Pastor Pastor

In this episode, Pastor Mike Ruel of Highlands Bible Church sits down with Wes and Rob to share his journey from corporate America to full-time ministry and how God prepared his heart for local church leadership along the way. Mike reflects on his church’s partnership with NETS, the changing church landscape, and why strong, gospel-centered leadership matters more than ever. 

Is your church characterized by evangelistic zeal? Are you? Evangelism is a team sport involving every member of the church and fueled by gospel preaching that doesn't shy away from the hard truths. In this episode, Wes shares how pastors can lead their churches to move beyond occasional outreach events and build a culture of gospel witness fueled by love, biblical teaching, and personal testimony...

In this episode of Pastor Pastor , Wes unpacks the art and craft of preaching, from the early stages of sermon prep to the final moments of delivery. You'll hear how NETS builds on seminary studies in training men to handle God’s Word, and why it's essential to connect with your particular congregation to stir hearts, challenge minds, and call both believers and nonbelievers to repentance.

In this episode of  Pastor Pastor , Wes digs into the heart of gospel shepherding as it applies to older saints. This season of life is not about coasting or settling into spiritual autopilot, but about living sacrificially with grit, grace, and purpose. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or simply feeling the pull to slow down, you'll come away encouraged that your best years for Christ&...

In this episode of Pastor Pastor , Rob invites Wes to share his experience and insight on small group ministry—why it matters, what helps it flourish, and how it functions as a mini church. Wes lays out the role of the leader, the importance of using the time well, and how small groups can foster real discipleship, care, and connection. This conversation offers practical wisdom and a clear reminde...

In this fascinating episode, Wes is joined by special guest Nate Pickowicz, pastor, author, and proud New Englander. Nate is known for numerous books, including "Reviving New England" and "Dear Titus: Letters on Church Planting" (with a chapter contributed by Wes). But Nate brings more than ideas to the table—he brings hard-earned insight from the frontlines of New England past...

In this episode of  Pastor Pastor , Wes explores one of the most critical—and often overlooked—aspects of shepherding: gospel counseling. Wes explains what makes gospel counseling unique, why it’s essential, and how it strengthens both a pastor’s preaching and his relationships within the church. Drawing on over three decades of pastoral wisdom, Wes offers practical insight for every pastor.

Our second episode of listener-submitted questions gets personal as Wes shares stories and insights on pastoring, parenting, what NETS needs, and more. There's something for everyone, from pastors to brand-new believers, grandparents to teenage girls. Tune in for another episode filled with pastoral warmth and wisdom.

In this fast-paced and fun episode of “Pastor Pastor,” Wes answers a wide range of listener-submitted questions—some deep and theological, others lighthearted and personal. Listen as Wes addresses each topic with honesty, humor, and the pastoral wisdom you've come to expect.

In this week's podcast we unpack a phrase that captures the heartbeat of the NETS Network churches: "Calvinism with a smile." Wes explores why Calvinism often gets a bad rap, clarifies misconceptions, and shows how understanding Reformed theology actually leads to joyful mission, evangelistic passion, and churches that are solidly biblical and boldly missional.

In today's episode, Wes Pastor is joined in the studio by B.J. Walters, lead pastor of Redeeming Grace Church, a NETS Network church in northern Vermont. Grab your Bible and listen in as these skilled pastor-theologians take a deep yet practical dive into Romans 7. Does Romans 7 describe your life? Discover why your answer to that question is crucial to shepherding your flock—and even to your...

If sin’s power has been broken in a Christian's life, why do we still sin? Is it a failure to walk by the Spirit moment by moment? Building on our last episode, "Slave or Free?," Wes Pastor unpacks key passages that shape our understanding of sin's influence and our freedom in Christ. This thought-provoking conversation clarifies common misconceptions concerning growth in holiness, struggles with...

