This year marks the 30 year anniversary of the start of SBCV. What started with just a few pastors rallying around the innerency of God's Word and reaching the lost in Virginia and beyond is now 900 churches cooperating together. Brian Autry was there at the beginning and recounts some of the stories of those early days and how they impact the mission today!

Pastor Eric Thomas from First Baptist Church in Norfolk joins us to share some incredible lessons he's learned from more than 30 years of ministry. He stresses the importance of adapting to cultural shifts while remaining faithful to biblical principles. And he also reflects on the significance of building trust within the church community and the necessity of a long-term vision in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Ministry in a Changing Culture

10:24 Lessons from Long-Term Leadership

21:06 Building Trust and Leading Change

31:40 Cultural Adaptation and Community Engagement

31:40 Addressing Current Events in Ministry

34:10 Advice for Aspiring Ministers

35:55 Looking Ahead: Future of the Church

Leading worship in a small church? You're navigating impossible expectations—blending hymns with modern songs, stretching shoestring budgets, and wondering if anyone else gets it.

In this episode, Brandon Pickett and David Morton dive into the real talk rural worship leaders need: How do you transition styles without splitting the church? Which songs actually have theological substance? And where do you find support when you're the only worship leader for miles?

David pulls back the curtain on what's working in smaller churches—from service planning strategies that actually stick, to the game-changing workshops and networks designed specifically for leaders like you.

This isn't another "mega church worship" conversation. This is about doing ministry where resources are slim, relationships run deep, and every Sunday matters.

If you've ever felt isolated in your calling, this episode is your reminder: You're not alone.