
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

Apr 28, 2025 • 30min
Sharpening Your Preaching with Jordan Cobb
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.

Apr 21, 2025 • 26min
Relevant Resources for Pastors: Serving Jesus without Burning Out with Steven McKinion
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.

Apr 7, 2025 • 33min
Relevant Resources for Pastors: Together with Ben Mandrell
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.

Apr 6, 2025 • 30min
Relevant Resources for Pastors: A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions - EP189
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.

Mar 16, 2025 • 44min
Talking Pastoral Ministry with H.B. Charles Jr. - EP187
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.

Mar 12, 2025 • 35min
Trends Among College Students with Mark Vance and Chris Thompson - EP188
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.

Mar 11, 2025 • 35min
Preaching Old Testament Texts with Dr. Allan Moseley - EP186
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Alan Mosley, Senior Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, at Southeastern Seminary, discusses his journey into Old Testament studies and the challenges of preaching from the Old Testament, touching on key themes, the role of archaeology, and common errors in interpretation. Dr. Mosley also shares how pastors can effectively teach their congregations to engage with the Old Testament.
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:
Living Well: God's Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs by Allan Moseley
From the Study to the Pulpit: An 8-Step Method for Preaching and Teaching the Old Testament by Allan Moseley
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Mar 3, 2025 • 37min
Characteristics of Disciple-Making Churches - EP185
Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen and Zac Menser explore the characteristics of disciple-making churches, recognizing how intentionality in leadership, the role of small groups, and the need for a structured discipleship pathway are best practices. The podcast team shares personal experiences and insights on how churches can effectively nurture spiritual growth and foster a culture of discipleship among their members.
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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 37min
Reflections on 45 Years of Ministry with Dr. Chuck Lawless - EP184
In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless reflects on 45 years of ministry experience, discussing the importance of mentorship, the pain of church leadership, impactful books, and the joy found in preaching. The conversation also touches on understanding one's calling in ministry and the future challenges of pastoral leadership in a changing cultural landscape. Young pastors and seasoned pastors are sure to glean wisdom and encouragement from this episode.
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.

Feb 24, 2025 • 35min
The Pastor’s Role in Leading a Missions-Minded Church - EP183
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen talk 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.