
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.
Latest episodes

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.

May 19, 2025 • 29min
Introducing a New Preaching Faculty Member with Scott Pace and Landon Dowden - EP195
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.

May 12, 2025 • 31min
Faithful Endurance One Sunday at a Time with Alistair Begg - EP194
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.

May 5, 2025 • 30min
Relevant Resources for Pastors: Pour Out Your Heart with Jeremy Linneman - EP193
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.