
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

Dec 5, 2024 • 32min
Christmas Devotions - EP171
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser share personal reflections on Christmas worship and traditions. They touch on the precarious balance pastors must maintain between church commitments and family commitments at Christmastime. Dr. Lawless shares some of his Christmas devotions, emphasizing the awe and wonder of the all-too-familiar story of Jesus's birth. This episode is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit while also setting your heart and mind on the real reason for the season.
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:
Dr. Lawless's Christmas devotions will be published every Tuesday this December (2024) at Pastorscenter.org/types/articles/
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Dec 3, 2024 • 25min
Supporting International Missions with Paul Chitwood - EP172
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board (IMB), discusses the vital role of the IMB in addressing global lostness through missionary work. Dr. Chitwood shares insights on the IMB's history, its current challenges, and the exciting advancements in gospel outreach amidst global crises. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prayer, support, and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in sustaining missionary efforts worldwide.
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:
For more information about IMB and how to donate, please visit www.IMB.org
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Nov 19, 2024 • 32min
Application In Preaching with Dr. Dwayne Milioni - EP170
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb, and Zac welcome back Dr. Dwayne Milioni to discuss the critical role of sermon application in preaching. Dr. Milioni addresses understanding the text correctly to avoid misapplication, knowing your congregation to tailor applications effectively, and delivering grace-driven sermons. Are you a pastor looking for ways to improve biblical application for the benefit of your congregants? Then this podcast episode is for you.
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:
Dr. Milioni's book, Jesus Daily Bible, is available for preorder at:
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-jesus-daily-bible-hardcover-M00101397/005837914h
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Nov 13, 2024 • 34min
Cultivating Gratitude - EP169
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the importance of gratitude in ministry, especially as they approach Thanksgiving. They reflect on their personal experiences of gratitude, share insights on cultivating a thankful heart, and emphasize recognizing simple blessings in life. The conversation also touches on the challenges pastors face in maintaining gratitude amidst difficult situations and the role of the church in fostering a culture of thankfulness.
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.

Nov 4, 2024 • 32min
Fatherhood with Mike Young - EP168
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome back Mike Young, director of Noble Warriors, to discuss fatherhood and raising the next generation. The conversation covers delighting in every stage of parenting, maintaining open lines of communication with children, and creating quality moments through shared experiences. Mike shares valuable insights on balancing family life with church responsibilities and advice for 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.
Resources in this episode:
www.NobleWarriors.org
Contact Mike Young at Mike.Young@noblewarriors.org
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Oct 28, 2024 • 28min
Men's Ministry with Mike Young - EP166
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Mike Young, founder and executive director of Noble Warriors. Mike shares his journey into men's ministry, the mission of Noble Warriors, and practical advice for pastors looking to disciple men effectively. We discuss the importance of equipping men in the church, common pitfalls in men's ministry, and the need for intergenerational relationships.
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.NobleWarriors.org
"Five Keys to Effective Men's Discipleship" Free Online Course: https://www.nobleresources.org/p/5keys
Contact Mike Young at Mike.Young@noblewarriors.org
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Oct 28, 2024 • 37min
The Pastor's Marriage with Randy and Melanie Mann - EP167
In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen talk with Dr. Randy Mann and his wife, Melanie, about the intricacies of a pastor's marriage. They share their journey from meeting in nursing school to navigating the ministry and parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing family, the unique challenges facing the role of a pastor's wife, and practical advice for strengthening marriages and parenting in a pastoral context.
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.
You can contact Dr. Randy Mann at Wake Cross Roads Church at rmann@wakecrossroads.com
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Oct 21, 2024 • 31min
The Pastor's Bible Intake - EP165
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the critical topic of Bible intake for pastors. They explore the struggles many face in maintaining a consistent and meaningful engagement with Scripture amidst life's busyness. Dr. Lawless shares his personal methods for Bible reading and the overlap between personal devotion and sermon preparation, encouraging pastors to let the Word transform their lives before teaching it to others.
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.

Oct 14, 2024 • 28min
Preaching the Whole Counsel of God with Dr. Dwayne Milioni - EP164
In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen welcome Dr. Dwayne Milioni, lead pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, NC, and associate professor at Southeastern Seminary. The conversation explores Dr. Milioni's journey in preaching through the entire Bible, his upcoming resource, Jesus Daily Bible, and insights on effective sermon preparation and the importance of commitment in pastoral leadership. They discuss the Old Testament's role in the context of the whole biblical narrative and the challenges of preaching in a way that encourages belief and application among congregants.
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:
Dr. Milioni's book, Jesus Daily Bible, is available for preorder at:
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-jesus-daily-bible-hardcover-M00101397/005837914h
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Oct 3, 2024 • 28min
Pastor, Thank You - EP163
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser express their gratitude to pastors in celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month. They reflect on the impact of influential pastors in their lives, discuss the importance of faithfulness in ministry, and highlight the challenges pastors face, including the need for preaching the Word and serving in difficult circumstances. Pastors, this episode is sure to make you feel appreciated as you run the race with endurance that is set before you.
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.