Pastor Matters

Pastor Matters

The Pastor Matters Podcast seeks to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders in whatever context of ministry they find themselves in. Join Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen each week as they look at various topics related to preaching and pastoral leadership. Pastor Matters is produced by the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Episodes

October 5, 2025 34 mins

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley to discuss the significance of Pastor Appreciation Month. We explore the vital role of interim pastors in providing stability and guidance during transitions, the profound impact of influential pastors in our lives, and the importance of being present in the lives of congregants. The conversation also provides p...

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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by JT English, the lead pastor of Storyline Church. We discuss the significance of discipleship in the local church, the concept of deep discipleship, and the importance of holistic growth in Christian education. Our discussion emphasizes the need for local churches to implement effective discipleship strategies and provides resources for pastors to strengthen their initiatives. Re...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a lively discussion with Shane Pruitt , the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. Shane discusses his role in empowering the next generation of church leaders and introduces his new Bible study, 'Not My Jesus,' which aims to clarify misconceptions about Jesus in contemporary culture. Resources in this episode: Calling Out the Called by Scott Pace and Sha...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley about the nature of calling in ministry. They share personal stories of their own calls to ministry, explore the complexities of discerning one's calling, and emphasize the importance of testing and affirming that call within the church community. The conversation also highlights the role of pastors in encouragi...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Danny Akin and his wife Charlotte share their experiences and insights on parenting, faith, and family dynamics. They discuss the importance of instilling a love for Jesus in their children, the challenges of balancing ministry and family life, and the significance of creating a fun and loving home environment. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode e...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Davis about church revitalization. Dr. Davis shares his personal journey to faith, his ministry experiences, and the challenges he has faced while leading First Baptist Church of Durham. The discussion highlights the importance of God's guidance, the struggles of revitalizing a church, and the significance of expository preaching. We hope this epis...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we explore Dr. Jeff Struecker's unique journey from a military career to becoming a pastor and educator. Our discussion highlights the intersection of military leadership principles and church leadership, the importance of continuous learning, the role of vision in leadership, and challenges faced by pastors. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encourag...
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In this episode we are joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, the publisher for B&H Academic. We discuss the importance of publishing and writing in pastoral ministry, Dr. McEwen's journey in academia, and the role of B&H Academic in providing essential resources for pastors. Resources in this episode: https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/ We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encourag...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Steven Wade, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Southeastern and Lead Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC. Dr. Wade shares his journey in pastoral ministry, discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges faced in smaller churches, and the transition to leading a larger congregation. He emphasizes the need for continuing education for pastors to effectively s...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Kristen Kellen, Tate Cockrell, and Steven McKinion. We discuss the importance of advanced degrees in ministry, exploring the benefits of pursuing a PhD, EdD, or DMin. They emphasize the value of education for personal and professional growth, the structure of various doctoral programs, and the requirements for admission. The conversation also addresses common concerns about time, ...
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In this special 200th episode of Pastor Matters, the team reflects on their journey and time on the podcast. They also emphasize the need for pastors to remember God's faithfulness and take time to slow down and reflect. This episode serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work in pastoral ministry. We’re running a special Pastor Matters giveaway in celebration of our 200th episode! The giveaway includes a Pasto...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, the team revisits their conversation with Dr. Al Jackson, a long-time pastor with a deep commitment to missions. They explore the roots of Dr. Jackson's missionary passion, local church engagement in missions, and the challenges faced in promoting a mission-focused culture. Dr. Jackson shares insights from his past...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, the podcast team welcomes HB Charles Jr., author and veteran pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Orange Park, Florida, about the intricacies of pastoral ministry. They discuss the importance of preaching, the challenges of counseling, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of balancing family...
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In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers in the local church, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement and effective communication. They explore the reasons behind volunteer apathy, the need for training and support, and the significance of celebrating volunteers' contributions. The conversation highlights strategies for effective recruitment, common pitfalls to avoid, and ...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., shares his journey in preaching, emphasizing the importance of sermon preparation, internalization, and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses his early experiences, the evolution of his preaching style, and offers practical advice for young preachers. This interview is sure to help every ...
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In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the importance of evangelism and the authority of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. They explore various miracles performed by Jesus, emphasizing the transformation that occurs in individuals' lives when they encounter Him. The conversation highlights the need for believers to maintain a sense of wonder and amazement about Jesus, as familiarity can lead to complacency in sharing the gos...
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Podcast Highlight - Pastor Well with Hershael York - EP159 by Center for Preaching & Pastoral Leadership
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the significance of silence and solitude in ministry, exploring the challenges of productivity and the importance of finding rest in Christ. They emphasize the need for pastors to prioritize time alone with the Lord, share practical steps for incorporating silence and solitude into daily routines, and reflect on the deeper rest that comes from a r...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! Dr. Jonathan Pennington, author and professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary, discusses preaching the Gospels and the key themes and emphasis of each Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Gospels as narrative and shares his approach to preaching through the Gospels. We hope this episode is encouraging to you ...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. We are also joined by Benjamin Quinn, Associate Professor of Theology SEBTS and the Director of the Center for Faith and Culture at SEBTS. We explore Dr. Begg's journey into pastoral ministry, the importance of cultural awareness in preaching, and the necessity of reading widely. Dr. Begg shares insights on navigating mo...
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