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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.
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the importance of gratitude in ministry, especially as they approach Thanksgiving. They reflect on their personal experiences of gratitude, share insights on cultivating a thankful heart, and emphasize recognizing simple blessings in life. The conversation also to…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome back Mike Young, director of Noble Warriors, to discuss fatherhood and raising the next generation. The conversation covers delighting in every stage of parenting, maintaining open lines of communication with children, and creating quality moments through shared experiences. Mike shares valuable insight…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Mike Young, founder and executive director of Noble Warriors. Mike shares his journey into men's ministry, the mission of Noble Warriors, and practical advice for pastors looking to disciple men effectively. We discuss the importance of equipping men in the church, common pitfalls in men's ministry, and…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen talk with Dr. Randy Mann and his wife, Melanie, about the intricacies of a pastor's marriage. They share their journey from meeting in nursing school to navigating the ministry and parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing family, the unique challenge…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the critical topic of Bible intake for pastors. They explore the struggles many face in maintaining a consistent and meaningful engagement with Scripture amidst life's busyness. Dr. Lawless shares his personal methods for Bible reading and the overlap betwee…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen welcome Dr. Dwayne Milioni, lead pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, NC, and associate professor at Southeastern Seminary. The conversation explores Dr. Milioni's journey in preaching through the entire Bible, his upcoming resource, Jesus Daily Bible, and insights on effect…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser express their gratitude to pastors in celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month. They reflect on the impact of influential pastors in their lives, discuss the importance of faithfulness in ministry, and highlight the challenges pastors face, including the need for preach…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen speak with Keelan Cook, the director of the Center for Great Commission Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. They discuss the vital role of pastors in fostering a mission-minded culture within their churches, the importance of international missions, and practical ste…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the topic of rest for pastors. They share their own struggles with finding rest and the temptation to be constantly busy. They talk about the importance of embracing limitations, learning to delegate tasks to others, the theological aspect of rest and the need t…
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Hershael York, the Dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary, discusses the importance of finishing well in ministry. He emphasizes the need for older pastors to continue growing in sanctification and to focus on raising up successors. Dr. York shares his own experience of stepping down from his role…
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Dr. Herschel York, Dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses his book Pastor Well and shares insights on pastoral ministry. He emphasizes the importance of thinking through pastoral issues before encountering them, the fishbowl life of a pastor, and cultivating a strong home life. Dr. York also shines a …
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss their summer experiences and the upcoming school year. Caleb shares his role as a college director and the importance of forming relationships with college students. They provide advice for pastors who have college students in their church and for pastors whose …
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In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless reflects on his 50 years of being a believer and shares the lessons he has learned along the way. He talks about the joy of mentoring and discipling others and the impact it has had on his life. Additionally, he shares insights on the power of prayer and the privilege of preaching the Word.…
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In this episode, 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 enc…
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In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Pennington joins Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen to discuss his book 'Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Become a Better Preacher' which emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in preaching and highlights the power of incrementalism in a pastor's growth.We hope this episode is encouraging to …
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen continue their conversation with Dr. Eddie Moody, the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. They discuss the challenges that churches and pastors are facing in 2024, focusing on the topics of getting members to put their faith into practice, effectiv…
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Edward E. Moody, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. We discuss a study conducted about challenges that pastors are facing in 2024.How do churches effectively evangelize unchurched people? How do pastors mobilize the church for evangelism? How does the church retain young adul…
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!What qualities make a great leader? What are some failures seen in Christian leaders today? How do leaders lead their team well?In this episode, Dr. Akin reflects on his leadership journey, leadership mentors, and lessons learned.Let us know how this episode encourage…
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In this episode, we discuss prayer in the preaching process.What is the need for pastors to be men of prayer? What are the dangers of neglecting prayer in the sermon process? What are practical steps a pastor can take today to improve in this area?We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share …
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.Dr. Elliff…
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In this episode we are joined by Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.Where does a church begin in starting a guest services ministry? How is a guest services team built? What is included in a guest services ministry?Connect with Danny Franks: dfranks.com"People Are The Mission" Book: https:/…
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!In this episode, we discuss 11 practical ways to grow and improve in your preaching in 2024 and in the years to come. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorsc…
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This is the 150th episode of Pastor Matters! In this episode we reflect on God's faithfulness, look ahead, and share exciting updates! We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!The Pastors' Center received a grant from the Lily Foundation for compelling preaching. Learn more here: https://www.sebts.edu/news-and-events/headlines/2024/05/south…
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.Dr. Elliff…
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In this episode we are joined by Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. What does "guest services" in the church mean? Is a dedicated ministry like guest services necessary? What is the biblical rationale for guest services?Connect with Danny Franks: https://dfranks.com"People Are The Mission"…
