Unapologetic from SBU

Ep. 21 - Strengthening Ties in the Bolivar Community

In this episode, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss the relationship between Southwest Baptist University and the community of Bolivar, Missouri. They reflect on their personal experiences moving to Bolivar, the historical context of SBU's establishment, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing both the university and the town, emphasizing the need for collaboration and strategic planning for future growth.
 

Ep. 20 - SBUnited Giving Day and Alumni Update

Tomorrow is the big day! SBUnited Giving Day is Tuesday, March 18, and Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about this important day for SBU, its impact on our students, and the importance of alumni engagement and support. The hosts share personal experiences from mission trips, emphasizing how these experiences shape students' lives and their understanding of generosity. They outline the goals for the giving day, including financial targets and matching donations, and explain the difference between restricted and unrestricted giving. The conversation concludes with a call for prayer and support for the university's mission.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SBUnited Giving Day06:08 Memorable Mission Trip Experiences11:50 The Role of Alumni in Giving18:02 Goals and Matching Donations24:05 Understanding Restricted vs. Unrestricted Giving30:12 Alumni Engagement and Future Events

Ep. 19 - An Inside Look at Nursing and Healthcare Programs

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard travel to SBU's Springfield Campus to meet with Dr. Cindy Todd and Dr. Renee McCarley, leaders within the university's healthcare education programs. They discuss the evolution of nursing and radiography programs at SBU, the integration of faith in healthcare education, and the importance of holistic care. They explore student experiences, partnerships with local healthcare institutions, and the impressive outcomes of the nursing programs, including high pass rates on licensure exams. The conversation also touches on future developments in interprofessional education and the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:46 The Evolution of Nursing Programs at SBU05:47 Integrating Faith and Healthcare Education12:10 Student Experiences and Holistic Care18:06 Partnerships and Community Engagement23:49 Outcomes and Success Rates in Nursing Programs29:54 Future Developments and Interprofessional Education
 

Ep. 18 - Church Planting & Leadership with Nathan Millican

In this conversation, Dr. Nathan Millican joins hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss leadership in the church and church planting through his role with the SEND Network.  They explore the challenges facing modern churches, the importance of leadership, and the role of friendship in ministry. The conversation also delves into spiritual growth during college years, the significance of trust in relationships, and God's loving perspective on individuals. Finally, they touch on transitioning to new ministry opportunities and the beauty of the local church. This is a wide-ranging episode about the church at large.
NOTE - There were audio issues in this episode, and we apologize if some sections are difficult to hear.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:21 Challenges Facing Modern Churches05:07 The Importance of Leadership in Churches10:38 Friendship and Community in Ministry13:58 The Role of Spiritual Growth in College18:28 Trust as the Currency of Relationships22:41 God's Perspective on Us24:58 Transitioning to New Ministry Opportunities27:22 Navigating Succession Planning in Leadership32:05 The SEND Network and Church Planting Strategies39:29 Challenges in Church Leadership and Pastoral Gaps44:57 Understanding Co-vocational Leadership and Its Impact50:39 The Holiness of God and Its Relevance to the Church

Ep. 17 - Computer Science from A Christian Worldview

Brandt Merritt welcomes SBU faculty Dr. Tim DeClue to the Unapologetic podcast to talk about his journey teaching computer science at the university, particularly his approach to the integration of a Christian worldview in computer science. They explore the ethical implications of technology, the role of AI in education, and the importance of building relationships with prospective students. They also discuss innovative programs for high school students to earn college credit.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Unapologetic Podcast02:55 Tim DeClue's Journey at SBU05:57 Teaching Computer Science from a Christian Worldview09:12 The Role of Ethics in Computer Science12:11 Integrating AI in Education14:48 Innovative Programs for High School Students18:01 The Impact of SBU's Computer Science Program21:00 Building Relationships with Future Students

Ep. 16 - Trump Administration Impacts on Higher Education

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard, along with SBU President Dr. Rick Melson, discuss various pressing issues in higher education, including the challenges of financial aid, the impact of weather on campus operations, advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and the importance of partnerships and mergers in the evolving landscape of education. They also delve into the dynamics of the Department of Education under the new Trump administration, the balance between accountability and bureaucracy, and the future of Christian higher education in a changing political environment.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Financial Aid Challenges05:05 Weathering Campus Decisions10:10 Advocacy in Higher Education14:50 Mergers and Partnerships in Education19:59 Department of Education Dynamics25:08 Accountability and Bureaucracy in Education29:46 Future of Higher Education and Christian Identity
 

Ep. 15 - Missouri Baptist Life with Dr. Wesley Vance

In this conversation, Dr. Wesley Vance joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss the Missouri Baptist Convention and related topics as he helps lead the MBC in his first year as president. He shares his journey from being a business owner to answering a call to ministry, detailing his experiences in church planting and his current role at Crossway Baptist Church. They also dive into the importance of Christian education, the cooperative program among Southern Baptists, and the role of higher education in shaping culture and community. They discussion emphasizes the need for local churches to take responsibility for evangelism and the integration of faith in education. Additionally, they addresses the ongoing conversation about gender roles within the church and the necessity of clear communication on these issues.
 

Ep. 14 - Servant Leadership and Church History

In this episode, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss a range of topics related to SBU. They share personal updates, including playing basketball and engaging in campus events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, understanding church history, and the role of Christian higher education in shaping future leaders. They also touch on upcoming events and the significance of community in fostering spiritual growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates05:49 Campus Life and Events12:00 The Importance of Servant Leadership18:06 Understanding Church History24:10 The Role of Christian Higher Education29:52 What's Ahead in the Coming Weeks

Ep. 13 - A Deeper Look at the SBU Student Experience

In this conversation, Taylor Wehrle joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss the student experience at SBU's Bolivar Campus. They explore the importance of building a supportive campus culture, the role of faith in education, and the impact of recent political events on the community. The discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful experiences in student life and the significance of discipleship in shaping future leaders. In Taylor's role over campus events and experience, he oversees student groups, student leadership, and a host of activities that together create a culture of engagement and discipleship on the Bolivar campus.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background05:47 Political Reflections and Inauguration Insights15:57 Student Experience and Campus Activities22:43 Building Relationships and Campus Culture25:36 The Role of Administration in Ministry30:11 Navigating the First Semester Challenges37:08 Understanding Team Structures and Dynamics41:45 Planning for Spring Events and Activities

Ep. 12 - Talking Discipleship and Chapel with Stedman Valentine

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome SBU Campus Pastor Stedman Valentine to talk about various aspects of student life at Southwest Baptist University. They explore the significance of chapel services, the growth and impact of discipleship groups, and the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus. For a little fun, they also talk about the college basketball season. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the centrality of the gospel in shaping the university's culture and community.