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.

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Episodes

Monday Oct 13, 2025

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 emphasizes the necessity of prayer as a foundational element in ministry for all church leaders.  
Resources in this episode: Deacon Magazine  
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 06, 2025

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 practical ways to show appreciation for pastors and offers encouragement to those in 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 at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. 
To celebrate Pastor Appreciation month we are giving away a Pastor Matters t-shirt! Comment "Pastor" on this episode to be entered to win! Keep an eye on our website to see if you are the lucky winner!
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu. 

Monday Sep 29, 2025

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.
Resources in this episode:
Deep Discipleship by J.T. English - https://a.co/d/8yc34Gq
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 Sep 22, 2025

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 Shane Pruitt - https://a.co/d/4WpkDnv
Not My Jesus Teen Bible Study by Shane Pruitt - https://a.co/d/6C9zUCi
Not MY Jesus Bible Study with video access - https://a.co/d/8MKnoXa
GenSend - https://www.gensend.org/
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 Sep 15, 2025

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 encouraging future leaders and the significance of being honest about the challenges of 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 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.

Friday Sep 05, 2025

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 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 Sep 01, 2025

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 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 Aug 25, 2025

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 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 Aug 18, 2025

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 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 Aug 11, 2025

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 shepherd their communities in today's complex cultural landscape.
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.

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