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In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the pastor doing the work of an evangelist, modeling personal evangelism, where to begin with personal evangelism, and more!Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emaili…
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In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Robinson reflects on his discipleship journey, the keys to making reproducing disciples, and more!Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.…
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How does a state convention fit in with what a church does? How does the local church help the work of a state convention? Why should a pastor or local church invest in the cooperative efforts of the state convention?In this episode we are joined by Dr. Brian Autry. Dr. Autry serves as Executive Director of the SBC of Virginia.Let us know how this …
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What does it look like for the pastor to lead from weakness? How is the theme of weakness on display throughout the Bible? How did Jesus lead from weakness? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Brian Autry. Dr. Autry serves as Executive Director of the SBC of Virginia. Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailin…
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What are the greatest joys of being a part of a denomination, specifically the Southern Baptist Convention? Why should the pastor and the church invest in the denomination? Why should a pastor remain invested when there is denominational strife?In this episode we are joined by Dr. Danny Akin to discuss the importance of denominational involvement. …
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What is the value of friendship in ministry? What are the dangers of isolation in ministry? Should pastors have friendships in the church? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Danny Akin to discuss friendship in ministry!Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.…
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Benjamin Quinn Associate Professor of Theology and History of Ideas, Associate Director of the Center for Faith and Culture, and senior pastor at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Spring Hope, NC. We discuss bi-vocational ministry.What are some benefits that you enjoy and challenges of bi-vocational ministry? How d…
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In this episode, we discuss discipleship through mentoring. Is mentoring and discipleship the same thing? Why is mentoring crucial to a pastor's ministry? Why should a pastor consider mentoring? We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter…
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.We discuss corporate prayer meetings, leading the church to pray, examining our own he…
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.We discuss the prayer life of the pastor, persevering in prayer, and more. We hope thi…
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Pace, Provost, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Preaching, and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.How does a pastor lead through his pulpit ministry and preaching?Dr. Pace also highlights his and Dr. Jim Shaddix's book, "Expositional Leadership"You can find i…
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In this episode, we discuss how to stay encouraged on difficult Mondays in ministry. The Monday after a tough ministry weekend can be challenging. Pastor, do not quit! We are praying for you! We are thankful for the calling that God has placed on your life to shepherd His people.We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this …
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Pace, Provost, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Preaching, and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. What is an illustration? What are the purposes of illustrating a sermon? What are some pitfalls in sermon illustration?We hope this episode is encouraging to yo…
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In this episode, you will hear the testimonies of two young men, Caleb Iversen and Zac Menser, who have the blessing of serving at the Pastor's Center with Dr. Chuck Lawless. We discuss the excitement of aspiring future ministry and concerns entering ministry.We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged y…
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In this episode, we are joined by Jay Veverka to talk about a strategic plan for next-gen ministry from newborn babies through college graduation. Jay Veverka is the Next Generation Pastor at Open Door Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedbac…
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In this episode, we discuss 11 practical ways to grow and improve in your preaching in 2024 and in the years to come.We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.For additional preaching resources: https://www.pastorscenter.org/b…
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We are joined by Philip Crouse Jr. to talk about his book, "Shepherds On Guard." We discuss guarding our holiness, joy, family, and church as pastors.Philip Crouse Jr. is the pastor at Germanton Baptist Church and adjunct professor at Carolina University.We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or…
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In this episode, we discuss growing as a preacher, the idea of preaching teams, and the value in preparing a sermon in community.We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.Por Center for Preaching & Pastoral Leadership
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In this episode we talk with Dr. Thom Rainer, the founder and CEO of Church Answers. Dr. Rainer served as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Before LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is the author of …
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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.Dr. Elliff imparts wisdom and short sayings to challenge and encourage us. He also shares th…
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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.Dr. Elliff reflects on his leadership journey, what he would do differently in ministry, fin…
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Happy New Year from Pastor Matters!Do you want to know what is coming from the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership in 2024? Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen preview upcoming podcast guests, mentorship lunches, Pastor's Center events, etc. Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@seb…
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How do pastors manage holiday stress and time for sermon preparation? How do pastors navigate the pressure to do something new or better this Christmas? Dr. Lawless shares insight in preparing and preaching during the holidays!Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.…
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What qualities make a great leader? What are some failures seen in Christian leaders today? How do leaders lead their team well?In this episode, Dr. Akin reflects on his leadership journey, leadership mentors, and lessons learned.Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.…
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How can couples navigate the pressures of holiday spending? What steps can pastors take to better manage their finances? When and how should pastors talk about money with their congregation?In this episode, we sit down with Art Rainer to discuss financial stewardship during the holiday season.Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can sen…
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