They also discuss the SEC basketball championship game between Mizzou and Kentucky.  Chapters 00:00 Chaplain School and Military Training 07:07 Military Engagement in South Carolina 18:13 Tensions and Rumors of War with Iran 22:54 Military Security Measures During Tensions 28:50 Campus Events and Spring Break Missions 29:17 Upcoming Campus Events and Trips

  7. Mar 12

    Ep. 56 - The State of Healthcare in SW Missouri Part II: Citizens Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Calhoun

    In the second of two episodes focused on healthcare in Southwest Missouri, Mike Calhoun of Citizens Memorial Hospital joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the ways CMH is working to address the needs of the region. An alum of SBU, Calhoun gives an in-depth look at the hospital's expansion, workforce development strategies, and the impacts on community well-being. He also shares his personal story of coming to faith and being called into ministry. This is a wide-ranging interview with one of SBU's longstanding partners that you won't want to miss. Chapters 01:29 Healthcare System Overview 04:20 Growth and Changes in CMH 07:11 Community Impact and Personal Touch 10:31 Workforce Development Challenges 13:17 Future of Healthcare in the Region 21:23 The Growing Need for Healthcare Workers 22:17 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Careers 23:38 Challenges in Healthcare Workforce Recruitment 25:58 Turnover Rates in Healthcare Positions 26:57 The Impact of Education on Healthcare Careers 28:54 Building Local Pathways for Healthcare Education 30:49 The Importance of Community Integration 32:42 The New CMH Hospital Expansion 34:36 Enhancements in Emergency and Inpatient Care 37:01 Modernizing Facilities for Better Patient Experience 38:57 Future Growth and Technological Advancements 41:17 Attracting Talent Through Facility Improvements 43:35 Collaborative Efforts for Community Health

  8. Mar 6

    Ep. 55 - SBUnited Giving Day Preview/Goals and Enrollment Updates

    Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt to preview SBU's upcoming giving day, SBUnited 2026 on Thursday, March 12. They highlight significant momentum in giving trends to SBU's Annual Scholarship Fund and overall giving, including increased dollars and increased donors. They also give an update on capital campaign planning connected to SBU's campus master plan, and share positive enrollment trends. For those interested in learning more about SBUnited Giving Day, visit advance.sbuniv.edu/sbunited. Chapters 00:10 Guest Introduction: Leon Worth 00:59 Supporting SBU Through Giving and Enrollment 05:16 Details of Giving Day and Goals 07:29 Campus Engagement and Student Involvement 09:22 Giving Trends and Momentum 11:43 Potential for Record Giving Year 13:57 Campus Development and Future Projects 17:46 Restricted vs Unrestricted Giving Explained 19:41 Enrollment Growth and Student Success 24:30 Local Community and Recruitment Success 28:50 Student Impact Stories and Mission 29:46 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

See All (62)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A podcast mostly about Southwest Baptist University, in which Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard share insights from the SBU community and discuss cultural and religious topics through a Christian worldview.

Information

  • Creator
    Southwest Baptist University
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unapologetic from SBU

You Might Also Like