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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. We are also joined by Benjamin Quinn, Associate Professor of Theology SEBTS and the Director of the Center for Faith and Culture at SEBTS. We explore Dr. Begg's journey into pastoral ministry, the importance of cultural awareness in preaching, and the necessity of reading widely. Dr. Begg shares insights on navigating modern challenges in ministry and the significance of understanding cultural contexts. The discussion emphasizes the need for pastors to remain grounded in scripture while being aware of the world around them.
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 May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Dr. Landon Dowden, lead pastor of Hebron Church in Dacula, GA, as a new member of the preaching faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We explore Dr. Dowden’s Christian journey, the impact of his seminary education, and the influence of Dr. Jim Shaddix. They discuss the importance of expository preaching, the value of pursuing advanced degrees in ministry, and offer encouragement to current pastors and students in their faith and 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.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Alistair Begg shares insights from his 42 years of pastoral ministry at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. He discusses the importance of endurance in ministry, balancing family life with church responsibilities, and the lessons learned over a lifetime of ministry. Dr. Begg also offers practical advice for young pastors on sermon preparation. His reflections provide valuable guidance for both seasoned and aspiring leaders in the church.
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 May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Jeremy Linneman, lead teaching pastor of Trinity Community Church in Columbia, Missouri. Prior to planting Trinity, he spent seven years as a staff pastor of Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky. We discuss his new book "Pour Out Your Heart: Discovering Joy, Strength, and Intimacy with God through Prayer." We explore personal experiences with prayer, the challenges of maintaining a prayer life, dependence on God, and practical ways to cultivate a culture of prayer within the church.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
You can order a copy of Pour Out Your Heart here: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/pour-out-your-heart-2/
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 Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Jordan Cobb, pastor of Standing Springs Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. We discuss the importance of improving preaching skills over the course of your ministry. Jordan shares his personal journey, the joys of preaching, and offers advice for both experienced and aspiring 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 Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Steven McKinion, director of PhD and ThM Studies and Professor of Theology and Patristic Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McKinion shares insights from his and Scott Hildreth's upcoming book, 'Serving Jesus Without Burning Out,' emphasizing the need for healthy relationships and spiritual disciplines in the life of a pastor. We explore the early warning signs of burnout, practical steps to prevent it, and how to recover if one finds themselves in that situation.
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.
Resources in this episode:
"Serving Jesus without Burning Out" by Steven McKinion and Scott Hildreth will be available on May 1st. Pre-Order today before May 1st at B&H Publishing or Lifeway with promo code "FAITHFUL40" to receive a 40% discount.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters we are joined by Ben Mandrell, the 10th president of Lifeway. Ben shares insights from his new Bible study, "Together," which aims to foster community and connection among church members, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the significance of being involved in a local church, the necessity of vulnerability and authenticity in ministry, and the challenges faced by pastors in building genuine relationships within their congregation.
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.
Resources in this episode:
"Together" Bible Study by Ben Mandrell is available at Lifeway.com.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, the team introduces a relevant resource for pastors from Dr. Scott Hildreth. Dr. Hildreth is an Associate Professor of Missiology and Associate Dean of Ministry Studies at SEBTS. He shares his journey to faith, his passion for evangelism and missions, and insights from his upcoming book, 'A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions.' He emphasizes the importance of the Great Commission, the need for pastors to model evangelism, and practical steps to encourage church members in sharing their faith.
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.
Resources in this episode:
A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions by Scott Hildreth will be released on May 6, 2025.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, the podcast team welcomes HB Charles Jr., author and a 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 life with ministry responsibilities. HB shares personal anecdotes and practical advice for both new and seasoned pastors, emphasizing the need for prayer, preparation, and patience in navigating the complexities of church leadership.
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.
Resources in this episode:
www.HBCharlesJr.com
www.Shiloh.Church
You can purchase the book, It Happens After Prayer by HB Charles Jr., at
https://hbcharlesjr.com/product/it-happens-after-prayer/
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this episode of Pastor Matters, the team welcomes Chris Thompson, Associate Vice President for Academic Administration at SEBTS, and Mark Vance, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, to discuss college ministry. Mark Vance shares his personal journey into ministry, the structure and vision of Cornerstone Church and the Salt Network, and the strategies employed in each Salt Company to disciple college students. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intentionality in ministry, the unique openness of college students to the gospel, and the need for pastors to endure and remain faithful 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.
Resources in this episode:
Cornerstone Church, cornerstonelife.com
The Salt Network, thesaltnetwork.com
George Whitefield by Arnold Dallimore
Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by Chad Van Dixhoorn
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.