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

Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
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 emphasizes the need for effective parent ministries, practical steps for engaging families, and the significance of building relationships within the church community.
Resources in this Episode:
Student Ministry Booster
Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churchs Together
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
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 ministry. Dr. Wade also provides practical advice for those looking to establish similar cohorts in their areas, stressing that even small gatherings can lead to significant encouragement and growth.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
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 church members alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for church members to take ownership, engage in ministry, and support one another through prayer and service, ultimately aiming for a healthy and vibrant church community.
Resources in today's episode:
Every Member Matters Resources
Purchase Every Member Matters
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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 teens. The episode concludes with encouragement for pastors to consider their audience thoughtfully in their sermon preparation.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
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 process. We share personal experiences and insights on how to connect with listeners and ensure that the message resonates long after the sermon ends.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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 New Testament texts, and the need for pastors to shepherd their congregations with grace and joy during this special time of year.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
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 this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
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 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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
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 opportunities pastors have from their congregations.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
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 pastors to remain vigilant and humble in their calling.
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.






