Code Red Podcast: Interview with Megan Basham

In June, Zach and I were traveling to the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis. While waiting in the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for our connecting flight to Indianapolis, Zach and I were getting last-minute updates about the most impactful issues that were to be voted on at this convention- for one, the so-called "Law Amendment" - a vote to change the SBC Constitution to clarify that the only kind of church in friendly cooperation with the convention is one that “Affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.” This amendment had already received a majority vote in 2023 but needed two years of a 2/3 majority vote to make a constitutional change. We were also learning more about the candidates up for election as the next SBC President, and other key issues. As we talked, Zach was explaining the significance of various decisions that may be made and how these decisions would factor in to our congregation at FB First. As we talked, I casually scrolled through my “X” account, reading thoughts and arguments around both sides of some of the issues at hand. In this scroll, I noticed that one of my trusted sources, Megan Basham, had a new book coming out titled Shepherds for Sale, and that the topics in this book would undoubtedly be relevant to some of the leaders and organizations we were about to see and hear from at the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention.

As we were boarding, Zach quietly said, “Don’t look now, but Megan Basham is behind you.” Granted, it isn’t uncommon to cross paths with old and new ministry friends the week of the Convention- that is part of what makes the week so special! I believe that this meeting was especially providential.

In a few moments, we introduced ourselves and Megan was gracious and kind. Ase we boarded the plane, she let us know we were all heading to the same place. Later we learned that she gave a luncheon speech that would cause a large group of pastors and church leaders to stand and applaud, praising her message- making me even more curious about her new book, Shepherds for Sale!

After the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention and a few “X” interactions later, Zach invited Megan to be our Keynote Speaker for FBFirst's Christian Heritage Sunday Luncheon. She graciously agreed to join us for that very special Sunday! This was a pivotal year for our Christian Heritage Celebration, as we also had our first Christian Heritage Parade and Faith Festival in our city of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Our Christian Heritage Sunday luncheon was well attended with approximately 500 church and community members joining us.  Megan shared detailed insights she had uncovered while writing her book, Shepherds for Sale. I believe we all left grateful for Megan’s journalistic commitment to finding and sharing powerful facts that inspired thought, conversation, and prayer. By standing her ground, even when the truth isn’t popular, Megan inspired members of our congregation and community to stand true to their convictions in Christ. I do not doubt that Megan's work in her book, Shepherds for Sale, will inspire critical conversations in homes across America in the same way I imagine her words at our Christian Heritage Luncheon inspired conversation within our FBFirst congregation and local Christian community. As a bonus, it was awesome for my daughters to be influenced by such a Christ-loving, family-first woman who executes her career role with passion, courage, and excellence.

The "icing on the cake" of Megan's visit to Amelia Island was that she agreed to sit down with Zach for an interview- covering both the research for her book as well as her personal journey of faith, family, and work. Two nuggets of truth I took away were (1) Do not judge the success of your work based on the first reaction. Give people time to process, and if you believe what you say, stick to it, no matter the backlash. (2) Let your spouse speak into your interaction on social media, and permit them to tell you when it is taking too much of your time/headspace. Though the nature of our work in ministry is very different from that of a journalist, I can immediately apply these principles from Megan's interview to my own life.

You can listen to the full interview with Megan Basham at Code Red Podcast.  I would highly recommend this to my friends and family, specifically if you are an evangelical Christian, a wife and mom, or are interested in a career in journalism. She is definitely on the front line of Kingdom issues in America and a much needed voice in our society.

You can read more of Megan Basham's testimony here and you can preorder a copy of her new book, Shepherds for Sale , wherever you shop for books. 

Pastor Zach Terry is the host of Maximum Life Radio heard throughout the United States on terrestrial radio and around the world online. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Known for his ability to teach complex ideas in simple terms with practical implications for daily life, Pastor Zach is delighted to help people comprehend and apply God’s Word.

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