

Pastor Matters
Southeastern Seminary
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
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 31min
Drowning in Shallow Water: A Call to Finish Well with Dr. Tim Beougher and Dr. Scott Hildreth - EP212
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.

Oct 13, 2025 • 32min
Empowering Deacons: The Role of Prayer in Leadership with Dr. Craig Webb - EP211
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.

Oct 6, 2025 • 34min
Celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley - EP210
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.

Sep 29, 2025 • 30min
Discipleship Strategies in the Local Church with J.T.English - EP209
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.

Sep 22, 2025 • 36min
Investing in the Next Generation with Shane Pruitt - EP208
Shane Pruitt, the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board and author of 'Not My Jesus,' shares his insights on empowering youth and collegiate leaders. He discusses the importance of the new Bible study that clarifies cultural misconceptions about Jesus. Shane emphasizes creating opportunities for young people in ministry, encouraging pastors to invest in their spiritual growth now. He also highlights available resources and coaching networks aimed at nurturing the next generation of church leaders.

Sep 15, 2025 • 36min
Exploring the Call to Ministry with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley - EP207
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.

Sep 5, 2025 • 35min
Parenting with Purpose with Danny and Charlotte Akin - EP206
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.

Sep 1, 2025 • 47min
Spirit-Led Church Revitalization with Andy Davis - EP205
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.

Aug 25, 2025 • 35min
The Posture of a Growing Leader with Jeff Struecker - EP204
Jeff Struecker, founding pastor of Two Cities Church and a U.S. Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, shares his transformative journey from military service to ministry. He discusses how military leadership principles, such as humility and sacrifice, inform church leadership. Struecker emphasizes the importance of divine vision and continuous learning, weaving personal narratives of faith into his insights. He reflects on navigating fame post-Black Hawk Down while underscoring the need for grace and authenticity in leadership.

Aug 18, 2025 • 32min
How B&H Academic Serves Pastors with Michael McEwen - EP 203
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.