Pastor Matters

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

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.

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 many books, including I Am a Church Member, Breako...

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 the background of those sayings. We hope this episo...

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, finishing well in ministry, and the discipline of pr...

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@sebts.edu.

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.

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.

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 send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@se...

In this episode, we discuss how to practically address the signs of leadership fatigue in your life and ministry. Feeling tired or worn out? Do you feel like you've lost vision or passion for ministry? Are you struggling with your spiritual disciplines? If so, we hope this episode encourages you today and helps you take the next step forward. Let us know how we can pray for or serve you by emailin...

In this episode, we open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians to see how the Apostle Paul was thankful for the church in Corinth despite their many problems. Why was Paul grateful to the Lord for the Corinthians? How did Paul express his thanks to the church? How can pastors learn to be thankful for God's people even when ministry is burdensome and difficult? We hope this episode is encouraging to you toda...

In this episode, Dr. Lawless sits with Chris Thompson and Dr. Beau Landers to discuss how Southeastern can partner with your church to develop future ministry leaders. Tune in to learn more about the unique partnership opportunities and how you can get involved. Visit sebts.edu/academics/the-equip-network/ or email distancelearning@sebts.edu to learn more.

In this episode, we sit down with Randy Mann Lead Pastor of Wake Crossroads church. We discuss questions like: Who are the pastors that have influenced you? What would you say to a young man who is wrestling with a call to ministry? If you could start over, what would you do differently as a young pastor? We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encouraged you...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Pace and Peter Rochelle to discuss how Southeastern prepares young men for pastoral ministry through the Timothy Scholars program. We also discuss questions related to how pastors can raise up God-called men for pastoral ministry in their churches. Tune in for this great conversation!

What are the signs of leadership fatigue? How do you recognize these signs in your own life? What are the dangers of leadership fatigue? Join us as we sit down to discuss this important topic.

What is the role of the pastor in counseling? When should pastors refer someone to a professional counselor? What is the difference between pastoral care and counseling? This week we sit down with Dr. Tate Cockrell to discuss the role of counseling in pastoral ministry.

To kick off Pastor's Appreciation Month, we sat down with Dr. Jim Shaddix to discuss questions like: What brings you the most joy in pastoral ministry? What pastors have influenced you and why? How can pastors strengthen their preaching? Make sure to check out our website and social media each week as we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month!

What are some common characteristics of struggling churches? Where do you begin if you recognize unhealthy patterns in your church? What do bumper cars and train tracks have to do with church health? This week we are joined by Dr. John Ewart to discuss how to evaluate and address the health of your church.

What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? What implications does spiritual warfare have on how we approach evangelism? How can pastors equip their church members to be more evangelistic?  Join Chuck and Caleb as they sit down to discuss spiritual warfare, evangelism, and how pastors can equip their church members.

What is spiritual warfare? How do we recognize spiritual warfare in our life and ministry? How should we respond to spiritual warfare? This week Chuck and Caleb sit down to discuss part one of a two-part series on this topic.

Join Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen—new co-hosts of the PastorMatters podcast—as they share how they have sensed God's call in their lives and their excitement for the future of the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership.

What is theology? Is theology for everyone? What is the connection between theology and discipleship? Join Ronjour as he sits down with Jen Wilkin and J.T. English to discuss their new book "You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well."

How do you finish well in ministry? What are some of the greatest obstacles or hinderances to finishing well? Join Ronjour as he sits down with Mark Dance to discuss his new book "Start to Finish: The Pastor's Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry."

What is the image of God? How has sin affected the image of God? What significance does the image of God have for our cultural confusion today? Listen in as Ronjour sits down with Dr. David Dockery and Lauren McAfee to discuss their new book "Created in the Image of God: Applications and Implications for our Cultural Confusion."

What is the American Gospel? How has this gospel shaped our understanding of issues with race, wealth, or justice? How can Pastors protect themselves from false gospels? Listen in as Ronjour sits down with David Platt to discuss his new book Don’t Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully.