Pastor Pastor

In this encore episode of Pastor Pastor , Wes helps us think about what faithful ministry requires in the gospel-parched soil of New England. This conversation is a timely reminder that shepherding is never one-size-fits-all. Pastors must know their people, understand their context, and bring the unchanging truth of the gospel without ever compromising it.

How should pastors think about their finances? In this episode, Wes responds to a pastor’s question about providing faithfully today while preparing wisely for the future. While the conversation is especially aimed at pastors, it offers helpful wisdom for every Christian and encourages churches to care thoughtfully for those who shepherd them.

If God is absolutely sovereign, then how can we have free will? Does God merely allow evil, or does He ordain it? In this episode, Wes helps us untangle what the Bible says about free will and how it relates to election, suffering, and salvation.

Why are there so many Bible translations, and does it matter which one you use? A loyal listener asks Wes to explain why today's most popular translations are different, why they exist, and how those differences affect the way we read Scripture. Wes offers practical guidance for choosing a Bible for study, devotional reading, and everyday use, helping you read God's Word with greater under...

In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Rob and Wes share some exciting news: NETS is partnering with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to offer an MDiv on the NETS Center campus starting in fall of 2027. Learn more about this unique program that combines the rigorous theological education Southern is know for with the hands-on pastoral training that has defined the NETS Residency Program for ov...

How do we know when we've truly communicated? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes talks about the hard work that real communication requires, the heart behind it, and how pastors in particular can communicate with clarity and care.

Back by popular demand, Sue Pastor joins Wes to share how being proactive about their marriage has kept them well connected for over 45 years. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the interactive, intentional marriage retreat framework they've used for decades to improve communication, set goals, and talk about the critical issues common to all marriages with grace and truth. This episode may be th...

In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes shows how our freedom to behold Christ through praise, prayer, and presentation leads to true transformation, and why sanctification is not merely behavior modification but Spirit-empowered metamorphosis.

What are some books every Christian should read? Wes's answers may surprise you. In this episode you'll get both theological and practical recommendations, along with tips for more focused Bible reading. And Wes names his favorite book of Scripture — can you guess what it is?

How do you know when it's time to leave your church? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes discusses mission drift and heresy by omission, the importance of a membership commitment, and how to leave in a way that protects unity and honors your pastor.

In this continuation of our discussion on the biblical definition of “neighbor,” Wes demonstrates how a proper interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable clarifies the evangelical mission of the church and protects the church from missional drift.

How does the Bible answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Get ready to have your assumptions challenged. The Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar parables in the Bible, but it may also be one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes traces the exegetical path of Luke's text to a conclusion that may surprise you.

Whether your view of Jesus' return is premillenial, postmillenial, or amillenial, one thing is clear: Jesus wins. In response to a listener's question, Wes briefly explains each view, then shows how the return of Christ grounds our hope as we go about our daily lives.

Christians can hold differing views on a variety of issues. How do we distinguish between what's biblical, and what's mere conviction, tradition, or preference? In this episode, Wes helps us draw that line, looking at numerous examples and contrasting what the Bible explicitly teaches with what's consistent, but not commanded. It’s a clarifying conversation that challenges assumptions...

Why can you trust that the Bible is God’s Word? Because Jesus did! In this thought-provoking episode, Wes presents evidence for the validity of the Bible, including the self-authenticating nature of Scripture and what to do with textual variants.

Anxiety seems increasingly common today. Is the cause primarily emotional, physical, spiritual—or something else? In this practical and pastoral episode, Wes gives a biblical framework for thinking and shepherding through anxiety. Wes counsels us to repent of sinful anxiety, stay in the lane of what God has revealed, and trust Him to provide sufficient grace for all things.

In this episode of  Pastor Pastor , Wes responds to a listener’s question about whether the Bible teaches differing rewards in heaven and varying degrees of punishment in hell. It’s a conversation that raises important questions about eternity—questions that, once asked, are hard to ignore.

When circumstances are desperate, prayer flows. But for a Christian, a life of prayer flows from a desperation to see God's promises fulfilled. In this candid conversation, Wes reflects on the truths of Scripture, the life of Jesus, and his own personal experience as he challenges pastors, and all Christians, to cultivate holy desperation. Topics include our motivation for desperation, prayer...

In this episode, Wes responds to a listener question: Do the wicked face everlasting conscious punishment or eventual annihilation? Wes demonstrates the consistency and clarity of Scripture concerning the fate of the wicked and discusses the significance of this sobering topic.

Is the fear of God something to dread, or something to treasure? Wes helps Rob explore the dual nature of holy fear: the servile fear that awakens the lost to their need for mercy, and the filial fear that steadies the believer in worship and obedience. Listen in as they consider why fearing God is not opposed to love, but is the very foundation for truly knowing Him.

How can Christians avoid either overestimating or underestimating the power and influence of the evil one? In today's episode, Wes answers another thoughtful question from one of our listeners: "How does Scripture help us distinguish between the effects of the fall and the active work of Satan in the world?"

In this episode, Wes opens with an addendum to an earlier discussion, “What Happens When I Die?”, offering further clarity on what Scripture teaches about life after death. From there, the conversation turns toward personal holiness and what it looks like to behold God in everyday life. Wes helps us see why the Christian life is not divided into sacred and secular categories, and how even ordinary...

What does it mean to take communion "in an unworthy manner"? In this episode, Wes clarifies one of the New Testament’s most often misunderstood warnings. As we walk through 1 Corinthians 11:27–29, Wes directs our focus away from excessive self-examination and toward Paul’s real concern — a divided church failing to love and honor one another. Learn how this passage, considered in context, does not...

In this episode we continue our new weekly format with a question and a challenge. First, Wes walks us through Luke 9:23, clarifying what Jesus means when he tells us to take up our cross. Wes explains how cross-bearing is not a later stage of discipleship, but a defining mark of genuine faith, and helps us recover the full weight of Jesus’ call. Wes then turns to New England, presenting a compell...

What actually happens the moment we die? In this episode of Pastor Pastor , Rob invites Wes into a thoughtful, hope-filled conversation about death, heaven, and what lies ahead both for those in Christ and for those outside of Him. Wes shares what Scripture teaches about being with the Lord, the promise of resurrection, and the sober realities of judgment, while also considering why facing death h...