
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

Sep 26, 2024 • 32min
Struggling with Rest - EP161
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the topic of rest for pastors. They share their own struggles with finding rest and the temptation to be constantly busy. They talk about the importance of embracing limitations, learning to delegate tasks to others, the theological aspect of rest and the need to trust in God's sovereignty. Are you a pastor struggling to create boundaries to protect your time of rest? Then this 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.
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Sep 26, 2024 • 33min
Engaging the Church in International Missions - EP162
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen speak with Keelan Cook, the director of the Center for Great Commission Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. They discuss the vital role of pastors in fostering a mission-minded culture within their churches, the importance of international missions, and practical steps for mobilizing church members. Keelan shares his personal journey in missions and emphasizes the need for pastors to develop a passion for sending and 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.

Sep 16, 2024 • 33min
Preach Well with Dr. Hershael York - EP160
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Hershael York, the Dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary, discusses the importance of finishing well in ministry. He emphasizes the need for older pastors to continue growing in sanctification and to focus on raising up successors. Dr. York shares his own experience of stepping down from his role as a pastor and highlights the importance of prioritizing the success of the next generation.
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. Hershael York by visiting: https://www.pastorwell.com/
His book is available for purchase at:
https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9798990660007/pastor-well
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Sep 9, 2024 • 31min
Pastor Well with Dr. Hershael York - EP159
Dr. Herschel York, Dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses his book Pastor Well and shares insights on pastoral ministry. He emphasizes the importance of thinking through pastoral issues before encountering them, the fishbowl life of a pastor, and cultivating a strong home life. Dr. York also shines a light on important issues like pornography addiction and personal transformation through sanctification.
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. Hershael York by visiting: https://www.pastorwell.com/
His book is available for purchase at:
https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9798990660007/pastor-well

Aug 28, 2024 • 33min
Back to School with Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser - EP158
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss their summer experiences and the upcoming school year. Caleb shares his role as a college director and the importance of forming relationships with college students. They provide advice for pastors who have college students in their church and for pastors whose students have left for college.
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.

Aug 26, 2024 • 32min
50 Years of Following Jesus with Dr. Chuck Lawless - EP157
In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless reflects on his 50 years of being a believer and shares the lessons he has learned along the way. He talks about the joy of mentoring and discipling others and the impact it has had on his life. Additionally, he shares insights on the power of prayer and the privilege of preaching the Word.

Aug 19, 2024 • 26min
Preaching the Gospels with Dr. Jonathan Pennington - EP156
In this episode, 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
You can check out his other books for purchase on Amazon at: https://rb.gy/8wdstt

Aug 6, 2024 • 31min
Small Preaching with Dr. Jonathan Pennington - EP155
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Pennington joins Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen to discuss his book 'Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Become a Better Preacher' which emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in preaching and highlights the power of incrementalism in a pastor's growth.
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/
His book is available for purchase at:
https://www.amazon.com/Small-Preaching-Little-Things-Preacher/dp/1683594711

Aug 5, 2024 • 31min
Current Challenges Facing Pastors (Pt 2) with Dr. Edward E. Moody - EP154
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen continue their conversation with Dr. Eddie Moody, the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. They discuss the challenges that churches and pastors are facing in 2024, focusing on the topics of getting members to put their faith into practice, effectively evangelizing people contacted through outreach activities, and growing small group participation.

Jul 29, 2024 • 35min
Current Challenges Facing Pastors with Dr. Edward E. Moody - EP153
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Edward E. Moody, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. We discuss a study conducted about challenges that pastors are facing in 2024.
How do churches effectively evangelize unchurched people? How do pastors mobilize the church for evangelism? How does the church retain young adults?
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 used in this episode: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1455&context=gcrj