Pastor Matters

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 adults? We hope this episode is encouraging to you to...

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 encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us...

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 any feedback you have by emailing us at pastors...

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 imparts wisdom and short sayings to challenge a...

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://www.amazon.com/People-Are-Mission-Churches-Com...

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 pastorscenter@sebts.edu. For additional preaching resour...

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/southeastern-receives-1-25-million-grant-from-lilly-en...

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 reflects on his leadership journey, what he wou...

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" Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Are-Mission...

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 emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. Resource discus...

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.

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 episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback...

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 emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

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. Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You...

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.

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 do you balance working a job, ministry responsibil...

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@sebts.edu.

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 hearts to pray, and more. We hope this episode is e...

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 this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us kno...

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 it here: https://www.amazon.com/Expositional-Lea...

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 episode encouraged you or share any feedback you...

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 you today! Let us know how this episode encouraged...

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 you or share any feedback you have by emailing us...

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 feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts....

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/blog/5-recommended-books-on-preaching/ If you wo...