Pastor Matters

Pastor Matters

The Pastor Matters Podcast seeks to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders in whatever context of ministry they find themselves in. Join Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen each week as they look at various topics related to preaching and pastoral leadership. Pastor Matters is produced by the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Episodes

November 9, 2025 34 mins

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!

Let us know how ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Dr. Craig Webb, the Executive Director Treasurer of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. The conversation explores Craig's ministry journey, his work with Lifeway on Deacon Magazine, and the vital role of prayer in church leadership. Craig shares insights on developing a prayer life, practical advice for deacons and pastors, and the importance of journaling prayers. The episode emphas...

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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley to discuss the significance of Pastor Appreciation Month. We explore the vital role of interim pastors in providing stability and guidance during transitions, the profound impact of influential pastors in our lives, and the importance of being present in the lives of congregants. The conversation also provides p...

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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by JT English, the lead pastor of Storyline Church. We discuss the significance of discipleship in the local church, the concept of deep discipleship, and the importance of holistic growth in Christian education. Our discussion emphasizes the need for local churches to implement effective discipleship strategies and provides resources for pastors to strengthen their initiatives. Re...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a lively discussion with Shane Pruitt , the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. Shane discusses his role in empowering the next generation of church leaders and introduces his new Bible study, 'Not My Jesus,' which aims to clarify misconceptions about Jesus in contemporary culture. Resources in this episode: Calling Out the Called by Scott Pace and Sha...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley about the nature of calling in ministry. They share personal stories of their own calls to ministry, explore the complexities of discerning one's calling, and emphasize the importance of testing and affirming that call within the church community. The conversation also highlights the role of pastors in encouragi...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Danny Akin and his wife Charlotte share their experiences and insights on parenting, faith, and family dynamics. They discuss the importance of instilling a love for Jesus in their children, the challenges of balancing ministry and family life, and the significance of creating a fun and loving home environment. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode e...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Davis about church revitalization. Dr. Davis shares his personal journey to faith, his ministry experiences, and the challenges he has faced while leading First Baptist Church of Durham. The discussion highlights the importance of God's guidance, the struggles of revitalizing a church, and the significance of expository preaching. We hope this epis...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we explore Dr. Jeff Struecker's unique journey from a military career to becoming a pastor and educator. Our discussion highlights the intersection of military leadership principles and church leadership, the importance of continuous learning, the role of vision in leadership, and challenges faced by pastors. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encourag...
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In this episode we are joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, the publisher for B&H Academic. We discuss the importance of publishing and writing in pastoral ministry, Dr. McEwen's journey in academia, and the role of B&H Academic in providing essential resources for pastors. Resources in this episode: https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/ We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encourag...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Steven Wade, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Southeastern and Lead Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC. Dr. Wade shares his journey in pastoral ministry, discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges faced in smaller churches, and the transition to leading a larger congregation. He emphasizes the need for continuing education for pastors to effectively s...
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In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Kristen Kellen, Tate Cockrell, and Steven McKinion. We discuss the importance of advanced degrees in ministry, exploring the benefits of pursuing a PhD, EdD, or DMin. They emphasize the value of education for personal and professional growth, the structure of various doctoral programs, and the requirements for admission. The conversation also addresses common concerns about time, ...
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In this special 200th episode of Pastor Matters, the team reflects on their journey and time on the podcast. They also emphasize the need for pastors to remember God's faithfulness and take time to slow down and reflect. This episode serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work in pastoral ministry. We’re running a special Pastor Matters giveaway in celebration of our 200th episode! The giveaway includes a Pasto...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, the team revisits their conversation with Dr. Al Jackson, a long-time pastor with a deep commitment to missions. They explore the roots of Dr. Jackson's missionary passion, local church engagement in missions, and the challenges faced in promoting a mission-focused culture. Dr. Jackson shares insights from his past...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, the podcast team welcomes HB Charles Jr., author and veteran pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Orange Park, Florida, about the intricacies of pastoral ministry. They discuss the importance of preaching, the challenges of counseling, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of balancing family...
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In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers in the local church, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement and effective communication. They explore the reasons behind volunteer apathy, the need for training and support, and the significance of celebrating volunteers' contributions. The conversation highlights strategies for effective recruitment, common pitfalls to avoid, and ...
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This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year! In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., shares his journey in preaching, emphasizing the importance of sermon preparation, internalization, and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses his early experiences, the evolution of his preaching style, and offers practical advice for young preachers. This interview is sure to help every ...
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