
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 22, 2024 • 29min
Podcast Highlight: Lessons On Leadership With Dr. Danny Akin - EP125
This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!
What qualities make a great leader? What are some failures seen in Christian leaders today? How do leaders lead their team well?
In this episode, Dr. Akin reflects on his leadership journey, leadership mentors, and lessons learned.
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Jul 15, 2024 • 31min
Prayer In The Preaching Process - EP152
In this episode, we discuss prayer in the preaching process.
What is the need for pastors to be men of prayer? What are the dangers of neglecting prayer in the sermon process? What are practical steps a pastor can take today to improve in this area?
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.

Jul 8, 2024 • 22min
Podcast Highlight: Ministry Sayings with Tom Elliff - EP129
This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.
Dr. Elliff imparts wisdom and short sayings to challenge and encourage us. He also shares the background of these sayings.
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. Tom Elliff by visiting firstsouthern.tv.

Jul 1, 2024 • 28min
Executing Guest Services With Danny Franks - EP151
In this episode we are joined by Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
Where does a church begin in starting a guest services ministry? How is a guest services team built? What is included in a guest services ministry?
Connect with Danny Franks: dfranks.com
"People Are The Mission" Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Are-Mission-Churches-Compromising/dp/031053867X
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Jun 24, 2024 • 29min
Podcast Highlight: Growing and Improving in Preaching - EP133
This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!
In this episode, we discuss 11 practical ways to grow and improve in your preaching in 2024 and in the years to come. 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.
For additional preaching resources:
https://www.pastorscenter.org/blog/5-recommended-books-on-preaching/

Jun 17, 2024 • 27min
150th Episode: What's Next? - EP150
This is the 150th episode of Pastor Matters! In this episode we reflect on God's faithfulness, look ahead, and share exciting updates! We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
The Pastors' Center received a grant from the Lily Foundation for compelling preaching.
Learn more here: https://www.sebts.edu/news-and-events/headlines/2024/05/southeastern-receives-1-25-million-grant-from-lilly-endowment-inc/
Sign up for the Engaging Exposition Preaching Conference here:
https://www.sebts.edu/event/engaging-exposition-preaching-conference/
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Jun 10, 2024 • 27min
Podcast Highlight: Finishing Well with Tom Elliff - EP128
This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.
Dr. Elliff reflects on his leadership journey, what he would do differently in ministry, finishing well in ministry, and the discipline of prayer.
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.

Jun 4, 2024 • 26min
Why Guest Services? with Danny Franks - EP149
In this episode we are joined by Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
What does "guest services" in the church mean? Is a dedicated ministry like guest services necessary? What is the biblical rationale for guest services?
Connect with Danny Franks: https://dfranks.com
"People Are The Mission" Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Are-Mission-Churches-Compromising/dp/031053867X
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

May 27, 2024 • 27min
Do the Work of an Evangelist with Dr. George Robinson - EP148
In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
We discuss the pastor doing the work of an evangelist, modeling personal evangelism, where to begin with personal evangelism, and more!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.
Resource discussed in the episode: https://app.blesseveryhome.com

May 20, 2024 • 26min
Pastors and Disciple-Making with Dr. George Robinson - EP147
In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Robinson reflects on his discipleship journey, the keys to making reproducing disciples, and more!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.