Pastor Matters

In this episode of "Pastor Matters," the hosts welcome back Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of church budgeting. Dr. Rainer emphasizes that a church budget is not just a financial document but a blueprint for mission, aligning financial resources with the church's vision and goals. He shares insights on how to evaluate and adjust budgets to ensure they support the church's...

You may notice a few audio issues in this week's episode. We apologize, and are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. We really appreciate your patience in listening through it! 

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Kristin Kellen and CEO of Anchored Virtual, Rebekah Hannah, to discuss the unique challenges faced by ministry wives. They explore the pressures of visibility in church roles...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the importance of church planting and the role of residencies in developing future pastors. Our guest, Dr. Matt Rogers, shares on his personal journey into ministry, the significance of mentorship, and the various models of residency that can be adapted to different church contexts. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in pastoral development and offers practical advi...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Art Rainer to discuss the importance of financial stewardship for pastors and church leaders. He shares insights on common financial challenges faced by those in ministry, the significance of budgeting, and the steps to achieving financial health. The conversation also covers practical advice on navigating housing allowances, taxes, and the implications of opting out of Social...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a deep conversation about marriage with Dr. Tate Cockrell, and his wife, Wendy. The Cockrells share their personal love story, the hurdles they encountered in their early years, and how they overcame these challenges. Our discussion extends to common issues faced by Christian couples, particularly those in ministry, offering practical advice for nurturing a healthy marriage. We emphas...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the practice of scripture memorization. Dr. Andrew Davis shares his personal journey with memorizing scripture, the techniques he employs, and the profound impact this practice has had on his pastoral ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the Word of God for spiritual growth, equipping pastors for effective ministry, and fostering a deeper relation...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we continue our series of the Pastors Roundtable. We are joined by Dr. Allan Moseley and Dr. Scott Pace as we delve into the vital topic of discipling families within the church context. The conversation highlights the need for flexibility in family discipleship, acknowledging that each family's approach will differ based on individual circumstances and children's unique personalities. Our guests ...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we continue our series of the Pastors Roundtable. We discuss the challenges of time management and scheduling in pastoral leadership. We explore the balance between various roles in ministry, the obstacles pastors face in managing their schedules, and the importance of editing priorities. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for effective time management, including the significance of ...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss our hopes and plans for 2026, focusing on equipping pastors through various programs and events. We highlight the Christ-Centered Exposition Workshop, the Timothy Scholars Program, and monthly equipping lunches aimed at fostering community and learning. The conversation also covers the upcoming Engaging Exposition Conference and preaching labs designed to provide practical training for ...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage with guests Zac Workun and Chad Higgins to discuss the critical role of families in student ministry. They share about their new book 'Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churchs Together,' which explores the disconnect between families and church activities and the importance of defining the role of parents in discipleship. The conversation emphas...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage with Dr. Stephen Wade, who shares insights on the benefits of forming a pastor cohort. Dr. Wade discusses the vision behind his cohort, emphasizing the need for support and encouragement among pastors, especially in a competitive church environment. The conversation highlights the benefits of building relationships, sharing resources, and fostering a community that uplifts one another in...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Josh Wredberg, one of the authors of 'Every Member Matters: Why Your Church Needs You and Why You Need Your Church'. We discuss the significance of church membership, the roles of members, and the importance of active participation in church life. Wredberg shares his personal journey to understanding membership, the structure of his book, and practical insights for pastors and chu...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the importance of preaching to a diverse audience within the church. We delve into strategies for engaging all age groups and backgrounds during sermons. The conversation highlights the challenges preachers face in connecting with their congregations and offers practical tips for effective communication, including the use of visual aids and understanding the unique needs of children and...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the critical elements of sermon introductions and conclusions. We emphasize the importance of engaging the audience from the start and providing a clear, impactful conclusion that encourages action. The conversation includes practical tips for crafting effective introductions, the significance of knowing the audience, and the need for intentionality throughout the sermon preparation pro...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with preaching during the Christmas season. Dr. Allan Moseley shares insights on how to effectively incorporate Old Testament references into Christmas sermons, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and avoiding common interpretative mistakes. The conversation also highlights the significance of preparation, the role of...

This week's conversation revovles around how to be a faithful pastor during the holiday season. We discuss how to be intentional in creating a holiday schedule and leading both family and congregation. We also share insight on preaching the Christmas story, emphasizing the significance of God's incarnation in Christ and its implications for preaching and evangelism.

We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!

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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the challenges of dealing with criticism in ministry. We consider the importance of having a support system, the need for prayer, and the value of responding thoughtfully rather than hastily. Our conversation also touches on the significance of staying focused on the mission of the church and recognizing that someone is always observing how leaders handle criticism. 

We hope this episod...

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless shares what he misses about being a pastor. We discuss the profound significance of pastoral work, emphasizing its eternal impact and the unique privileges it offers. We reflect on the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of parishioners and the importance of walking alongside them through life's highs and lows. The conversation also highlights the learning opportuniti...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tim Beougher and Dr. Scott Hildreth to discuss the critical theme of 'finishing well' in ministry. They explore the dangers of 'drowning in shallow water,' the importance of accountability, the role of spiritual warfare, and the necessity of prayer in sustaining a healthy ministry. The conversation highlights lessons learned from evangelists who did not finish well and emphasizes the need for p...