What does it mean to be a Christian? In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes Pastor brings a clarity to conversion that has sobering implications both for pastors and the flocks they shepherd. Drawing on his pastoral experience and his PhD studies, Wes exposes the root of conversion confusion and explains what it looks like to have a faith that works.

Parenting is never easy, and for pastors, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, Rob Trubia asks Wes Pastor how parents can raise children who love the church rather than grow to resent it. Wes offers wisdom on building strong, lasting relationships that carry through the teenage years and into adulthood.

Wes Pastor and Rob Trubia continue their conversation on anger with a discussion on what habitual anger can reveal about the state of your soul. Wes shares biblically and practically from his own experience battling this besetting sin, including adjusting expectations to keep anger at bay, practicing righteousness in the power of the Spirit, and embracing the confidence a Christian has in winning...

In part 1 of our two-part series on anger, Wes Pastor and host Rob Trubia explore this universal emotion that can have devastating consequences for your church. Discover the difference between sinful and non-sinful anger, and find out how to deal with all anger swiftly and biblically. 

As we launch Season 2, Wes draws on his decades of experience as both a husband and pastor as he and Rob discuss godly communication. Learn the importance of closing the loop, how to listen with understanding, and why it's sometimes wise to say nothing at all. There's also a thought-provoking dive into technology and communication. Don't miss this episode filled with steps you can take today to st...

As we wrap up Season 1 of “Pastor Pastor,” we’ve put together a special episode filled with highlights from the year. As we look back, we're reminded of what a blessing this season was to produce. It's been an even greater blessing to receive such encouraging feedback from you, our listeners. We look forward to Season 2, and thank you for being part of this ministry.

Episode 15 of “Pastor Pastor” dives deep into the heart of pastoral ministry as Wes answers the critical but often neglected question, "What does it mean to shepherd as a soul physician?" Listen as Wes and Rob explore how pastors can discern the spiritual health of those entrusted to their care without becoming 'soul police'.  Their conversation will stretch your understanding of pastoral care and...

Seminary education was once the gold standard for pastoral training. What's changed, and why does it matter? In today's episode of "Pastor Pastor," Wes dives into the shifting landscape of pastoral preparation, from apprenticeships to the rise of seminaries to today's dramatic increase in online studies. He discusses why fewer pastors pursue seminary training and the ripple effects this trend may...

How did New England go from a Puritan haven to a post-Christian landscape littered with empty churches? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes takes us on a captivating journey through the rise and fall of the church in New England, through the so-called Enlightenment and the Great Awakenings, and onto the mission field that is New England today. Learn what is needed to set the table for revival, h...

In Episode 12 of "Pastor Pastor," we pick up our conversation with Wes and Sue with their seminary years. With her characteristic warmth and candor, Sue offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as Wes's faithful ministry partner throughout seminary, a church plant, and the conception of NETS. You'll discover the unique role of a pastor's wife (it might surprise you!), the particular challenges of m...

In Episode 11 of "Pastor Pastor," we're joined by Wes's wife, Sue, for a candid conversation about the people and events that shaped her journey to faith, the love story that brought the couple together, and the affection and convictions that have forged their partnership in ministry and in life. Sue is Lead Women's Mentor for NETS, and her practical wisdom, sharp strategic mind, and ability to em...

In Episode 10 of “Pastor Pastor”, Wes and Rob are joined by Reverend Shadrach Vegah, NETS graduate and the founding pastor of Gospel Baptist Church in Cameroon, as well as the NETS Center for Church Planting and Revitalization in Africa. Together, they explore the unique dynamics of church life in Cameroon, comparing what’s familiar and what’s distinct from the American church experience.  Shadrac...

In Episode 9 of "Pastor Pastor," Wes explains how the NETS Residency Program equips pastors to become exceptional preachers. Wes and Rob dive into the heart of the NETS Residency Program’s exegesis, theology, and preaching track, and its focus on crafting sermons that stay true to Scripture and are deeply relevant for the congregation. They also discuss the unique challenges and opportun...