Research

Convictions matter. In an age of relativism and apathy regarding truth, what undergirds those convictions matters more than ever if those positions are going to stand and if our work is going to be understood. The Research team at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission provides the foundational groundwork that supports our ministry assignment.

Gathering together some of the most respected Southern Baptist minds, the ERLC’s various research initiatives and resources will influence evangelical thinking and give you confidence as you engage the public square with hope.

About ERLC Research

The Research team of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission provides theological and ethical foundations for the organization’s work and articulates a Baptist vision of civic and cultural engagement.

Initiatives of the Research team include the the Research Institute made up of four senior fellows and a cohort of other fellows, the regular production of theological white papers that provide parameters for good policy, long-form essays that help shape conversations in the SBC and wider evangelical world on topics related to our four main areas, and the ongoing production of practical guides and resources for Southern Baptist churches.

OUR RESEARCH WORK

Our Focus

Our ministry assignment is focused on four main areas: life, religious liberty, marriage and family, and human dignity. The work of the Research team roots our efforts in the truth of Scripture, the confessional statement of Southern Baptists, and ethical and philosophical considerations that are consistent with wisdom.

Essays

Long-form content

These 3,000-4,000-word articles deal with topics important to the Research team's work.

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White Papers

Academic studies

These downloadable papers explain an ethical or theological position on issues relevant to the ERLC's mission.

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Guides

Practical and theological church resources

These ebooks, handbooks, statements, and other resources are accessible and applicable to churches and ministry leaders.

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Research

Research consists of the Research team, which is comprised of ERLC staff members and our senior fellows, and the Research Institute, whose fellows are subject-matter experts and advisors for the ERLC. The Research Institute provides collaborative space for Southern Baptist researchers and academics, and its members serve as a resource on theological and policy matters in their areas of expertise.

Research Team

Miles Mullin

Vice President and Chief of Staff, Director of Research

Miles S. Mullin II, Ph.D., serves as vice president and chief of staff for the ERLC, having previously served at the Missouri Baptist Convention, Hannibal-LaGrange University,…

Alex Ward

Research Associate and Project Manager

Alex Ward serves as the research associate and project manager for the ERLC’s research initiatives. He manages long term research projects for the organization under the…

Matthew Blankenship

Research Assistant

Matthew Blankenship serves as a research assistant at the ERLC, assisting in the drafting and review of Research Team assets and resources. He previously worked as…

Senior fellows