

Pastor Matters
Center for Preaching & Pastoral Leadership
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.
Pastor Matters is produced by the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 35min
Reflecting on God's Faithfulness - EP200
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 Pastors' Center branded journal, a Pastors' Center mug, and an exclusive Pastor Matters t-shirt.
To enter by August 4th:
1. Share the 200th episode post on Facebook or Instagram
2. Tag a pastor who would be encouraged by Pastor 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.

Jul 21, 2025 • 36min
Podcast Highlight: The Pastor’s Role in Leading a Missions-Minded Church - EP183
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 pastoral journey, emphasizing the need for churches to prioritize missions alongside worship and gives practical steps for churches to foster a global mindset and a heart for supporting missionaries.
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.

Jul 14, 2025 • 46min
Podcast Highlight: Talking Pastoral Ministry with H.B. Charles Jr. - EP187
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 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
It Happens After Prayer by HB Charles Jr.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Jul 7, 2025 • 38min
Equipping and Recruiting Volunteers - EP199
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 the importance of prayer in the process.
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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 34min
Podcast Highlight - Crafting the Sermon with Robert Smith Jr. - EP178
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 preacher improve on crafting sermons.
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.

Jun 23, 2025 • 38min
The Danger of Familiarity with Jesus - EP198
In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the importance of evangelism and the authority of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. They explore various miracles performed by Jesus, emphasizing the transformation that occurs in individuals' lives when they encounter Him. The conversation highlights the need for believers to maintain a sense of wonder and amazement about Jesus, as familiarity can lead to complacency in sharing the gospel.
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.

Jun 16, 2025 • 30min
Podcast Highlight - Pastor Well with Hershael York - EP159
Hershael York, Dean at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of 'Pastor Well', discusses the intricacies of pastoral ministry. He shares his personal journey navigating challenges of faithfulness and the importance of a healthy church environment. Relationships take center stage as York emphasizes shared responsibility in ministry and the detrimental effects of pornography on marriages. He highlights biblical principles for cultivating strong unions and the significance of spiritual growth in the church community.

Jun 9, 2025 • 32min
Lay Down the Noise: Being Still with God - EP197
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the significance of silence and solitude in ministry, exploring the challenges of productivity and the importance of finding rest in Christ. They emphasize the need for pastors to prioritize time alone with the Lord, share practical steps for incorporating silence and solitude into daily routines, and reflect on the deeper rest that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
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.

Jun 2, 2025 • 26min
Podcast Highlight: Preaching the Gospels with Jonathan Pennington - EP156
This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!
Dr. Jonathan Pennington, author and professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary, discusses preaching the Gospels and the key themes and emphasis of each Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Gospels as narrative and shares his approach to preaching through the Gospels.
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:
Connect with Dr. Jonathan Pennington by visiting: https://www.jonathanpennington.com/
Small Preaching is available for purchase at:
https://www.amazon.com/Small-Preaching-Little-Things-Preacher/dp/1683594711
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

May 26, 2025 • 39min
Preaching with Cultural Awareness with Alistair Begg and Benjamin Quinn - EP196
Alistair Begg, a seasoned pastor at Parkside Church, is joined by Benjamin Quinn, Associate Professor of Theology. They delve into the vital role of cultural awareness in preaching, sharing insights on how to connect scripture with contemporary culture. The discussion emphasizes the importance of diverse reading for personal and sermon development. Begg also reflects on his pastoral journey, addressing modern ministry challenges while remaining grounded in biblical truths. Their conversation highlights that effective preaching must navigate today's cultural landscape.