

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

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.

Aug 11, 2025 • 31min
Navigating the Journey of Pastoral Leadership with Steven Wade - EP202
Steven Wade, a Professor of Pastoral Theology and Lead Pastor at Faith Baptist Church, shares his insightful journey in pastoral ministry. He discusses the vital role of mentorship and the unique challenges of smaller churches. The conversation highlights the importance of trust, community engagement, and the dual responsibilities of being both a pastor and a professor. Wade also emphasizes the need for continuing education to navigate the complexities of modern pastoral leadership.

Aug 4, 2025 • 36min
Why You Should Consider an Advanced Degree - EP201
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Kristen Kellen, Tate Cockrell, and Steven McKinion. We discuss the importance of advanced degrees in ministry, exploring the benefits of pursuing a PhD, EdD, or DMin. They emphasize the value of education for personal and professional growth, the structure of various doctoral programs, and the requirements for admission. The conversation also addresses common concerns about time, finances, and motivations for pursuing further education, encouraging listeners to consider the long-term benefits of investing in their ministry education.
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 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.