The Pillar Network

Brandon Langley and Phil Newton discuss elder led congregationalism as a model for church polity. They talk about the difference between elder led, elder ruled, and purely congregational models, building communication and trust with the congregation, appointing new elders, and more.  

Dave Kiehn interviews Brian Walker from Anchored Virtual about biblical counseling in the local church. They discuss the crucial role of biblical authority in counseling, the story of Anchored Virtual, and more. Find out more about Anchored Virtual here .

Danny Rurlander gives a talk on the importance of holding the authority of Scripture over our experiences. Danny shares the ultimate experience of hearing the Word of God, to see Jesus as he really is and become like him, as we preach Christ through all the Scriptures. Danny is a member of our network and the senior pastor of Moorlands Church in Lancaster, UK.

Phil Newton shares valuable lessons on pastoral theology from faithful pastors and theologians throughout church history, including the pursuit of Christ-likeness, holiness as an example for the church, the effect of holiness on preaching, and how suffering shapes the character of a pastor. This talk is from one of the breakout sessions at the 2024 Unite Conference. 

Brandon Langley talks with Bobby Jamieson about young men aspiring to the office of pastor/elder, including pitfalls to avoid, thinking well about calling and desire, establishing pastoral internships, and more. Bobby is a member of our network and the senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, NC.

Clint Darst gives a talk on the authority of the Bible over culture. He discusses why Scripture has authority over culture and how we can have clarity and confidence from the Word of God as we relate to the world around us. Clint is the lead pastor of King’s Cross Church in Greensboro, NC. This talk was originally given at the 2024 Pillar Unite Conference.

Nate Akin talks with Parker Moore about congregational singing, including how to promote joyful corporate singing, the value of theologically rich music, and the revitalization of Cleveland Road Baptist Church, where Parker serves as the Senior Pastor.

Matt Rogers & Nate Akin host a discussion with panelists Blake White, Jason Finley, Josh Wredberg, and Clint Darst. They discuss the importance of elder plurality, including some of the challenges, ways to maintain a healthy balance of authority and deference among elders, senior/lead pastor roles, and more. This audio is from a network-wide Zoom call from December 5, 2024.

In this episode, John Musyimi delivers a talk on maintaining the authority of the Bible over pragmatism. He delves into the fear of God versus the allure of success, exploring various temptations that can lead us towards pragmatism. John is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of North Point Baptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya. This talk was originally given at the 2024 Pillar Unite Conference...

In this episode, Brandon Langley interviews Orlando Saer and Casey Williamson on college ministry in the local church and how it relates to church planting. They discuss some of the challenges, pitfalls, best practices, and more. Orlando is the Senior Pastor of Christ Church Southampton in the UK, and Casey is the Lead Pastor at Goodwood Community Church in Baton Rouge, LA. 

In this episode, Phil Newton interviews Aaron Menikoff and Zack DiPrima about planting from the perspective of a sending church. They discuss the motivations for sending, preparing both Zack and the core team, timing, and more. Aaron is the senior pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. Zack and his team were sent out to plant Trinity Church Kennesaw in early 2024. 

In this episode, Phil Newton and Jordan Thomas discuss pastoral endurance at a Pillar pastors gathering in Memphis, TN. They talk about challenges to enduring in pastoral ministry, what it looks like to endure faithfully, and more. Jordan Thomas is the Lead Preaching Pastor of Grace Church Memphis. Phil Newton has decades of experience in pastoral ministry and now serves as the Director of Pastora...

In this episode, Liam Garvie, Johnny Lithell, Jason Wredberg, and Jimmy Steele discuss raising up leaders through residencies in the local church. They discuss the purpose and content of residencies, identifying candidates, funding, and more. This panel discussion is from one of the breakout sessions from the 2024 Unite Conference.

In this episode, Nate Akin gives a talk on Sola Scriptura, biblical authority, tradition, and how baptists have navigated these topics. This talk was originally given at the 2024 Pillar Unite Conference.

In this episode, Brandon Langley and Liam Garvie interview Matt Smethurst about deacon ministry in the local church. They talk about the biblical principles and functions of the office, identifying deacons, deacon ministry in church planting, and more. Matt is the lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, and the author of Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church.

In this episode, Phil Newton interviews Mark Livingston about church revitalization. Mark shares his experiences of pastoral ministry, biblical principles for revitalization, and encouragements for pastors in the process of revitalizing churches. Mark is a member of our network and the lead pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. 

In this episode, Nate Akin interviews Dr. Albert Mohler about how he became a baptist, baptist confessions, holding important theological convictions, and more. Dr. Mohler is the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a member of Third Avenue Baptist Church.

In this episode, Phil Newton, Pillar's Director of Pastoral Care and Mentoring, shares eight tips for a healthy, effective, and Christ-honoring pastoral ministry. Phil covers topics such as being intentional in living as a Christian, nurturing and prioritizing your marriage, training potential leaders, and more.

In this episode, Liam Garvie and Phil Newton talk with David Martin about pastoring an international church in Germany, raising up leaders, and more. David is a member of our network and the lead pastor of International Baptist Church in Cologne, Germany. 

In this episode, Phil Newton interviews his pastors, John Sarver and Joshua Chatman. They discuss planting Midtown Baptist Church in Memphis, why churches should plant churches, planting with another staff elder, and more. 

In this episode, Nate Akin talks with Liam Garvie, Paul Rees, and Martin Smith about Martin's conversion, training and journey to pastoral ministry. Martin is the senior pastor of Hawick Baptist Church, a Pillar church in Scotland.

In this episode, Brandon Langley talks with Juan Sanchez about the dangers of pragmatism in pastoral ministry, and how the scriptures provide everything we need for properly shepherding and equipping the church. Juan is the senior pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, TX.

In this episode, Dave Kiehn talks with Jimmy Steele and Will Forrest about their experiences with planting churches on the west coast of the US. Jimmy is the lead pastor of the Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and Will is the lead pastor of Summit Life Church in Seattle, WA.

In this episode, Tiago Oliveira gives a message from 2 Timothy 1:15-25 on guarding the gospel. Tiago is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Lisbon, Portugal and he serves as President and Academic Dean of the Martin Bucer Portugal Seminary. This talk was originally given at the 2024 Pillar International Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In this episode, Brandon Langley interviews Austin Roden, pastor of Great Commission Baptist Church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They discuss some of the challenges for ministry in Cambodia and why the local church is vital in missions.